KEVIN EUBANKS SET AS MASTER OF CEREMONIES FOR
27TH ANNUAL PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JUNE 11TH AND 12TH
AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL

Kevin Eubanks is a familiar name to millions of Americans as the musical director and band leader for television’s number one late night talk show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. A prodigy of sorts from a musically gifted family, his reputation as a Jazz guitarist has been well established for decades now.

As an alumni and recent recipient of an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, and a former member of the Art Blakey Jazz Messengers, Eubanks is the cohort of famed modern jazz artists such as Slide Hampton, McCoy Tyner and Dave Holland. His impressive discography of music includes labels GRP and Blue Note, as well as the Tonight Show’s closing theme song, “Kevin’s Country” recently recognized with the BMI Film/TV award.

It is no wonder the accomplished musician was requested as Master of Ceremonies for this year’s 27th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival. Filling in for the festival’s long time host, comedian/ Jazz aficionado Bill Cosby is no small feat. Eubanks is thrilled the festival organizers consider him worthy of the task. Eubanks served as Master of Ceremonies for Sunday’s show last year, and previously performed at the Festival in Bill Cosby’s “Cos’ of Good Music.”

The 27th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival will once again return to its legendary home, the Hollywood Bowl, Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12. Celebrating ever-evolving boundaries of Jazz, the festival will spotlight the future when it presents an eclectic lineup of renowned legends and young, up and coming stars. George Benson, Boney James, Ramsey Lewis, Joshua Redman, Keb’ Mo’, the Saxophone Summit featuring Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, and Dave Liebman, and Dr. John, are among the line-up of stellar talent for this year’s event.

“As a long time student of Jazz music, I am humbled and honored to be considered for such an esteemed event. Hugh Hefner and the Playboy Jazz Festival accomplish such a great service for the Jazz and music community with this event every year. To play the Playboy Jazz Festival is the pinnacle one’s career. I'm excited to see so many diverse genres of Jazz included in this year’s schedule, and just simply blown away to be hosting. Bill Cosby is ‘The Man’ and I hope to do him proud!” offers Eubanks.

George Wein serves as producer of the Playboy Jazz Festival for the 27th consecutive year. Darlene Chan is associate producer for both the Playboy Jazz Festival and Festival Productions, Inc. Hugh Hefner is executive producer and Richard Rosenzweig is president of the Playboy Jazz Festival. For more information on the Playboy Jazz Festival and for ticket information and sales, call (310) 449-4070.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Eubanks is available for interview. Contact makeda@jazzmynepr.com