Boston Pops Presents Gershwin Spectacular on May 10-12 at Symphony Hall

The 127th season of the Boston Pops is off to a lively start, with four concerts devoted to the works of American composer George Gershwin from Thursday, May 10 through Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Boston Symphony Hall.  Tickets range from $29-92 and can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 1 888 266-1200.

The Gershwin Spectacular program, conducted by maestro Keith Lockhart,  includes a performance of Rhapsody in Blue featuring pianist MichaelChertock and Promenade: Walking the Dog featuring Pops principal clarinetist Thomas Martin. Other music includes songs from the classic film, An American in Paris, and other Gershwin classics likeI Got Rhythm, Somebody Loves Me, and Embraceable You.

To see the full schedule of the Boston Pops season, click here, or learn more about the Boston Pops.

For jazz-related activities taking place in Massachusetts throughout the year, visit MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com. 

Massachusetts Celebrates Tourism Day at the State House on May 9, as part of National Travel & Tourism Week

Travel and hospitality leaders from across the Commonwealth are gathering at the State House on Beacon Hill in Boston to celebrate Tourism Day in Massachusetts on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  The event is part of National Travel& Tourism Week activities taking place across the United States from May 5-13, 2012.

The State House event includes a showcase of regional food offerings and marketing programs from all 16 designated tourism councils throughout the Commonwealth and features local products, from cider donuts to seafood.  The event is free and open to the public.

"Tourism is rebounding and continues to be one of the Commonwealth’s strongest industries,” said Betsy Wall, executive director of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT). “We are optimistic about the future of this sector, which employs 122,000 Massachusetts residents.” 

Tourism is Massachusetts’ third-largest industry and is vital to the Commonwealth’s success and economic recovery, according to MOTT statistics.  In 2010, the tourism industry was responsible for more than 122,000 jobs and direct spending of $15.5 billion, bringing $1 billion in state and local tax revenue to the Commonwealth while paying out $3.5 billion in wages. 

For more details on visiting Massachusetts, go to MassVacation.com.

Jazz Trumpeter Stanton Davis Performing on Sunday, May 6 at Sambas In Framington

Noted New Orleans jazz trumpeter Stanton Davis and his quartet perform at Sambas Restaurant on Route 9 in Framingham  on Sunday, May 6, 2012, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door.

Davis is a noted composer, performer and educator who has taught at New England Conservatory, Wellesley College and Berklee College of Music.

Find year round details on jazz in Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, visit MassVacation.com. 

Jazz Week Boston - Grand Finale Taking Place on Sunday, May 6

Jonathan Butler at Sculler's on May 6

The 6th annual Jazz Week Boston is coming to a close on Sunday, May 6, 2012 with a grand finale of great live jazz and blues throughout the area.  The annual celebration of  America's most original music is organized by JazzBoston, a non-profit group dedicated to jazz and blues year-round.. 

For a schedule of today's events, click here.

Governor Deval Patrick proclaimed April 2012 as Jazz Month in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

For details on jazz throughout Massachusetts any time of year, visit MassJazz.com.

For visitor information, go to MassVacation.com and BostonUSA.com.

International Jazz Day is Celebrated Around the World on Monday, April 30

Jazz lovers around the world are celebrating Monday, April 30, 2012 as International Jazz Day, an initiative launched by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The ceremonies kicked off on Friday, April 27 at the UNESCO House in  Paris, France, with jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, who is UNESCO's Good Will Ambassador for jazz around the world. The Berklee Global Jazz Institute performed.

On Monday, April 30, 2012, a Sunrise Concert in New Orleans features Hancock, Terrence Blanchard, Ellis Marsalis, Dianne Reeves and others.  To view the video, click here.

In New York City, there is an afternoon panel discussion at the United Nations from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., entitled Unlearning Intolerance.  Among the panelists are Alexandra Yabrov, manager of Sculler's Jazz Club, jazz saxophonist Grace Kelly and Con Salso radio host and producer Jose Masso.

On Monday evening there's a sunset concert at the United Nations Assembly Hall, featuring Tony Bennett, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Danielo Perez, Esperanza Spalding and others.  To view the live web cast, starting at 7:30 p.m., click here.

For a list of jazz events around the world on International Jazz Day, click here.

International Jazz Day is an outgrowth of Jazz Appreciation Month organized each April by the Smithsonian Institute. 

In greater Boston, check out Jazz Week International, organized by JazzBoston.org.  It runs from April 27 through May 6, 2012.

For year round details on jazz throughout Massachusetts, visit MassJazz.com.

For tourist information visit MassVacation.com.

Jazz Week in Greater Boston Goes through May 6, 2012

Read our MassFinds Blog about Jazz Week on Mass Office of Travel & Tourism.

Lowell Jazz Day Camp Hosts an Open House on Sunday, April 29

The Lowell Jazz Day Camp program is holding an open house for prospective students on Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at The Space, the region's premier recording studio and rehearsal space, located at 150 Western Avenue in Lowell.

The two-week, intensive jazz camp runs this year from July 16-27, 2012, and is headed by Stanley Swann III, well-known jazz drummer and director of the program.  The outstanding faculty lineup includes  Frank Wilkins, piano; Semenya McCord, vocals; Mark Michaels, guitar; Thomas Hebb, bass guitar; Artie Barbato, trumpet, and Paul Combs, saxophone.

For more information, or to RSVP to the open house, call 978 459-4755.

Find year round details on jazz throughout Massachusetts by visiting MassJazz.com.

For tourist information, go to MassVacation.com or MerrimackValleyCVB.org.