The Line-Up for the Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival, 9/10/11

The City of Albany’s Office of Special Events has announced the line-up for the tenth annual Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival, which is slated to take place at the Corning Preserve’s Riverfront Park from 12noon-8:30pm on Saturday, September 10. Admission is free.

As we noted earlier this week, the Downtown Albany Jazz Fest Competition will take place from 6-10pm on Friday, September 9, in a variety of downtown venues, and the winner of the competition will kick off the Saturday Jazz Fest at 12noon.

Here’s the rest of the line-up for 2011’s Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival:

1pm: MICHAEL BENEDICT & BOPITUDE
The Nippertown jazz supergroup released their self-titled debut earlier this year, featuring an all-star line-up that includes drummer and bandleader Michael Benedict, pianist Bruce Barth, trumpeter Chris Pasin, tenor saxophonist Brian Patneaude and upright bassist Mike Lawrence.

2:15pm: SIMONE
The dynamic singer, songwriter, performer and daughter of the great Nina Simone boasts a resume that includes starring rolls in such Broadway shows as “Rent” and “Aida,” as well as a repertoire that stretches from pop to soul, from jazz to rock to funk.

4pm: JEFF COFFIN MU’TET
The three-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and composer has made his mark as a member of the Dave Matthews Band and Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, but his Mu’tet – featuring Jeff Sipe on drums, Kofi Burbridge (of the Derek Trucks Band) on flute and keyboards, Bill Fanning on trumpet and Felix Pastorious on electric bass – is even more exotic. The band made its Nippertown debut back in March at the College of St. Rose’s Massry Center. (Read our review here.)

5:30pm: BIG SAM’S FUNKY NATION
Trombonist and bandleader Big Sam Williams leads his brass-fueled band through a high-voltage hybrid of rock, jazz and funk.

7pm: KEVIN EUBANKS
The adventurous and eclectic guitarist is best known to millions for his 18 years as bandleader on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” where he played with everyone from Willie Nelson to B.B. King. His latest album is “Zen Food.”

The festival will also feature a special 9/11 remembrance ceremony at 3:30pm and a fireworks display at 8:15pm. Food and beverages will be available to purchase. And there will also be plenty of kids’ activities.

MORE FESTIVALS ON THE 2011 CALENDAR:

The Big Up @ Sunnyview Farm, Ghent, July 28-30
Rensselaerville Festival of Writers @ Conkling Hall and other locations, Rensselaerville, July 28-31
Ballston Spa Film Festival @ various locations, Ballston Spa, August 4-6, FREE
Bluestock Music Festival @ Hunter Mountain, Hunter, August 26-28
Jazz at the Lake: Lake George Jazz Weekend @ Shepard Park, Lake George, September 17-18, FREE