General Motors Gets Jazzed
FOR RELEASE: May 22, 2001General Motors Gets Jazzed
Atlanta, GA. - A major Atlanta corporation has joined the city's Department of Cultural Affairs to present the nation's largest free jazz festival. Camille Love, director of the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, announced earlier this month that General Motors was selected as presenting sponsor of the 24th annual Atlanta Jazz Festival, with performances scheduled at various venues throughout the city, May 20 through May 28.
The Jazz Festival kicks off Sunday afternoon, May 20 with a Jazz Brunch at Park Tavern and continues with a jazz photography exhibit/reception at Atlanta's historic Gilbert House that evening. General Motors, working through media partners V103, Kiss 104.1 and WCLK 91.9, plans to give away dozens of "Jazz Festival Survival Kits" the week of May 21-25. Each "Survival Kit" includes a backpack with insulated compartments for food and beverages, place settings for four, a blanket, a Jazz CD and a pass to the General Motors VIP hospitality area. Listen to V103, Kiss 104.1 and WCLK 91.9 on the FM dial for details on how to win. Contact the Bureau of Cultural Affairs for times and venues or visit www.atlantafestivals.com.
The Festival boasts an evening at Chastain Park with legendary performers Bob James, Michael Franks, and Patti Austin on Friday, May 25 and culminates in a weekend-long celebration at Piedmont Park, with free concerts and an artists' market. At 2:00pm on Monday, May 28, General Motors will make a special presentation on-stage at Piedmont Park to Third Power Band and Redan High School Jazz Band - the winners of the WCLK Youth Jazz Band Contest held on May 5 at City Hall East. The bands will perform as opening acts at Piedmont Park beginning at 2:30pm on Sunday, May 27 and Monday, May 28 respectively.
"The Atlanta Jazz Festival is a long-standing tradition recognized for world-class entertainment and exceptional performances. GM shares the same high standards of quality and excellence the festival represents," GM Regional General Manager William Powell explained.
"This event attracts a diverse audience and reaches academic, business and community leaders," Powell said. "We are proud to have been selected for the prestigious role as presenting sponsor."
Since Atlanta became its Southeast regional headquarters, General Motors has been active in many community programs, such as the Montreux Atlanta Jazz Festival, the Mayor's Masked Ball, and the Jim Maddox Scholarship Program. The automaker also sponsored JAZZ, a documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns which aired on PBS in January 2001. This 10-part series is a celebration of jazz music, from its origins in blues and ragtime to its evolution as arguably the most American of art forms. General Motors will also give away Ken Burns' JAZZ CDs, posters and hard cover coffee table books at various events throughout the Festival.
In 2000, GM sold about 8.6 million cars and trucks - more than any other automaker and 15.1 percent of the world vehicle market. GM's major markets are North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Its largest market is North America, where it is in its 74th year as the market leader. GM cars and trucks are sold under the following brands: Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, GMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab, Opel, Vauxhall and Holden.