Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival Features Jazz Luminaries and First-Ever Festival Appearances During Two Days & Nights in June, Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27

Gladys Knight, Al Jarreau & The George Duke Trio, Taj Mahal, Al Di Meola, Ramsey Lewis & Ahmad Jamal and Many Others Highlight This Year's Festival

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y., March 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced that the 33rd annual Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival will present a stellar 2010 lineup including the "Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight, jazz singer Al Jarreau & the George Duke Trio, legendary blues icon Taj Mahal, guitarist extraordinaire Al Di Meola and two piano legends -- Ramsey Lewis and Ahmad Jamal.  The Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27 jazz festival will feature more than 20 performances over the two-day weekend on SPAC's Amphitheater and Gazebo stages.  The full two-day Festival lineup is available at www.spac.org.

Located in scenic Saratoga Springs, New York, Saratoga Performing Arts Center has been the site of Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival since George Wein established it in 1978.  With an inside seating capacity of 5,200, lawn seating of 20,000, world class jazz talent and just three hours driving time from Boston, New York or Montreal, SPAC's Jazz Festival draws thousands of jazz lovers from across the Northeast and the United States.

"The Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival offers a jazz lineup of unparalleled quality and diversity, with musicians from every corner and tradition in the jazz world displaying the extraordinary range and richness of the art form," said Marcia J. White, SPAC's President and Executive Director.  

"Our Festival also offers an atmosphere that is as spectacular as the music.  Our lush lawn, framed by the 50 to 60 foot emerald pines of the Saratoga Spa State Park, is the perfect place to stretch out, relax and take in the music.  In addition, our free parking, the opportunity to bring in your own food, beverages, blankets and tents make our festival a fabulous, affordable escape. Truly, our event offers an experience that few others can match," she added.

Ticket prices start at $44 per day for lawn admission; a two-day lawn pass is $76. Children 12 and under are admitted to the lawn for just $5. Inside seating is $65 for Saturday; $58 for Sunday. Order forms are available now at www.spac.org or by calling 518-584-9330.  The Saratoga Performing Arts Center Box Office opens May 9.

SOURCE Saratoga Performing Arts Center