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San Jose Jazz has announced the lineup of its 2012 Winter Fest concert series, which runs Friday, March 9 through Sunday, March 11, 2012 and includes a variety of established players and exciting jazz upstarts in a variety of genres.

"We're excited about the variety of artists we're presenting this year," said the organization's Artistic Director Bruce Labadie. "From straight-ahead Jazz to innovative young artists that are moving the art form forward, there's something for everyone to discover."

Highlights of the Winter Fest include an artist-driven collaboration by Ambrose Akinmusire and Gerald Clayton; vocalist Jamie Davis; New York-based saxophone prodigy Grace Kelly; The Blues All Stars with J.C. Smith, Chris Cain and Maxx Cabello Jr.; and Rupa and the April Fishes, a global group that mixes elements of Gypsy swing, Colombian cumbia, French chanson and Indian ragas. 

Concerts will be held at the intimate Theater on San Pedro Square, offering festival-goers an unique opportunity to experience these artists in a personal way.

Other ticketed events will include a "Blues Dance Party" featuring Summer Fest favorite Legally Blue and a "Salsa Dance Party" with the Pacific Mambo Orchestra, both held at the San Pedro Square Market. The festival is also organizing a free "Club Crawl" featuring performances by great local jazz groups at various bars and restaurants along San Pedro Street, which will offer food and drink specials during the festival.

San Jose Jazz' education programs are integrated with the Winter Fest through a featured performance of the High School All Stars Big Band led by new Band Director Dr. Aaron Lington, a noted performer, composer and SJSU professor. Also, three of Winter Fest's most exciting performers, Grace Kelly (Saturday) and Ambrose Akinmusire/Gerald Clayton (Sunday) will lead master classes for regional middle and high school band students.

The first Winter Fest, in March 2011, was a successful outgrowth of the organization's 20-year winter series. Working in partnership with the San Pedro Square Merchants Association and the new San Pedro Square Market, the 2012 Winter Fest moves to San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose, creating a more genuine festival experience similar to its popular Summer Fest in August.

Now in its 25th year as a public benefit corporation, San Jose Jazz is a leading force cultivating the arts scene and music community in the heart of Silicon Valley. Year after year, San Jose Jazz presents dynamic arts programs that foster a positive social and economic impact on the greater community. Its annual Summer Fest alone brings in more than $12 million to downtown San Jose. Through its educational youth programming, over 100 free concerts throughout the year, and unparalleled commitment to providing performance and classroom opportunities to emerging music students, San Jose Jazz is thrilled to benefit the lives of hundreds of thousands of adults and children.

All performances take place at The Improv, 62 South 2nd Street in downtown San Jose. Tickets for individual concerts can be purchased by calling The Improv box office at 408.280.7475. Subscriptions to the entire series are available by calling San Jose Jazz at 408.288.7557 x2335.

More information about the 22nd annual Jazz Series — including extended artist bios, full ticketing details, sponsor info, and related links — is available online. You can also access Series info on your mobile device by visiting m.sanjosejazz.org.