Scranton Jazz Festival Set for First Weekend of August

Two world renowned artists, jazz icon Stanley Clarke and “The Stanley Clarke Band” and Jazz guitarists/vocalist John Pizzarelli will be the headline acts for the 13th annual Jazz Festival scheduled for Aug. 4, 5, and 6 at the historic Radisson Hotel in downtown Scranton.

Headlining Sunday, Aug. 6, will be The Stanley Clarke Band which won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Album of 2011.  Stanley Clarke is known worldwide for his innovative work as a jazz player and for his film scores that include “Boyz in the Hood”, “Passenger 57”, as well as collaborative videos with Michael Jackson.  He has played with Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, Chick Corea, Jeff Beck, and Jean-Luc Ponty to name a few.

Award winning John Pizzarelli will be the guest artist on Saturday, Aug. 5, and will lead the Scranton Jazz Festival 17-piece Big Band.  Pizzarelli has appeared with Boston Pops Orchestra, numerous Broadway engagements, and played extensively with Sir Paul McCartney, Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, and Natalie Cole.  He has recorded over 40 albums.

The Festival will kick off on Friday Aug. 4, with the ultimate Steely Dan tribute band, “The Royal Scam.”

Tickets range from $10 to $40.  For tickets and more information visit ScrantonJazzFestival.org or call (570) 575-5282.