FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Crocker’s Third Thursday Jazz
Summer Concert Series
Features Iván Nájera June 18

April 23, 2009 – Sacramento, Calif. – An all-star cast of jazz musicians are slated to perform during the Crocker Art Museum’s popular Third Thursday Jazz Summer Concert Series. From May through September, concerts are held outside on the third Thursday of the month from 5:30-8 p.m. Light refreshments and beverages are available for purchase. Concerts are free to Crocker members and $10 for nonmembers. Ecuador born guitarist Iván Nájera will perform June 18. When it comes to contagious guitar rhythms and improvisational talent, Nájera is a true master. His sound is influenced by Spanish and Latin jazz rhythms and has been described as exhilarating and contagious.

Nájera’s influences are rich in cultural diversity, inspired by styles that include traditional Spanish Flamenco, Brazilian, Tropicalia, Andean, jazz and contemporary. He accompanies these with an underlying hint of classical seasoning, which he believes rests at the heart of any truly exceptional composition. Over the past year, Nájera has begun to add vocals to his musical mixtures. He now complements his guitar playing with a soft, evocative baritone that enhances the dimension of his music.

Najera will also be releasing his newest album at the performance, an exhilarating mixture of Spanish and Latin jazz, with a surprising upbeat element of explosive passion that makes this his most danceable release to date. He says of the new album, "This CD was born in my soul,” states the classically trained guitarist. “It is the manifestation of all that has happened in the years since my last release, and it is a testament to life. To living. To old friends and new beginnings.”

The Third Thursday Jazz Summer Concert series is supported in part by 94.7 KSSJ, Renwood Winery, Rubicon Brewing Co. and Pepsi. For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org/jazz.

The Crocker Art Museum was founded in 1885 and continues as the leading art institution for the California Capital Region and Central Valley. The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events and programs to augment its collections of California, European and Asian artworks. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Sunday; 1st and 3rd Thursdays until 9 p.m. Free admission on Sundays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. is made possible through the support of Bank of America. For more information on exhibits and events call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

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Media Contact: Kathleen C. Richards
Media: (916) 808-5157
Public: (916) 808-7000

216 O Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.crockerartmuseum.org

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10.27.09
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10.20.09
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10.09.09
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10.08.09
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09.24.09
Crocker Art Museum's First Director Receives First Solo Museum Exhibit

09.22.09
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09.14.09
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09.09.09
Crocker Receives Grants From Two National Organizations

09.02.09
38th Annual Art and Antiques Show and Sale October 23-25

08.24.09
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08.21.09
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08.20.09
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08.05.09
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06.26.09
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06.04.09
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06.03.09
Crocker's Third Thursday Jazz Summer Concert Series Features Peter Morgan August 20

05.28.09
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05.26.09
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05.21.09
Crocker Participates in Bank of America's Museums on Us Program

05.11.09
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04.23.09
Crocker’s Third Thursday Jazz Summer Concert Series Features Iván Nájera June 18

04.22.09
Summer Art Classes Announced

04.20.09
Call for Regional Artists

04.16.09
Financial & Estate Planning
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04.01.09
Second Seminar Offered of Financial & Legal Planning for Same-Sex Couples

03.23.09
Senior Art Social Hearkens to Bygone Era

03.19.09
Regional Artists Featured in Two Art Auction Events

03.18.09
Crocker’s Third Thursday Jazz
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Parrish Prints Debut at the Crocker

02.20.09
Crocker Launches Arts Stimulus Package

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01.12.09
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