Press release

April 1, 2008

Exodus To Jazz proudly presents The Henderson/Owens Trio featuring Dr. Lonnie Smith on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at the Clarion Riverside Hotel. Guitarist Mel Henderson, founder of popular Rochester-based Paradigm Shift, leads the trio comprised of the irrepressible Dr. Lonnie Smith and the dynamic Ulysses Owens Jr.

Artist Highlights:

Mel Henderson returns to the stage after opening the current Exodus To Jazz season in September 2007 with a rousing performance that featured vocalist Annie Sellick. In leading this trio, Mel returns the gesture following frequent accompaniment invitations from Dr. Lonnie Smith. In addition to gigs with the internationally popular Paradigm Shift, Mel has performed with esteemed artists including David “Fathead” Newman, Al Jarreau, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Cheryl Lynn, Roy Ayers, Jack McDuff, Queen Latifah, Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Printup and Joe Locke. Mel remains in high demand for his engaging lyrical style and creative, yet accessible, improvisations.

Dr. Lonnie Smith returns to the ETJ stage following an extremely busy performance schedule since his February 2007 appearance. Fueled by the popularity of his most recent CD, “Jungle Soul”, Dr. Lonnie continues to broaden the appreciation of the jazz organ while expanding his worldwide fan base. Having revealed his impressive musical talents on over seventy albums, his name is truly synonymous with the B3. “Dr. Lonnie” has performed with George Benson, Randy Brecker, John Abercombie, Kenny Garrett, Lee Morgan, David “Fathead” Newman, Blue Mitchell, Joe Lovano, Jimmy McGriff, Grover Washington, Jr., and Dizzy Gillespie.

Ulysses Owens Jr. returns again to the ETJ stage following his impressive display with the Helen Sung Quartet last month. He is in high demand to perform with acclaimed artists because he exhibits a clear musical and lyrical approach on the drums, fully embracing the improvisational dimension of percussion. Ulysses effectively provides rhythmic “heat” without overstepping his complementary role. He is a regular member of Mulgrew Miller’s Wingspan and has performed with Victor Goines, Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Kenny Barron, Regina Carter and Mulgrew Miller.

Shows are 7 PM and 9 PM in the Frontier Room at The Clarion Hotel Riverside, 120 East Main Street, Rochester, New York 14604; call (585) 733-7685 for information.

Remember - Parking is free for Exodus To Jazz patrons.

Tickets are $ 20.00 and are available at:

TicketWeb.com, search “Dr. Lonnie Smith” or “Exodus To Jazz”
With an email order sent to: ExodusToJazz@aol.com (email confirmations will be sent within 24 hours)
At the door, the night of the show.

Student tickets are $ 10.00 with a current ID.

All tickets are available for pick-up at the ETJ Ticket/Will Call desk (on the hotel’s mezzanine level, outside the Frontier Room) beginning at 6:00 PM on the night of the show.

For more information visit: ExodusToJazz.com or call (585) 733-7685

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