Playboy Jazz Festival to celebrate George Duke
In this May, 4, 2013, file photo, jazz pianist George Duke performs with bassist Stanley Clarke, background, at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans. AP
LOS ANGELES–Singer Al Jarreau and bassist Stanley Clarke will celebrate the life of their friend and musical partner George Duke at the opening concert of the 36th annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association is presenting the festival for the first time June 14-15. It announced the lineup for the weekend event on Monday.
George Benson and fellow smooth jazz guitarist Earl Klugh will headline the closing concert.
Saturday’s concert will feature a tribute to Duke. The keyboardist, singer, composer and producer headlined last year’s Playboy opener and was a frequent participant in the Los Angeles area’s biggest jazz event.
Duke died of leukemia last August at age 67.
