JAZZ ARTS GROUP ANNOUNCES 2017

PBJ & JAZZ SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Columbus, OH – The PBJ & Jazz summer series is pleased to return to the downtown Topiary Park for its ninth season of free outdoor concerts. PBJ & Jazz at the Topiary Park: Jazz for Kids and Families is a collaborative effort between the Jazz Arts Group, Friends of the Topiary Park, Friends of the Library, and the Columbus Museum of Art.

PBJ & Jazz concerts are 1-hour long interactive concerts designed to introduce jazz and American music to young children and their families. Featuring some of Columbus’ finest musicians and ensembles, PBJ & Jazz concerts are hosted by music educator Rebecca Ogden — and are a great introduction to live music for the youngest audience member.

Artists for the 2017 season include: Byron Stripling & The Bobby Floyd Trio (June 10^th), Bright Moments Quintet (July 8^th), The Liz Woolley Band (August 12^th), and ZC7: Latin Jazz Experience (September 9^th).

PBJ & Jazz at the Topiary Park concerts are free and follow family story time at 11 a.m. in the main branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and a blanket. The noon concert will conclude with a hands-on art activity, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., presented by the Columbus Museum of Art. The Topiary Park is located at 480 East Town Street in downtown Columbus. In the event of rain, all activities will be held inside the Columbus Metropolitan Library, adjacent to The Topiary Park, at 96 S. Grant Avenue in downtown Columbus.  Call 614-294-5200 x 117 or visit www.jazzartsgroup.org for more information.

PBJ & Jazz at the Topiary Park: Jazz for Kids and Families is presented by Friends of the Topiary Park and sponsored by the Discovery Special Improvement District, the Jennifer Michel Keefer Memorial Fund at The Columbus Foundation, and Friends of the Library. In-kind support is provided by Columbus Recreation and Parks and the Discovery Special Improvement District. Exclusive media support is provided by WCBE 90.5 FM.

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About the Jazz Arts Group:

The Jazz Arts Group of Columbus (JAG) is America’s premiere not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to producing, performing and promoting jazz. JAG is the third largest performing arts organization in Columbus and consists of four focus areas: the Columbus Jazz Orchestra (CJO), one of the world’s finest professional jazz orchestras; the Jazz Academy, JAG’s extensive instructional programs educating both students and adults about jazz and American music; Jazz Arts Group Presents, a jazz and blues performance series produced at the historic Lincoln Theatre and beyond; and Affiliate Musicians, a program providing employment opportunities for professional musicians.

About Friends of the Topiary Park:

Established in 1991, Friends of the Topiary Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support and promotion of the Topiary Park. The Friends organize all fundraising and volunteer efforts for garden upkeep, general administrative duties, running the Visitors’ Center and providing docent-led tours. The Friends have also been instrumental in raising funds to maintain and develop the park’s resources.

About the Discovery Special Improvement District:

The Discovery Special Improvement District (SID) is a private sector corporation that was created in 2007 by property owners who wanted to improve the safety and image of the Discovery District neighborhood. The SID encompasses a 37 square block area on the east side of downtown Columbus that is generally bounded by I-670 to the north, Mound Street to the south, Fifth Street to the west and I-71 to the east.

About Friends of the Library:

Friends of the Library is a group that builds awareness and resources to champion Columbus Metropolitan Library’s vitality in the community, funding critical programs such as Summer Reading Club, Homework Help Centers and Teen Read Week. The Friends also support campaigns for the levies which provide public funding for the library.