Abbey Lincoln

Abbey Lincoln, a jazz vocalist often compared to the legendary Billie Holiday, headlines a major jazz concert Aug. 11, one of a series of free, public jazz events held on the Columbia University campus this week

On Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the lawn in front of Butler library will be transformed into a outdoor summer stage as Columbia hosts the 2001 Verizon Music Festival featuring an impressive lineup of modern jazz musicians. Lincoln heads the lineup, which includes Wayne Shorter, innovative composer and saxophonist, and the Wayne Shorter quartet, with drummer Brian Blade, pianist Danilo Perez and bassist John Patitucci. Saxophonist James Carter and Chasin' The Gypsy Band will revive the tunes of pre-war swing, while the Big 3 Palladium Orchestra, a 20-piece orchestra that celebrates the music of legendary Latin artists Tito Puente, Machito and Tito Martinez, will perform with Tito Puente Jr. and Biovanni Hidalgo. Also performing is the Magali Souriau Orchestra featuring pianist Souriau.

On Friday, Aug. 10, an all-day seminar will discuss the geographic complexity of jazz music and its variety of sources and venues. The seminar will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Mathematics building, room 312. An accompanying photo exhibition, featuring scenes from two great jazz centers, Harlem and New Orleans, will run through Aug. 23 in Dodge Hall.

These events coincide with Harlem Week, a month-long celebration of Harlem music, culture and heritage, conceived in 1975 to revitalize the Harlem community and honor its history. Click to view the Photo Gallery, Web Video and Press Release on these jazz events.