Mellon Jazz Events for 2005 Include George Benson With the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall, Free Public Concerts at

Mellon Jazz Events for 2005 Include George Benson With the
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall, Free Public Concerts at Area Parks



PITTSBURGH, April 8  /PRNewswire/ -- Mellon Financial Corporation today
announced a lineup of Mellon Jazz events for 2005 that includes Pittsburgh
native and internationally acclaimed jazz giant George Benson appearing with
the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and a new Mellon Jazz sponsorship that will
help keep the sounds of jazz alive in the City of Pittsburgh's Riverview and
Highland Parks.

Scheduled for Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m., the Mellon Jazz presents George Benson
with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concert at Heinz Hall will give
Pittsburgh jazz fans an opportunity to hear one of this country's most gifted
jazz performers, an artist whose eight Grammy awards include recognition for
record of the year, best pop instrumental performance, best rhythm & blues
instrumental performance, best rhythm & blues vocal performance, and best jazz
vocal performance.

"Favorite sons help define their hometowns.  Bringing George Benson to Heinz
Hall places an internationally renowned jazz performer on stage with one of the
world's most applauded symphony orchestras, and celebrates the traditions of
excellence and accomplishment that have made Pittsburgh a great American city,"
said Rose M. Gabbianelli, Mellon executive vice president and director of
corporate affairs.

"Pittsburgh native George Benson, in concert with one of the world's great
symphony orchestras, the PSO, promises to be a truly memorable evening," said
Larry Tamburri, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra President.  "An event as exciting
as the George Benson concert underscores the importance of our collaboration
with Mellon Jazz."

Another Mellon Jazz 2005 sponsorship with special resonance for the City of
Pittsburgh is Mellon's support for two series that for years have attracted
jazz fans to Riverview and Highland Parks.  Riverview Park's Stars at Riverview
series of Saturday night jazz concerts begins on June 11 and continues through
August 27.  Highland Park's Reservoir of Jazz series of Sunday jazz concerts
begins on August 7 and continues through Sunday, September 4.  Both series
feature all-star lineups comprised of some of the area's most prominent jazz
musicians, and give local jazz fans an opportunity to hear great live jazz for
free in a casual public park setting in their communities.

"Our summertime jazz concerts at Riverview and Highland Parks have added a
great deal to the quality of life in these two important City neighborhoods,"
said Duane Ashley, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Pittsburgh.
 "By helping sustain these two important series, Mellon is providing a welcome
and timely new form of support to our City."

In addition to the concerts in Riverview and Highland Parks, other free-
to-the-public Mellon Jazz events during 2005 include the Pittsburgh Jazz
Society's monthly Mellon Jazz Sunday concerts; a Mellon Jazz-sponsored main
stage event at this year's Three Rivers Arts Festival; appearances by top-
flight jazz artists at Hartwood Acres, South Park and the County Courthouse
Courtyard as part of the Allegheny County summer concert series; and a special
Mellon Jazz concert presented on Friday, September 2 at the Frick Art &
Historical Center as part of the First Fridays at the Frick series.

Other ticketed events being supported by Mellon Jazz during 2005 include the
Manchester Craftsmen's Guild's concert series, and this year's 35th annual Pitt
Jazz Seminar and Concert.  More information on these performance events and the
many other activities sponsored by Mellon Jazz will be provided as it becomes
available.

Mellon Financial Corporation's year-round celebration of jazz excellence,
Mellon Jazz is marking its 19th anniversary in Pittsburgh this year and 20th in
Philadelphia.  In both cities Mellon Jazz supports non-profit organizations
engaged in live jazz performances and jazz education, and recognizes
individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to each
city's rich jazz tradition.  More information on Mellon Jazz activities is
available via the Mellon Jazz link at http://www.mellon.com/ . 

DATASOURCE: Mellon Financial Corporation



CONTACT:  Ron Sommer of Mellon Financial Corporation, [phone], or

 



Web site:  http://www.mellon.com/ 

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