Hot Steamed Jazz Festival heats up
with three days of classic jazz this weekend

ESSEX, CT - - - The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival - featuring 40 hours of classic jazz performed by 10 musical groups - runs this weekend on the grounds of the Valley Railroad here. Now in its seventh year, the non-profit festival benefits the Hole In the Wall Camp, a camp started by Paul Newman for children with cancer and life threatening blood diseases.

"The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival is fun for the whole family. It’s a place where you can hear classic jazz, enjoy Cajun food and just have fun with the family," Connecticut River Valley & Shoreline Visitors Council Executive Director Jackie LaBella said. "This is one of New England's outstanding jazz festivals and it is located minutes from Exit 3 on Route 9."

During the festival, music will be performed on two stages during four separate sessions. Performances run from 7 P.M. to midnight Friday; noon to 5 P.M. and 7 P.M. to midnight Saturday; and noon to 5 P.M. Sunday. A New Orleans style gospel service is set for 10 A.M. Sunday.

Jazz legend Laurel Wilson - who sang with Duke Ellington, Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong - will celebrate her 89th birthday during the festival. She will also perform with the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band. The Noel Kaletsky Trio and The Yankee Rhythm Kings are returning fan favorites.

Steve Yocum & his Essex Dogs and the Peter Ecklund Trio with Marty Grosz are also featured in this year's festival. Toronto's The Hot Five Jazzmakers is new this year while Alaska's Buck Evan returns from Alaska with The Brahmin Bellhops.

The outstanding Roof Garden Jazz Band will round out the festival by recreating the sound and emotions of the original Dixieland Jazz Band. Food and beverages will be available from the Rajun Cajun Chief.

The Hot Steamed Jazz Festival is co-sponsored by the Valley Railroad, Whelen Engineering and the New Haven Savings Bank. For tickets and information call 800.348.0003 or visit the festival web site at www.hotsteamedjazz.com.