OC Pavilion Announces The Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Ensemble

The world class OC Pavilion is pleased to welcome The Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Ensemble to perform on Cinco de Mayo, May 5, 2007 at 8:00 PM. Ticket prices range from $25-$35 and are on sale now through the OC Pavilion box office at 714-550-0880.

This one night event will feature the talents of Edmund Velasco, Ruben Estrada, Rene Camacho, Mike Bennett, Bryan Brock and Mark Massey. Edmund Velasco has played professionally for the past fifteen years with such top names as Mel Torme, Eddie Daniels, Ernie Andrews and many others. Since the early age of eight, Edmund knew that playing the saxophone was what he wanted to do. When he finally was old enough to play one at age ten, he knew that this would be his life's work.

He is currently leading his own quintet which has been active for the past eight years, writing and directing as well as producing three CD’s. Alligator Rhythm on Subrosa records (1996) and The Blues in Me (2000) and Smoke Rises (2004). All three recordings have received very favorable reviews in the press. The Blues in me was nominated for the Jazz Recording of the Year by the L.A. Music Awards.

"Generating new waves in modern mainstream jazz, the Edmund Velasco Quintet drives forward with energy and a positive outlook. Swinging from start to finish, they turn each session into a festival," said Bob Agnew, LA Jazz Scene April 2004.

Edmund has performed at many important local venues, including the Jazz Bakery in Culver City, Steamers Cafe in Fullerton, and L.A.'s Catalina Bar & Grill. He has also performed for arts and music festivals throughout their state including The Day of Music in Long Beach and The San Jose Jazz Festival. He has also has performed in Portugal at the Manoshinos Festival and the Funchal Jazz Festival. He was named the top Tenor Sax Artist in Orange County in 1998 & 1999 by the Orange County Weekly.

He can be seen as a featured soloist with The Estrada Brothers Latin Jazz Ensemble and has just finished recording their next CD release. He has regularly performances with The Chris Williams Quintet and has made guest appearances with Dan Fanley, Joe LaBarbara, Tony Dumas, Ron Eschete and many others. He has performed twice at the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.

The concert begins at 8:00 PM and doors to the OC Pavilion and Ambrosia Restaurant open at 5:00 PM. Dinner reservations are highly recommended.

The OC Pavilion is home to an intimate 529 person capacity theatre and the 5-star, world class restaurant Ambrosia. The Vault VIP Lounge is open before and after each theatre performance, offering appetizers, drinks and desserts featuring a live jazz trio. The Vault VIP Lounge, formerly a bank vault, retains its authenticity by keeping the original vault doors while incorporating the feel of an upscale lounge with custom leather seating and hightop pedestal tables.

About the OC Pavilion – www.ocpavilion.com
From chandeliers to exquisite hand painted murals, the OC Pavilion most intimate and exclusive performing arts theater and restaurant complex in Orange County, California. Located in historic downtown Santa Ana “the Golden City”, our beautifully appointed theater with a capacity of only 528 seats assures you of an exceptional close up view of any event. With our state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems and a myriad of high-resolution video screens, we are quickly becoming known as Orange County's own "jewel box". The theatre features various musical and theatrical events and is available for private leasing. For more information, contact 714-550-0880.

About the Edmund Velasco Latin Jazz Experience
Edmund Velasco is a native Southern Californian that has been recognized as one of the top sax men in the area. He is currently leading his own quintet which has been active for the past eight years, writing and directing as well as producing three CD’s. For more information on Edmund Velasco, visit http://www.edmundvelasco.com

High-resolution images are available by contacting Jamie Pastor at 714-550-0880, ext. 229 or by email at jpastor@ocpavilion.com