Sonny Fortune, an alto saxophonist and flutist known for his work with Miles Davis and McCoy Tyner, headlines a roster covering three stages with styles ranging from big bands to vocal standards to bebop. The festival also marks its first year at the MacPhail Center for Music’s brand new, state-of-the-art, performance spaces.

The Festival runs from Noon to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2008, and tickets are $25. MacPhail Center for Music is located at 2nd St. and 5th Ave. So. in Downtown Minneapolis. For more information, call (612) 343-5943 or visit www.myspace.com/tcfestival.

In addition to the two sets by Sonny Fortune (5:00 pm & 7:00 pm), the Main Stage will feature Southern Minnesota’s Real Big Band and the Bellagala Big Band. On the Upper Stage, music will include the excellent horn-driven bop quintet Snowblind, the adventurous Bells & Whistles, Southside Aces, and more. The Jazz Vocalists of Minnesota, a coalition of some of the area’s top singers, will perform throughout the day on the Atrium Stage. MacPhail Center for Music will host two clinic stages, with a spotlight on youth performers and workshops.

Genre: Jazz Festival
For more information: www.twincitiesjazzfestival.com