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The Monterey Jazz Festival has announced that David Murray, the Festival’s longtime Production Manager, will assume the new role of Artist Liaison. Bill Wagner, the Festival’s Artist Transportation Manager, has been named as Murray’s replacement as Production Manager. Both of these changes are effective immediately.

"David Murray has encapsulated the spirit of the Monterey Jazz Festival since the beginning," said Tim Jackson, General Manager for MJF. "He has worked tirelessly with nearly every artist we’ve presented, and his reputation is synonymous with the Festival. I am frequently asked by artists ‘How’s David?’ even before we get down to business. He’s a real legend with everyone who has passed through the gates of the Fairgrounds, and he’ll continue to strengthen those relationships as Artist Liaison, even though he has only ‘semi-retired’ at age 72. I can only think of a few people who have continuously been involved at Monterey longer than David."

Wagner, added Jackson, "is a natural for his new position. His expertise in production will ensure that MJF will have a smooth transition period —he already knows the job. We all look forward to the next festival under his production command."

Murray met the founder of the Monterey Jazz Festival, Jimmy Lyons, and began working for the Festival starting in 1961 as a driver and stage hand. After moving to the Monterey Peninsula in 1971, he's acted in a variety of positions for the Festival, with Production Coordinator being his main area in the last 20 years. Wagner has worked at the San Jose and San Francisco jazz festivals in various positions, and has acted as production manager for numerous California venues, including the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, the Montalvo Arts Center in Saratoga, and Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys.