Chinese jazz band makes breakthrough exchange

In addition to the performances, the Youth Jazz Band of Tianjin Conservatory will be on hand for a free question-and-answer session at the University of Utah's Libby Gardner Hall on Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m.

In addition to the Youth Band, other performers for this year's Salt Lake International Jazz Festival include the Salt Lake City Jazz Orchestra with Tierney Sutton and Vincent Falcone, Santa Fe & the Fat City Horns, Spyro Gyra and Tower of Power. (See accompanying schedule).

Festival director Jerry Floor said this year's festival has been a challenge because of the economy.

"We've had to find ways of creating a quality jazz festival," he said. "In the past, we've had sponsors and donations, but everyone has been hit one way or another, and we've had to make adjustments."

One of the adjustments was the admission price.

"An individual day pass is $16," he said. "But a three-day pass is $30. If you do the math, it's still cheaper to buy a three-day pass, even if you can only make it to two days."

Floor said the Salt Lake International Jazz Festival remains important for Utah.

"We love the music, and we want to keep having the festival in Salt Lake," he said. "So we do all we can do to make it happen."

If you go . . .

What: The Salt Lake City International Jazz Festival

What: Washington Square, 450 S. 200 East

When: July 10, 4:30 p.m.; July 11-12, 3 p.m.

How much: $16 for daily pass; $30 for three-day pass

Phone: 801-467-8499, 800-888-8499

Web: www.slcjazzfestival.org or www.smithstix.com

E-mail: scott@desnews.com