For Release: January 24, 2012
Contact:
Jim Gosky 330.344.6083, jim.gosky@akrongeneral.org
Amy Kilgore 330.344.6014, amy.kilgore@akrongeneral.org
Seven is definitely a lucky number for jazz fans. The Akron General Foundation presents its seventh annual Winter Breakout March 24 at the Akron Civic Theatre. The star-studded event features leading international jazz artists and benefits Akron General Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Institute. Winter Breakout VII—A Night of Smooth Jazz begins at 7:30 p.m. Title sponsor for the evening is Akron’s distinguished neurosurgery physician practice, the Center for Neuro and Spine.
Headlining and hosting the event this year is Chieli Minucci and Special EFX. Minucci, who has been the driving force behind Winter Breakout since its inception in 2006, is a contemporary jazz guitarist, composer, music producer and arranger. As leader of Special EFX, a Grammy-nominated band, Minucci and his band have recorded 26 CDs. In addition, Minucci has recorded and performed with top pop artists such as Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Jewel, Marc Anthony, Jessica Simpson, Anastasia and others, as well as jazz/pop artists Bobby Caldwell, Marion Meadows, Jay Beckenstein and Kim Waters.
Versatile and dynamic jazz guitarist Jeff Golub, a native of Copley, Ohio, brings a rich and diverse musical background to the Civic stage. His impressive background includes seven years, five world tours and four albums with Rod Stewart and another seven LPs and three world tours with rocker Billy Squier. Golub studied at the acclaimed Berklee College of Music and, while in Boston, was a member of the James Montgomery Blues Band. As a solo artist, her has recorded six CDs. His most recent work as The Jeff Golub Band featuring Henry Butler includes a June 2011 CD, "Three Kings," which is a poignant tribute to Albert, B.B. and Freddie King.
Chart-topping saxophonist and composer Euge Groove returns to the Winter Breakout this year. Groove, who just released his seventh album, "S7ven Large," launched his professional career in the mid-1980s and soon thereafter was recording, touring or performing with the likes of Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker and Aaron Neville. Groove toured with Tower of Power for four years, including a year opening for Huey Lewis and the News.
Rounding out the bill is veteran R&B/urban jazz vocalist Phil Perry whose extensive discography includes eight solo albums and a highly acclaimed 2009 duo album with legendary songstress Melba Moore, "The Gift of Love." As a prolific writer, Perry's songs have been recorded by The Montclairs, Ernie Watts, Noel Pointer, Aretha Franklin, Dave Koz and Patti Austin, among many others. He has a new album scheduled for release this spring.
Reserved seat tickets to this signature event remain the same price as 2011, $40 and $50, and are available through Ticketmaster by calling 800/745-3000 or the Akron Civic Theatre at 330/253-2488. Only 2,500 tickets are available. VIP tickets for $100 are also available and include a VIP Reception prior to the concert, free parking and an opportunity to meet the artists. VIP tickets are available by calling Debbie at Akron General, 330/344-6929. For more information on sponsorships or group sales, contact the Akron General Foundation, 330/344-6929.
Last March, Winter Breakout VI raised more than $41,000 for patient care services at Akron General’s Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Institute.
Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Institute
Edwin Shaw, which moved to a new location in Cuyahoga Falls in 2010, is the region's oldest and largest accredited rehabilitation facility, specializing in helping patients who have experienced strokes, head traumas, spinal cord injuries, multiple traumas, amputations, orthopaedic, neuromuscular and related conditions. The goal of Edwin Shaw is to reduce the extent of disability and maximize the long-term functional independence of patients with disabling diseases and/or injuries. For more information, log on to www.akrongeneral.org/edwinshawrehab.
About Akron General Health System
Akron General Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare organization with the mission of improving the health and lives of the people and communities it serves. Akron General Health System includes: Akron General Medical Center, a 511-bed teaching and research medical center, and Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation Institute, the area's largest provider of rehabilitation services; Akron General Partners, which includes Partners Physician Group, the Akron General Health & Wellness Centers, Lodi Community Hospital, Community Health Centers and other companies; Akron General Community Health Ventures, which includes Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates, the largest and most comprehensive provider of home healthcare services in Ohio; and Akron General Foundation. Akron General has earned the prestigious National Research Corporation (NRC) Consumer Choice Award for 14 years. Recently, Becker’s Hospital Review named Akron General Medical Center one of the nation’s top 50 hospitals. For more information about Akron General Health System, visit About Us.
