Press Releases from Casinos and Others
to keep you up-to-date

The following press releases announcing casino entertainment, promotions and tournaments are presented as received from the sources. You'll also find announcements from many other sources.

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"CELEBRITY APPRENTICE" STAR MAKES MMA BROADCAST DEBUT AT SILVER LEGACY
Carry-On a Tradition or Start One, Celebrate Easter at John Ascuaga’s Nugget with Special Holiday Menus
COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT TIP-OFF
International Boxing Action to Return to Reno on April 2 for the USA vs. Italy Dual at the Eldorado Hotel Casino
Tahoe Ukulele Fest II Features Shimabukuro, Hill in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget
Diamond Peak Announces Its Spring Season Pass Sale Starting March 15th
MARK BURNETT PRESENTS KING OF THE CAGE - LEGACY
Diamond Peak Go Lil’ or Go Home Festival March 20th
THE BIGGEST LITTLE FLAIR BARTENDER COMPETITION IN THE WORLD
More to the Meter Progressive Keno Jackpot at Atlantis
Free Seniors Only Clinics at Diamond Peak
March Money Days at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa
Don't Quit On Your Resolution To Quit Smoking!
Nevada Chamber Opera wins national award
LEGENDARY JAZZ ARTIST, GRAMMY WINNER AND NEA JAZZ MASTER BILL HOLMAN HEADLINES 2010 RENO JAZZ FESTIVAL, APRIL 22-24

"CELEBRITY APPRENTICE" STAR MAKES MMA BROADCAST DEBUT AT SILVER LEGACY

This year’s latest "Celebrity Apprentice" star is making her way out of the board room and heading behind the scenes of cage fighting right here in Reno. Former WWE Diva and NBC’s "Celebrity Apprentice" contestant Maria Kanellis is set to make her Mixed Martial Arts broadcasting debut for HDNet during the King of the Cage "Legacy," a hard-hitting MMA spectacular at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino on March 26. Doors open at 6 p.m. and bouts start at 7 p.m.

As the newest member of HDNet, Kanellis will be running backstage commentary for the network’s LIVE broadcast of King of the Cage "Legacy." The event, presented by Mark Burnett of the "Survivor" television series, hits the Legacy’s Grande Exposition Hall with a heavy handful of bouts. Main card Heavyweights include Darrill Schoonover from The Ultimate Fighter Season 10 squaring off against MMA pro newcomer Nick Gaston. Current PureCombat Middleweight Champ Jaime Jara aims to knock off Tim Means in the 185 pound division, and Koffi Adzitso faces Quinn Mulhern in the 170 pound bout.

These fast and furious battles will be topped off with several northern California and Reno favorites, including Hussain Fasoulin, TJ Dillishaw, Juan Acevedo, Dustin Akbari, DJ Roberson, Ben Corsaro, Tyler Cowan, Aaron Buck, and Jack Montgomery. Card is subject to change.

This is cage fighting at its best, as these athletes are not only in peak physical condition, but are skilled in many forms of combat. From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to wrestling, Muay Thai to boxing and all styles are encouraged. King of the Cage "Legacy" is about punches, kicks, elbows, knees, big knockout, technical submissions, take-downs and strategy. It’s like no other sport you’ve seen.

Tickets to see King of the Cage "Legacy" are on sale now and are $125, $80 and $60 and can be purchased online at silverlegacy.com and ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-687-8733 or 775-325-7401 or at the Box Office located on the main casino floor of Silver Legacy.

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Carry-On a Tradition or Start One, Celebrate Easter at John Ascuaga’s Nugget with Special Holiday Menus

Spend Easter with your family and friends at John Ascuaga’s Nugget, where you can enjoy special holiday dining offerings throughout the day. Easter menus will be featured on Sunday, April 4 in the Rose Ballroom, at the Rotisserie Buffet, Restaurante Orozko, and Rosie’s Cafe.

An Easter Sunday Brunch Buffet will be offered in the Rose Ballroom and Rotisserie Buffet both from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Begin with an array of choices from the Appetizer Station, including sliced seasonal Fruits and Berries, Peel & Eat Shrimp, Smoked Fish Platter and a variety of salads. The Entrée Station will include Eggs Benedict, Hickory Smoked Bacon, Cinnamon Custard French Toast, Nugget Fried Chicken and Deep Fried Breaded Prawns. Build your own omelet or taste the Nugget’s famous Salt-Roasted Prime Rib at the Carving Station. Desserts include an assortment of treats such as Cherries Jubilee, Banana Foster Flambé, pies, cakes, mousses and a soft ice cream station. The price is $23.95 for adults and $12.50 for children ages 5-11.

A Champagne Brunch will be served in Restaurante Orozko from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Start out with choices from the Appetizer Station or the Fresh Fruit and Breakfast Pastry Station. Entrees include Filet Mignon Benedict, Sauté Scampi with Citrus Butter, Seafood Quiche Crepes, and Classic Pork Schnitzel with Brown Butter. For dessert, try our homemade Bread Pudding with Brandy Sauce, Classic Spanish Flan, Bailey’s Cheesecake and more. The price is $34.95 for adults and $16.95 for children ages 12 and under.

An Easter menu will be served in Rosie’s Café from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in addition to the regular menu. Appetizers will be a choice of Spring Savory Printaniere Vegetable Soup or Fresh Field Greens with a Choice of Dressing. The entrée choices are Seafood Thermidor, Stuffed Salmon with Seafood Baked or Baked Virginia Ham. The price for this menu is $12.95.

John Ascuaga’s Nugget is a premier casino resort owned and operated by the Ascuaga family in Sparks, Nevada. For more information or to make reservations, call (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300, or visit janugget.com.

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COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT TIP-OFF

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is the place to be for the NCAA Basketball Tournament this March! Watch the key match-ups on the Atlantis Race & Sports Book’s huge 13’ screens, and catch all your favorite teams on dozens of 51” HD flat-screens throughout the tournament! Atlantis offers three ways to win cash and prizes, as well as great food and drink specials at the Sports Bar & Lounge! Swipe your Club Paradise card at the promotional kiosks in the Race & Sports Book, March 15 – 17, to enter to win FREE Slot Play. You will be assigned a team in the tournament, and receive FREE Slot Play for each round your team wins! You will keep that team for as long as it is in the tournament, and FREE Slot Play values will increase if your team keeps winning. Don’t miss out on the Upset Special drawings, which will continue through the first two rounds of tournament play. Each time an underdog beats a higher-seeded team, in the first two rounds, we will give out $100! Get your name in the drawing drum by wagering $100 on college basketball. Place your bets from March 15 –21, on a maximum of 10 tickets. You can also win cold hard cash without ever making a bet! Get in on Atlantis’ online bracket contest by registering at www.AtlantisCasino.com, and filling out your 64-team bracket online! One-hundred winners will take home their share of $2,500, with the top finisher cashing in on $1,000! Sign up online beginning March 14. Atlantis gives you more ways to win during the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Why play anywhere else?

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International Boxing Action to Return to Reno on April 2 for the USA vs. Italy Dual at the Eldorado Hotel Casino

Elite international boxing action will return to Reno and the Eldorado Hotel Casino on April 2 at the USA vs. Italy Olympic-style boxing dual. Both the United States and Italian squads boast world champions and Italy’s Olympic Gold Medalist Roberto Cammarelle will showcase his skills at the event in Reno.

Team USA will be led into action by 2007 World Champion and two-time Olympian Rau’shee Warren (Cincinnati, Ohio). Warren can become the first U.S. boxer in history to compete in three Olympic Games if he earns a berth on the 2012 Olympic Team. Warren is joined by a strong squad of U.S. competitors, , including four reigning national champions: flyweight Louie Byrd (Denver, Colo.), featherweight Jesus Magdaleno (Las Vegas, Nev.), welterweight Errol Spence (Desoto, Texas), and light heavyweight Robert Brant (Oakdale, Minn.). Light flyweight Santos Vasquez (Sun Valley, Nev.), lightweight Adrian Martinez (Milwaukee, Wis.), middleweight Jesse Hart (Philadelphia, Pa./NMU), heavyweight Javonta Charles (Memphis, Tenn.) and super heavyweight Lenroy Thompson (Lenexa, Kansas) will round out the roster.

Italy is bringing a top squad of boxers to the Biggest Little City in the World and Cammarelle isn’t the lone Olympic medalist who will face off with Team USA in Reno. 2008 Olympic heavyweight silver medalist and 2007 World Champion Clemente Russo and 2008 Olympic flyweight bronze medalist Vincenzo Picardi will both compete in the USA vs. Italy Dual in Reno. The Olympic medalist trio will be joined by flyweight Alex Ferramosca, bantamweight Vittorio Parrinello, featherweight Alessio Di Savino, lightweight Domenico Valentino, light welterweight Davide Cenciarelli, welterweight Diego Di Luisa, middleweight Luca Podda, and light heavyweight Fiori Simone.

One women’s lightweight bout will highlight the event as Mikaela Mayer (West Hills, Calif.) faces Italy’s Romina Marenda in a feature bout at the USA vs. Italy Dual. Women’s boxing will make its Olympic debut at the 2012 Olympic Games with three women’s weight classes (flyweight, lightweight and middleweight) competing in London.

Reno has hosted numerous major Olympic-style boxing events recently, including several international boxing duals and the 2002 Under 19 National Championships. The United States participates in international dual events throughout the year both in the United States and abroad in an effort to provide consistent international competition for the athletes. The Reno event will be the second match-up in a two dual event between the United States and Italy following a March 27 match-up between the two nations.

Doors open at 6pm, fights begin at 7pm. Tickets prices are $75, $50 and $25 and can be purchased by calling the Eldorado at 800-648-5966, 775-786-5700 or online at eldoradoreno.com. $75 ticket includes two beverages and a commemorative photo. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the University of Nevada, Reno boxing program through the Jimmy Olivas Foundation.

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Tahoe Ukulele Fest II Features Shimabukuro, Hill in the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget

In the ukulele world, it’s sort of the equivalent of the Beatles and the Stones appearing in the same festival. Jake Shimabukuro and James Hill will both appear in twin, uke-superstar-concerts during the second-ever Tahoe Area Uke Fest, March 19-20, in the world-famous Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.

Shimabukuro, a resident of Hawaii, is a worldwide phenomenon who has taken the ukulele to new heights in both performing and notoriety. Often referred to as the “Jimi Hendrix of ukulele,” and first seen by many through a viral YouTube hit video of his rendition of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, Shimabukuro has played on some of the biggest stages in the world for giant-sized audiences. His periodic gig as opener for Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefers has spread the music of the ukulele to millions, and he even performed for the Queen of England.

Hill is tabbed as one of the most innovative artists to have ever picked up the ukulele. He seamlessly melds multiple styles into his concerts and often makes up a few of his own along the way. He was introduced to the instrument at the age of nine, not in Hawaii, but three thousand miles to the east, in Langley, British Columbia, where ukulele instruction has been mandatory in many schools since the late 1970s. He was hooked from the beginning. While a still a teenager, Hill honed his skills as a key member of the world-renowned Langley Ukulele Ensemble under the direction of Peter Luongo. After touring with them for twelve years, he embarked on a solo career in 2002 and has been “pushing the instrument into uncharted territory” ever since with genre-bending adaptations of everything from “One Note Samba” to the theme from “Super Mario Brothers.” On stage he is energetic and captivating, mixing colorful anecdotes with a versatile repertoire that stretches from Schubert to the Beatles and beyond.

Both shows are part of the larger ukulele festival/convention, which includes concerts, instrument makers, workshops and vendors, taking place throughout the property March 19-21. More details are available at playuke.net.

James Hill performs Friday, March 19, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $15. Jake Shimabukuro performs Saturday, March 20, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $18. Tickets for both shows are available by calling (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com. Dinner and show packages are available.

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Diamond Peak Announces Its Spring Season Pass Sale Starting March 15th

Diamond Peak is offering 10/11 season passes on sale March 15, 2010. Purchase a non-resident Full Adult season pass for only $454 or a non-resident Midweek Adult season pass for only $363 at the Early Bird rate.

There are several advantages for purchasing your 10/11 season pass now. One is that you get to ski the rest of the 09/10 season for free. Another is you get enjoy all of the passholder perks! The perks includes getting discounts at local vendors, getting early lift access on certain days and even early lift access on powder days. Check out our website at diamondpeak.com for more information on the passholder perks.

To kick off our season pass sale on Monday March 15th we are offering anyone who has a birthday from April 12th-December 15, 2010 can ski for FREE. Since we offer this special to everyone who has a birthday during the season we wanted to do something for people who have a birthday that falls on a date while we are closed. Show your ID to Guest Services and get a free lift ticket!

You can purchase your 10/11 Diamond Peak season pass online by visiting www.diamondpeak.com, mailing or faxing in your application or in person by visiting the Diamond Peak Guest Services window. For more information, please call (775) 832-1177.

Diamond Peak Ski Resort is located in Incline Village, Nevada on the scenic north shore of Lake Tahoe, offering amazing views of the lake. Kids and beginners love it here. There is an 1840 foot vertical drop with 30 runs offering beginner to advanced terrain. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube. Visit www.diamondpeak.com or call (775) 832-1177 and make Diamond Peak your Tahoe place to ski or snowboard this winter!

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MARK BURNETT PRESENTS KING OF THE CAGE - LEGACY

Get ready for a night of hard-hitting action as King of the Cage presents “Legacy” on Friday, March 26 at 6 p.m. in the Grande Exposition Hall at Silver Legacy Resort Casino. It’s a night of spectacular cage fighting as Mike Kyle takes on Jon Murphy and Nick Gaston goes head to head with Dave Huckaba in the Heavyweight division. Then 185 pounders Jaime Jara and Tim Means battle it out. Rounding out the main card in the 170 pound division is a bout featuring Koffi Adzitso and Quinn Mulhern.

Presented by Mark Burnett of The Survivor television series, the under card will also feature bouts that promise a night of fast and furious battles. Several northern California favorites will make the trip over the hill including Hussain Fasoulin, TJ Dillishaw, Juan Acevedo, Dustin Akbari, BJ Roberson and Ben Corsaro. Local Reno fighters include Tyler Cowan, Aaron Buck and Jack Montgomery. Card is subject to change.

These athletes are amazing and not only are they in peak condition, but they are skilled in many forms of combat. From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to wrestling, Muay Thai to boxing and all styles are encouraged. King of the Cage “Legacy” is about punches, kicks, elbows, knees, big knockout, technical submissions, take-downs and strategy. It’s like no other sport you’ve seen.

Tickets to see King of the Cage “Legacy” are on sale now and are $125, $80 and $60 and can be purchased online at silverlegacy.com and ticketmaster.com, by calling 1-800-687-8733 or 775-325-7401 or at the Box Office located on the main casino floor of Silver Legacy.

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Diamond Peak Go Lil’ or Go Home Festival March 20th

Incline Village, NV- Kids ages 10 and under have a chance to catch big air off a little jump at the Diamond Peak Go Lil’ or Go Home Festival! Kids jump off of a 3-ft. jump built at the bottom of Lodgepole.

Registration will be from 9:00-10:30 am and the contest will start at 11 am. The entry fee is $10 and everybody will receive a t-shirt and Certificate of Achievement! We will have face painting as well. A photographer will be there taking photos of the kids. Each kid will receive a picture of his or her jump. Diamond Pete the Penguin will make a special appearance!

Everybody’s a winner and children ages 10 and under can catch big air off a “lil” jump at Your Tahoe Place for Kids- Diamond Peak!

Diamond Peak Ski Resort is located in Incline Village, Nevada on the scenic north shore of Lake Tahoe, offering amazing views of the lake. Kids and beginners love it here. There is an 1840 foot vertical drop with 30 runs offering beginner to advanced terrain. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube. Visit www.diamondpeak.com or call (775) 832-1177 and make Diamond Peak your Tahoe place to ski or snowboard this winter!

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THE BIGGEST LITTLE FLAIR BARTENDER COMPETITION IN THE WORLD

Dozens of flair bartenders from across the country won thousands in cash prizes during the 2nd Annual Biggest Little Flair Bartender Competition in the World at the Silver Legacy’s Rum Bullions Island Bar on March 2.

After a night of flaunting bartender flair, five top bartenders won a total of $3000. The grand prize winner of $1,000 was Bruno Vanzan of Italy. In second place, Lee Johnson of United Kingdom also wowed the judges and walked away with $750. Locals, Eric Parker and Gustavo Hernandez from Silver Legacy’s own Aura Ultra Lounge, came in third and fourth place. Rounding out the top five, was Matt Baker, also from Silver Legacy’s Aura Ultra Lounge. The top five winners were also awarded trophies and guests watching the competition were entered in a chance to win cash prizes and lift tickets along with drink specials from sponsor products.

The FBA has grown to become the largest and most respected flair based organization in the world. The FBA is the global sanctioning body and the undisputed authority on the sport of flair bartending. With the creation of the FBA Pro Tour, it gave the sport a points chase for bartenders to compete year long and worldwide with their eye on the Tour Championship. For more information please visit silverlegacy.com or call 1-800-687-8733 or 775-325-7401.

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More to the Meter Progressive Keno Jackpot at Atlantis

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is now home to the fastest building progressive keno jackpots! Fifty cents from every More to the Meter wager will go directly into the progressive jackpot! Unlike other progressive jackpots, Atlantis’ More to the Meter Keno progressives will not be capped, so there is no limit to how much you can win! More to the Meter progressives are exculsively at Atlantis, and guaranteed to hit right here! Due to a roll-over from our previous progressive, the 9-spot will begin at $190,000!!! After it hits, the 9-spot More to the Meter progressive will reset at $90,000. Put more of your wager toward Atlantis’ in-house More to the Meter Keno Progressives, now offering 5-spot, 6-spot, 7-spot, 8-spot and 9-spot progressives! The Atlantis Keno Room offers 24/7 action on traditional ball keno games as well as modern computer draws. Visit the Keno Room for details.

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Free Seniors Only Clinics at Diamond Peak

Diamond Peak Ski and Snowboard School is proud to announce they will be having 2 FREE “Seniors Only Clinics”. It is for anyone over 55 years old who may not have had a lesson in years or may have shaped skis. The purpose of these clinics is to show people how to ski more effectively and extend their ski days and years on the snow with new contemporary movement patterns.

The “Seniors Only Clinics” will be held on March 10th and 24th from 10am-12pm. This 2 hour clinic will be one part social, one part educational and three parts fun. Come join us and experience what it feels like to ski like a kid again. Lessons will meet at the Base Lodge in the Fireside room at 9:30am. No reservation required.

Diamond Peak Ski Resort is located in Incline Village, Nevada on the scenic north shore of Lake Tahoe, and offers amazing views of the lake. Kids and beginners as well as seasoned veterans love it here. There is an 1840 foot vertical drop with 30 runs offering beginner to advanced terrain. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube. Visit www.diamondpeak.com or call (775) 832-1177 and make Diamond Peak your Tahoe place to ski or snowboard this winter!

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March Money Days at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa

Every day is a money-making opportunity at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa during the month of March! Get in on the action with at least three tournaments every day, and at least one of those tournaments is FREE for all, every day!!! Play No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em, Blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, Video Poker, Video Slots and Keno tournaments! You can also play in our three specialty tournaments for the month of March:

*FREE St. Patrick’s Day Keno Tournament on March 17th
$40,000 Pot O’ Gold Slot Tournament on March 14-15
No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament on March 20 @ 11am, details in Poker Room
Three ways to win, every day! March Money Days, only at Atlantis!

*St. Patrick’s Day Keno Tournament requires $50 of play during the tournament to qualify for CASH prizes.

See Club Paradise for more information, or go to our home page at www.AtlantisCasino.com.

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Don't Quit On Your Resolution To Quit Smoking!

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 25, 2010 – Every year, millions of Americans faithfully make New Year's resolutions including quitting smoking. However, a recent survey with more than 1,000 former smokers conducted on behalf of the American Lung Association showed that 60 percent of people were not able to quit smoking on their first try and required multiple attempts to quit smoking.

Helping more Americans quit smoking remains a top public health priority for the American Lung Association. A new smoking cessation campaign from the Association is available to the many smokers who may have given up on their resolution and provides resources and support for the "Quitter in You."

The survey also showed that the main reasons a smoker decides to quit are because of the costs of smoking (35 percent), and to improve their health (33 percent).

"Quitting smoking is the single most important step a smoker can take to improve the length and quality of his or her life. You can also save a considerable amount of money," said Charles D. Connor, American Lung Association President and CEO. "These results coincide with what we already know about the benefits of quitting smoking, to your health as well as financially. I encourage all smokers to make a plan to quit this year, talk to your doctor about how to quit smoking and utilize the support and resources available from the American Lung Association."

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Nevada Chamber Opera wins national award

Continued improvements to program hope to attract more students The University of Nevada, Reno’s Nevada Chamber Opera received national recognition at the National Opera Association’s 2010 Convention last month in Atlanta, Ga. for its production of “HMS Pinafore” performed during the 2008-2009 academic year.

The production placed third in its category, following closely behind productions by much larger schools, the State University of New York and the City University of New York.

“This is the first time the University’s opera productions has received recognition at this kind of level,” Damon Stevens, director of the Nevada Chamber Orchestra said. “We’ve made some great changes and will continue to grow the program to build a national reputation.”

Stevens took over as director of the University’s opera program in 2008. Since, Stevens said the program has partnered with the theatre department to produce fully costumed productions directed by Sue Klemp and the group’s productions have been critiqued by local theatre critic, Jack Neal. Stevens plans to enter last semester’s production of “Die Fledermaus” in the NOA production awards for this academic year.

This next fall, the Nevada Chamber Orchestra will perform “Dido and Aneas.”

“It’s going to be a very special and intimate Baroque theatre piece,” Stevens said. “We have a full pit orchestra for our fall performance, and we’ll limit the audience to 140 people per performance and move them onto the Nightingale stage.”

Stevens said he hopes the growing reputation of the University’s opera program will lure more students to the many fine programs offered by the School of the Arts.

For more information on the Nevada Chamber Orchestra, visit http://www.unr.edu/cla/music/pages/lop.htm.

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LEGENDARY JAZZ ARTIST, GRAMMY WINNER AND NEA JAZZ MASTER BILL HOLMAN HEADLINES 2010 RENO JAZZ FESTIVAL, APRIL 22-24

Legendary American jazz saxophonist, composer, Grammy winner and 2010 NEA Jazz Master Bill Holman has spent many of his 82 years influencing, composing and arranging for the best musicians in the world, from Stan Kenton, Mel Lewis, Louie Bellson, Count Basie and Buddy Rich to vocalists Natalie Cole, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme and Sarah Vaughan.

Joining the University of Nevada, Reno's 2010 Reno Jazz Festival in concert, Friday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. in Lawlor Events Center, Bill Holman and the Bill Holman Big Band will perform work JazzTimes has called "a wonder...a match made in heaven, superbly conceived and executed." The Festival opens Thursday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Nightingale Concert Hall with another award-winning jazz artist, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and University's faculty jazz ensemble, The Collective, in concert.

In recognition of Bill Holman's enormous commitment to music, he was named in 2010 to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Masters Fellowship, the highest honor the United States bestows upon a jazz musician. Each year since 1982, the program has elevated to its ranks a select number of living legends who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of jazz.

"Jazz is America's unique contribution to the art of the world, and I am proud to have my contributions recognized by the awarding of this honor," Holman said recently. "The list of past and present NEA honorees contains most of my heroes and influences, and to be included among them is truly humbling and gratifying."

A revered multi-award-winner, Holman has been granted many accolades since his arrival on the jazz scene in 1949, after first studying engineering and, later, composing and arranging at the Westlake College of Music in Los Angeles. Says jazz archivist and historian Annie Byrnes Kuebler of Rutgers University's Institute of Jazz Studies, "Bill Holman was, is, and will be considered one of the major forces in the history of American Jazz from the early 1950s to the early 21st century."

To date, Holman has received 14 Grammy nominations and won three Grammy Awards: Best Instrumental Arrangement of "Take the 'A' Train" for Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Orchestra (1987); Best Instrumental Composition for "A View from the Side" for the Bill Holman Band (1995); and Best Instrumental Arrangement of "Straight, No Chaser" for the Bill Holman Band (1997). He was voted "Best Arranger" in the JazzTimes Readers' Poll four times; and received the "Arranger of the Year" award three times in the Down Beat magazine's Readers' Poll and Critics' Poll.

In 2000, the Bill Holman Collection of scores and memorabilia became part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection in Washington, DC, and in 2006, Holman was inducted into the Rutgers Jazz Hall of Fame. In 2008, he was doubly honored: a Golden Score Award from the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers and a place in the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Jazz Wall of Fame.

The finest jazz educators and musicians on the planet travel to the University of Nevada, Reno each spring to perform and teach at the Reno Jazz Festival and this year is no exception. In addition to evening concerts by world-renowned guest artists Bill Holman Big Band and Ingrid Jensen, the Reno Jazz Festival also offers daytime competitions, workshops and clinics by scores of professional jazz artists and adjudicators for more than 9,000 young jazz musicians from throughout the West. The three-day festival culminates in a showcase concert and awards ceremony Saturday, April 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Lawlor Events Center, to honor the best and brightest young standouts.

For more about Bill Holman, visit http://www.arts.gov/national/jazz .
For more about Ingrid Jensen, visit http://www.ingridjensen.com/ .
For more about The Collective, visit http://www.unr.edu/cla/music/pages/jazz/collective.htm .

Individual tickets for Ingrid Jensen and The Collective, April 22: General $20/Senior $17/Student $10. The Ingrid Jensen and The Collective performance (preferred seating) is also included in the festival's Jazz Fan Pass, which provides entry to all festival events April 22-24: General $60.

Individual tickets for the Bill Holman Big Band, April 23: General $24/Senior $21/Student $15. The Bill Holman Big Band performance (preferred seating) is also included in the Jazz Fan Pass, which provides entry to all festival events April 22-24: General $60.

Individual tickets for the Reno Jazz Festival Showcase and Awards Ceremony, April 24: General $15/Senior $12/Student $8. The Reno Jazz Festival Showcase and Awards Ceremony (preferred seating) is also included in the Jazz Fan Pass, which provides entry to all festival events April 22-24: General $60.

To purchase the $60 Jazz Fan Pass, call Extended Studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, (775) 784-4046 or 1-800-233-8928, email jazz@unr.edu or visit http://www.unr.edu/rjf

To purchase individual tickets in advance (with a convenience fee), visit the Reno Jazz Festival website at http://www.unr.edu/rjf or call 1-800-225-2277. Tickets may also be purchased in person (without a convenience fee) on the University of Nevada, Reno campus at the Lawlor Events Center box office, open weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. If the concert is not sold out, tickets may also be purchased at the door the evening of each performance.

For more information about the Reno Jazz Festival, call (775) 784-4ART or visit http://www.unr.edu/rjf

The University of Nevada, Reno Jazz Festival is funded in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and the Recovery Act. Additional support is provided by the City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission, Maytan Music Center, the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, and For the Love of Jazz. Accommodations for guest artists are provided by the Sands Regency Casino Hotel. For more information visit http://www.unr.edu/rjf/sponsors.htm .

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