George Gershwin's masterpiece, Porgy & Bess, premiered in 1935.

Over the years, there have been many jazz-based interpretations of this classic score. For "Porgy & Bess ... Redefined!," the AJI brings together two of the most adventuresome talents on the current jazz scene. Tenor saxophonist Billy Harper and trumpeter Tim Hagans have made significant recorded statements as leaders, as well as lending their superb voices to the projects of many other prominent artists.

Harper is most widely known for his numerous recordings on the DIW and Denon labels, while Hagans has five discs on Blue Note Records.

A brand new, totally original approach to Porgy & Bess has been conceived by the AJI's Mark Masters to feature these two major improvisational talents. Featured with them in the environment of the AJI Big Band will be the distinguished Joe La Barbera (drums), Dave Woodley (trombone), and Gary Smulyan (baritone sax).

Please join the AJI for this special event and what promises to be a truly memorable program.