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Dear Mr. LaRosa: It's my distinct pleasure to once again invite you and "America's Youngest Jazz Band" to appear at the 21st annual M&T Jazz Fest in Syracuse, NY. Last year's engagement by this outstanding student ensemble proved to be such a highlight at last year's jazz festival that I, in my dual capacities as artistic director, festival founder and executive producer, felt compelled to extend an invitation for a repeat engagement on (Saturday) June 21st and (Sunday) 22nd, in Syracuse. In the past 20 years, rarely, if ever, have we extended repeat invitations to any artist, and that includes Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck and many other Jazz legends and notables who have graced our stage over the past two decades. In fact, it's almost become a festival rule to not invite anyone back, no matter how stellar their performance in any given year. But, these kids are absolutely terrific and an exception to that rule Sonny, and you're to be commended for the outstanding job you've done with them as band director and Jazz educator.They look like pros, they act like pros, they dress like pros, and they're a great "act" and highly entertaining and engaging. And their parents are such wonderful folks who seemed to really enjoy being at the festival. On this end, everyone loved them. And when I say everyone, I mean the media, the fans, the sponsors, other student musicians in attendance and all of the area's jazz educators and band directors from Central and Upstate NY, as well as the music critics who were were in attendance. They were a huge hit and deserving of a repeat engagement. So, I hope you'll accept this invitation to return to the Syracuse Jazz Fest again this year for two featured performances - one on the festival's scholastic stage on Saturday evening, and again the following afternoon on the festival's main stage on Sunday afternoon. We hope your calendar will also permit you to join us on Friday evening for what we know will be another incredible evening of Jazz and great music. If you come in a day early for the festival's opening night, the 25 hotel rooms you'll be needing are on us. We're also planning a major fireworks display that evening for families and youngsters in attendance. So, when your schedule permits, please get back to me and let us know if this invitation is acceptable. And please know we'd be honored to have this great little big band on our festival stage again this June. Frank Malfitanofestival director, Syracuse Jazz Fest |
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