A BENEFIT EVENING OF JAZZ LEGENDS FOR BARBARA MORRISON Held 9/11

Music producers Stuart Elster and Richard Simon will present A Benefit Evening of Jazz Legends for Barbara Morrison, co-hosted by Helen Borgers, on-air talent for KJAZZ 88.1 FM and James Janisse, on-air talent for KCRW 89.9 FM for One Night Only on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Local 47 Musicians Union; 817 Vine Street; Hollywood, CA 90038 from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Richard Simon, one of the producers of the event, said: "Singer Barbara Morrison is a nationally treasured jazz artist. Barbara has performed far and wide for many years to great critical and public acclaim. In recent months, Barbara's diabetes condition has advanced to the point in which she has had to have one of her legs amputated. She will soon be fitted for a prosthetic limb. Barbara is in good spirits and promises to be back on stage as soon as possible. As a means of helping her through this tough transition in her personal life, we have organized this concert featuring at least three-dozen artists. Proceeds from the concert will assist Barbara with her medical bills, since she is unable to work at this time. Barbara will be in attendance at the event, and we hope, if she is feeling up to it, that she might grace us with a song as well."

A Benefit Evening of Jazz Legends for Barbara Morrison will star headliners, Ron Bishop, Peter Buck, Frank Capp Juggernaut Big Band with Ernie Andrews, The Bu Crew, Stuart Elster, Corky Hale, Art Hillery, Plas Johnson, Junior Mance, Richard Simon, Charles Small, Tierney Sutton, Tricia Tahara and Nedra Wheeler. Also scheduled to appear are: George Bohannon, Dana Bronson, Tyler Combs, Teddy Edwards, Jr., George Harper, Jim Hughart and Yevette Stewart, Robert Kyle, Dee Dee McNeil, Ann Mack, Larry Nash, Glenn Novak, Ann Patterson, Bernie Pearl, Phil Ranelin, Nolan Shaheed, Lee Spath, Everett Turner, Al Williams, Dr. Richard Allen Williams, Phil Wright, and more.

Admission is $20 per person at the door. The event is open to the general public. There will be no advance sales or reservations. Refreshments will be available for sale. Free parking is available at Local 47 Musicians Union. Cash, credit cards and check will be welcome. For further information, please call 323-296-2272. To learn more about Barbara Morrison, please visit www.barbaramorrison.com.

About Barbara Morrison:
Barbara Morrison (Vocalist and Founder of The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center) was born in Ypsilanti, MI and raised in Romulus, MI. She recorded her first appearance on radio in Detroit at the age of 10. Well known in the Los Angeles area for her duo and trio dates Morrison also tours extensively, blazing a trail as a Jazz and Blues legend in her own right across the Continental United States, Western Europe the Far East and "Down Under," wowing audiences with her band, The Bu Crew.

Recently she embarked on a 33-city tour of the United States, co-headlining in an all-star tribute to legendary composer Harold Arlen (most recognizable for his genius behind the music for the classic film, The Wizard of Oz). Morrison is now celebrating her 30th year in the music industry. Over the years she has performed with a virtual "Who's Who" of the Jazz and the Blues worlds. That list includes legends like: Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, James Moody, Ron Carter, Etta James, Esther Phillips, David T. Walker, Jimmy Smith, Johnny Otis, Dr. John, Kenny Burrell, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Cedar Walton, Nancy Wilson, Mel Tormé, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett and Keb' Mo. Additionally, Morrison has guest starred with the Count Basie Orchestra, the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra and Doc Severinsen's Big Band.

Morrison has been featured on over 20 recordings. She performs in a wide array of genres from traditional Jazz and Blues, to Gospel and Pop. Her melodic voice, with its two-and-a-half-octave range, is known worldwide, as are her rich, unique, soulful and highly spirited interpretations of both, familiar Jazz and Blues classics and original contemporary tunes. Equally as striking is Morrison's ability to belt out down-home, soul-stirring Blues. She is an Associate Professor of Jazz Studies in the Ethnomusicology Department at UCLA.

In addition to her multiple solo recordings, fans have experienced the pleasure of Morrison's rich and vibrant tones on such notable film and television appearances as: The Hurricane (starring Denzel Washington), Goin' Home: A Tribute to Duke Ellington and Johnny Otis's CD "Ooo Shoo Be Dooo." She has also appeared on the hit NBC-TV comedy, The Naked Truth, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Dennis Miller Show.

Morrison also performs at renowned Blues and Jazz Festivals around the world, including appearance at Montreaux, Nice, Pori, Carnegie Hall, North Sea, Monterey and Long Beach. She also frequently performs her Salute to Dizzy Gillespie and Tribute to Benny Golson. To learn more about Barbara Morrison and The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, please visit the website, www.barbaramorrison.com.

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