YELLOWJACKETS
Saturday, May 9, 2009 - 8:00 PM

Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
3100 Ray Ferrero, Jr Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
(Map and Directions)

Tickets: 877.311.SHOW (Toll-free) or purchase HERE 

Yellowjackets are one of the jazz super-bands of this generation. Formed in 1977 as an outgrowth of the Robben Ford Group, the band played initially played contemporary jazz-rock fusion and R&B, but definitely put some sting into the music. Their success has been critical (multiple Grammy nominations and awards) and commercial, with 24 recordings since 1981. The band evolved according to the personnel, but always has been anchored by keyboardist Russell Ferrante and bassist Jimmy Haslip.

Russell Ferrante grew up with the music of the church, but early was turned on to Miles Davis and John Coltrane in addition to the compositions of Ravel, Debussy and Stravinsky. The same is true for Jimmy Haslip who mainly credits Jimi Hendrix’s inspiration and Jaco Pastorius’s tutelage for his career in music.

The addition of tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer in 1991 marked a major point in the evolution of the band. A master player and big band arranger, Bob has given the band its signature sound and feel. Marcus Baylor , who began his professional career with Cassandra Wilson, and honed it with Kenny Garrett, took over the drum chair in 2000. Obviously, longevity is a band trademark.

Over the years, based upon the personnel, Yellowjackets has changed its direction towards becoming the muscular, straightahead, legitimate jazz ensemble it is today; also after three decades, one of the most popular and certainly long-lived bands in jazz. This will mark the third appearance by Yellowjackets, having played for South Florida JAZZ audiences at two Hollywood Jazz Festivals.

Funding for South Florida JAZZ is provided in part by a grant from the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Division

Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel is the official lodging partner for this organization