Dear Friends, 

Welcome to the 26th annual Juneau Jazz & Classics Festival! 

For sixteen exciting days, an extraordinary group of classical, jazz and blues artists will enrich, uplift and dazzle us with their spectacular music. We’re delighted that you’ve joined us and hope that the Festival brings you great joy from the first note to the last. 

The town has been abuzz about the return of musical icon and all-time Juneau favorite Taj Mahal. What a thrill to have him and his Trio launch our 2012 Festival. 

Flying high after opening night, we continue with another group that has also captured the hearts of Juneau audiences. Welcome back Hot Club of Cowtown! 

Those who heard the “The President’s Own” US Marine Band Jazz Combo in 2007 will know why we’re so excited that they’re joining us again. A stunning ensemble, they’ll perform throughout the school district and in free concerts around town. 

New to the Jazz & Classics scene will be our high-powered blues band The California Honeydrops and our sensational closing act, Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. Both will have you up on your feet and dancing. 

Ever-popular jazz pianist, composer and arranger Barney McClure will be in residence the entire Festival. In addition to offering his cabaret workshop, Barney will perform on the Hammond B3 Organ with his Trio - Brad Boal and Dave Peterson- and with jazz diva Dee Daniels. 

To my delight, Barney agreed to compose a piece for me that he and I will perform during the Festival. “Sweet Salmon Suite” IS sweet and performing it will be a particular highlight of this JJ&C for me. 

Continuing in the classical vein, we were overjoyed by the success of Strings at the Shrine last year and look forward to continuing this tradition. The elegant Avalon String Quartet will present a richly varied program which will include a magnificent Mozart String Quintet with Paul Rosenthal. The Avalons will also present an all-Beethoven program, continuing another of the happy traditions of JJ&C. 

“The Genius of Shostakovich” promises to be another extraordinary classical adventure. The music of this remarkable soul, one of the transcendent geniuses of the 20th Century, will be performed by cellist, Jeffrey Solow and pianist, Yoni Levyatov, who will also be joined by Paul Rosenthal in the powerful and gripping E Minor Piano Trio. 

All of us at Juneau Jazz & Classics wish to thank you, our wonderful audience, for your enthusiasm and support. We also thank the many individuals who contribute so generously year after year and the corporations, businesses, government agencies and foundations for their sustained commitment. Our thanks also to the large and dedicated group of volunteers who put so much time and effort into making JJ&C a success. 

Welcome and enjoy the music!