Dianne Reeves Jazzes Up "Christmas Time Is Here!" JPEC's 2nd Concert in its 09-10 Series @ Bluma Appel Theatre Saturday, December 12 @ 8pm

Toronto, ON – November 30, 2009 – Grammy Award winning and internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves takes the stage at Bluma Appel Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre, 27 Front Street East, Toronto on Saturday, December 12 at 8pm. The Jazz Performance and Education Centre (JPEC) presents “Christmas Time Is Here,” featuring Ms. Reeves in a quintet setting, performing her versions of holiday favourites, as performed on her recent CD release of the same title. Tickets range from $100 for VIP, to $20 for Students/Rush and are available from the St. Lawrence Centre box office at (416) 366-7723 or (800) 708-6754 or online at www.jazzcentre.ca

A Blue Note recording artist, Dianne Reeves is the pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world today and has released numerous albums under her own name. As a result of her virtuosity, improvisational prowess and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Reeves was awarded the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings—a Grammy first in any vocal category.

Reeves has performed extensively with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and was the first Creative Chair in Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She appeared in and is featured prominently on the soundtrack for the 2005 film Good Night And Good Luck, starring George Clooney. When “Christmas Time Is Here” was released in 2004, Ben Ratliff of The New York Times raved, “Ms. Reeves, a jazz singer of frequently astonishing skill, takes the assignment seriously. This is one of the best jazz Christmas CD's I've heard!”

The Jazz Performance and Education Centre, officially founded in 2008, is a registered charity dedicated to the preservation and development of jazz in Canada. The result of a collaboration between business people, musicians and arts professionals who are passionate about jazz in Toronto, JPEC’s ultimate goal is to create a full-time jazz venue in the city: this first-class, multi-purpose facility will feature performances by top local, national and international jazz talent; educational programming through which fans of all ages can learn about jazz; recording facilities; and a Hall of Fame and Archives which will encompass and preserve Canada’s outstanding jazz heritage and tradition. The facility will enhance Toronto’s reputation as one of the best cities in North America in which to experience live jazz.

JPEC’s inaugural season features a variety of exciting programming including concerts at Glenn Gould Studio and the Bluma Appel Theatre, featuring the Oliver Jones Trio, Dianne Reeves, the Ingrid Jensen Quintet, the Kurt Rosenwinkel Trio and the Bill Charlap/Renee Rosnes Duo. The season also celebrates a series of lectures, hosted by the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, led by local jazz musicians and writers including Heather Bambrick, Mark Barnes, Jack Chambers and Andrew Scott; and a series of jazz programs for children hosted by Casa Loma.

Tickets are $100 for VIP (includes a post-concert reception and meet-and-greet with the artists), $60 for floor seating, $40 for balcony seating, and $20 for Student/Rush (must be purchased in person with proper ID; rush seats available 30 minutes before performance time). For more information on the Jazz Performance and Education Centre, visit www.jazzcentre.ca. JPEC’s 2009-2010 season is generously supported by JAZZ.FM91, the National Post and Koskie Minsky.