Saint Paul, Minn., March 22, 2016 — Twin Cities Jazz Festival Executive Director Steve Heckler has announced the addition of jazz piano wonder-kid Joey Alexander to the 2016 Jazz Fest lineup. Alexander, a Steinway artist, will perform on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 8:00 p.m., thanks to the support of Oppidan Investment Company. New York Times called Alexander “the most talked-about one that jazz has seen in a while.”
“One of the missions of the jazz fest is to support up and coming young jazz artists,” said Executive Director Steve Heckler, “Joey fits this goal.”
At the age of 12, Alexander released his first album My Favorite Things in 2015 and was nominated for two GRAMMY awards in the categories of Instrumental Jazz Album and Best Improvised Solo, becoming the youngest ever nominee in a jazz category. Additionally, Alexander most recently performed at the 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards, finishing his performance to a standing ovation. He will also be seen at the International Jazz Festival in Bern, Switzerland and the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, Montreal, Umbria, Newport and Monterey Jazz Festivals among other United States appearances.
“Sponsoring a gifted young pianist like Joey Alexander is a great way for Oppidan Investment Company to show our support for the fantastic arts and culture scene in Saint Paul,” said Joe Ryan, Oppidan CEO. ”Joey is a great example of tireless hard work and dedication to his craft; what a great example to young people around the world.”
Alexander joins the recently announced 2016 Twin Cities Jazz Festival lineup of Delfeayo Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, John Pizzarelli, Russell Malone and Michael Franti & Spearhead.
The Twin Cities Jazz Festival, established in 1998, is a non-profit organization, with a mission to keep the art form of jazz alive and well in our community. Support for the Twin Cities Jazz Festival (June 23-25) is provided by AARP, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Vieux Carré, the Knight Foundation through its Knight Arts Challenge, Minnesota State Arts Board Arts Access grant, NEA, and the City of Saint Paul Cultural Star.
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. KnightFoundation.org
For more information check out our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @tcjazzfestival. To join Jazz Fest’s email list click here. #TCJAZZFEST
Visit joeyalexandermusic.com
* Musicians and schedule subject to change. The entire line-up and festival details will be released in May.
