Russian River Blues and Jazz Festivals Up for Sale
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Meredith Melville (510) 655-5200
Deleonart@aol.com
Denise Lamott (415) 897-5089
Lamoore1@verizon.net
RUSSIAN RIVER BLUES FESTIVAL, RUSSIAN RIVER JAZZ FESTIVAL UP FOR SALE
Guerneville, CA – It is with much regret that after bringing years of world-class music to Sonoma County and the Russian River, Lupe De Leon, long-time producer of the Russian River Blues Festival and Russian River Jazz Festival (Jazz on the River) is putting both events up for sale. After suffering a heart attack in 2005, De Leon retired as executive producer of the festivals. Due to his continued illness, De Leon has chosen to sell the music festivals and stay focused on his recovery.
“I hope that the right person will step up to the plate and take over the festival so that this 30-year tradition of great music along the banks of the beautiful Russian River will continue for all to enjoy,†said De Leon.
Since the first festival in 1976, the Russian River Jazz Festival has evolved into one of the country’s top jazz events, and the quintessential Northern California celebration bringing great music and the finest local wines together with a picturesque outdoor setting along the banks of the Russian River. The Russian River Blues Festival recently celebrated its 11th anniversary. Some of the greatest names in blues and jazz have graced the stages of the two festivals, including Etta James, John Lee Hooker, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, Bobby Hutcherson, Stanley Clarke, Chris Botti, Taj Mahal, Al Green, Keb ‘Mo, Bonnie Raitt among others.
Inquiries about the sale of the festival can be made through the Russian River Blues and Jazz Festivals’ office at deleonart@aol.com.
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Photo Credit: James Knox
Dear Lupe,
Wishing you a speedy recovery, good health and much happiness, thany for all the fun times and great concerts we will truly miss your efforts. By the way we went to school together at Woodrow Wilson Jr. High School- (:)
i used to go the the both concerts (jazz & blues). i moved to the central valley and wanted to get info on concerts w/ no luck.
My husband and I have been to Jazz on the River every year until 2005. He passed in November of 2006 and to lose an outdoor event we shared for somany years would be a true lost.
Let’s keep Jazz on the River an annual event for 30 more years