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Nick Colionne, Bethany Pickens and Corey Wilkes to play Jazz in the Park for Charity 2010


Olympia Fields, IL–(ENEWSPF)– State Representative Al Riley announced that Nick Colionne, Bethany Pickens and Corey Wilkes will play this year’s Jazz in the Park for Charity (JITP) at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 8, at Bicentennial Park in Olympia Fields. The event benefits regional not-for-profit organizations. In addition to live jazz performances, the afternoon will also feature food from local restaurants and a silent auction. Tickets are $50.00 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information visit jazzintheparkforcharity.com.

“It is my pleasure to host Jazz in the Park for Charity, which attracts over 1,000 attendees annually,” said Representative Riley. “This is an excellent opportunity to help local not-for-profit organizations, while showcasing the beauty, culture and hospitality of Chicago’s southern suburbs.”

The Artists

Nick Colionne blasted onto the national contemporary jazz scene in 2003 and his career has been in ecstatic overdrive ever since. His breakthrough single, “High Flyin’,” hit #2 on the Radio & Records airplay chart. In 2007 he was named “International Instrumental Artist of the Year” at the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. This year Nick has been honored by the American Smooth Jazz Awards with two nominations “Guitarist of the Year” and “Entertainer of the Year.” 

 Bethany Pickens began her keyboard training under the watchful tutelage of her father, world class jazz pianist Willie Pickens, followed by more classical training at the American Conservatory of Music. She has performed at various jazz and music festivals such as, The Chicago Jazz Festival, Jacksonville Jazz Festival and Ibiza Jazz Festival in Spain. Bethany has performed duo concerts with her father at Symphony Center, Ravinia, The International Association of Jazz Educators, and the Steinway Society.

Corey Wilkes, a young lion with a roar being heard in several music genres, began playing trumpet at the age of 10, honed his talent at the Berklee College of Music and landed in the heart of the Chicago jazz club scene in 2002. His soulful notes can be heard gracing a variety of projects including DJ sets by logic, Osunlade and Josh Deep; tracks on Hidden Beach’s unwrapped Vol. 4, as well Kahil El Zabar’s Ascension Loft Series.

Not-for-profit organizations benefiting from this year’s event include: Grand Prairie Services Foundation; Jassac Charitable Foundation; Joseph Elizabeth Seaton Franklin Foundation; The Link & Option Center; The South Suburban Chicago Chapter of the Links, Inc.; Theta Mu Lambda Charitable Foundation; and Trinity Services, Inc.

In 2008, Riley assumed the position of Chairman for Jazz in the Park for Charity, which has established itself as one of the signature summer events in Chicagoland. Historically, it has featured the best in local and nationally renowned jazz entertainment, and samples of cuisine from the finest restaurants in the Southern Suburbs. Founded by civic leaders and arts patrons Martin and Lois Anthonisen, who hosted the event in their backyard for years, JITP has grown into an event that attracts over 1,000 jazz fans annually.

Proceeds from Jazz in the Park for Charity 2010 will benefit local not-for-profit organizations.


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