Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival

[Lois Gilbert]

The 11th annual edition promises a lot of vocal highlights, thanks to appearances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Abbey Lincoln and Ernestine Anderson. No doubt pianist Jessica Williams will also contribute a standout performance. She's debuting a newly composed piece dedicated to jazz great (and festival founder and guiding light) Billy Taylor. Rounding out the program is a typically diverse array of newcomers and veterans, including pianist Daniela Schaechter, guitarist Mimi Fox and the indefatigable organist Trudi Pitts. Don't forget -- the festival's piano competition, held on May 12 at the Millennium Stage, is free to the public.

--Mike Joyce (May 2006)

Tickets for performances in the Terrace Theater are $30, while Millennium Stage performances are free and require no tickets.

Festival schedule:

Thursday, May 11:
6 p.m.: The Jazz Collegiate All-Stars perform on the Millennium Stage.
7 p.m.: Pianist Jessica Williams, trombonist Sarah Morrow and vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater perform in the Terrace Theater.

Friday, May 12:
12-2 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.: The Second Annual Women in Jazz Pianist Competition takes place on the Millennium Stage.
7 p.m.: Mimi Fox, Abbey Lincoln and The Daniela Schaecter Quartet perform in the Terrace Theater. Patti Brown will presented with the 2006 Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival Award.

Saturday, May 13:
12:30-2:30 p.m.: Bassist Miriam Sullivan and drummer Lucianna Padmore lead a jam session on the Millennium Stage.
6 p.m.: The Jazz Collegiate All-Stars perform on the Millennium Stage.
7 p.m.: Trudy Pitts and Friends, Ernestine Anderson and Sherrie Marcie and the DIVA Jazz Orchestra perform in the Terrace Theater.