The 2011 running of the Beirut Jazz Festival has been confirmed and will take place between the 30th of September and the 8th of October 2011 at Beirut Souks, Ajami square, Downtown Beirut.

Mrs. Randa Armanazi, Director of Media and Public Relations at Solidere, the company behind the event are excited that the Lebanese capital is forging ahead with a strong cultural and artistic in organizing events such as the Beirut Jazz Festival. Armanazi added: “The Beirut Jazz Festival has become an annual tradition that falls under Solidere’s cultural and artistic activities. I would like to sincerely thank all those who endorsed our initiative, especially the Ministry of Tourism, Jaguar, Bank Med and the media of course”.

Mr. Michel Trad of Saad & Trad (the longest serving Jaguar Importer globally) openly expressed his pleasure and excitement with regards to being a major sponsor of the event.

The festival program will feature the following artists:

Rabih Abou Khalil & his band on September 30^th, 2011

Rabih Abou Khalil is an international Jazz Artist of Lebanese origins. The composer and musician is renowned for his inventive music pieces earning him a distinguished musical style. Abou Khalil composed symphonies for several Global and European Orchestras such as the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Ensemble Moderne, one of the most prominent international orchestras in contemporary music.

Philippe El-Hage Quintet on October 1^st, 2011

Phillippe El-Hage is renowned for his pianist skills and was nominated for the Paris Young Talents 2005 Contest Award. His works stem from an original musical genre open to world trends and reflecting his diverse influences: jazz, classical and oriental.

Chucho Valdes and the Afro Cuban Messengers on October 6^th, 2011

Chucho Valdes is a Cuban piano player, composer, music professor, arranger and band manager. Winner of several Grammy Awards, Valdes was declared Ambassador of Good Will in 2006 by the FAO. He toured more than 50 countries and performed on ones of the most famous stages in the world. Critics recognize Valdes as one of the best pianists in the world.

Marcus Miller on October 8^th, 2011

Marcus Miller is an American composer and a multi-instrumentalist. He is famed for cooperating with the Jazz Legend Miles Davis during the 80s and distinguished contribution to Jean Michel Jarre’s “Zoolook”.

The Beirut Jazz Festival reasserts the Lebanese capital’s cultural and artsy role while reaffirming Beirut Souks’ status as a modern and vibrant commercial district attracting, since its opening, many important musical festivals in addition to different types of events.

For more information please visit our Facebook page: Beirutjazzfestival and www.beirutsouks.com.lb