Photo Flash: 1st Mamaroneck Int'l Jazz Festival Kicks Off on High Note

At the very popular Molly Spillane's Pub, Mamaroneck Mayor Norman S. Rosenblum introduced Festival Director Patrick Sciarratta and Artistic Director Mark Morganelli to an enthusiastic crowd of leaders in business, government, hospitality and the arts to outline their plans for a mammoth jazz festival the first of its kind for the village. The 1st Mamaroneck International Jazz Festival (MIJF) a 4-day event will take over Mamaroneck Avenue and its vibrant Restaurant Row; snake into Harbor Island Park, The Pier and Beach. There will be major concerts in the park; a high profile opening event with major artists to be announced at The Emelin Theatre and Molly Spillane's; Parades, Workshops and more each day and night from June 16-June 19, 2011.

Renowned trumpeter and composer Mark Morganelli lead the Jazz Forum All Stars in a dazzling performance to whet the appetite of the guests of what to look forward to come summer.

MAMAFEST, as it has been dubbed, will highlight several well-known major and emerging jazz artists and ensembles. The directors are hoping to present such world class artists as Dave Brubeck and Wynton Marsalis for Harborside outdoor concerts for 10,000+ MIJF will include workshops, jazz dance, musical theatre; Dixieland-style Street Parades down Mamaroneck Avenue and a jazz-themed Riverboat restaurant on the pier every day. There will even be a special screening of "The Jazz Singer" on the beach. In fact, the festival is actually the Mamaroneck Showcase Festival - the village, as well as, the festival organizing committee want the events to be a branding opportunity for the new, invigorated downtown, beach community. Best of all, most of the events will be free to the public.

The Mamaroneck International Jazz Festival is owned by the Village of Mamaroneck and a project administered by Friendship Ambassadors Foundation, a nonprofit, tax exempt organization that creates and leads transformative cultural exchanges, building friendships that advance mutual understanding and global peace. For more information visit: www.FAF.org

Artistic Director Mark Morganelli, Festival Director Patrick Sciarratta

Musician Billy Reed & Mayor Norman Rosenblum

Emelin Theatre President Mark Ettenger & Board member Lori Henry

Edward Pollock & Princess Okieme

Producer Ramon Hervey

Mark Morganelli & Board member Mike Hynds

Emelin There President Mark Ettenger & Board member Lori Henr