Win a Photo Shoot with William Claxton

Center for Jazz Arts Press Release

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif./EWORLDWIRE/Dec. 9, 2006 --- One of the most beloved photographers in the world, William Claxton transcends the ordinary to the extraordinary as he captures the essence of life with emotion - a feeling that is universally understood - via an unprecedented event to benefit the Center for Jazz Arts (CJA), an organization dedicated to growing global understanding of and appreciation for American values. On December 15, the virtual gavel will go down on five separate auctions, each featuring a distinct opportunity to accompany Claxton on a photo shoot with a celebrity - from Star Trek to stardom, each lays claim to fame and recognition in the creative arts industry, along with a long list of distinguished awards and accolades. To commemorate the occasion of the time spent with Claxton and the illustrious personality, the winning bidder will receive a limited edition print selected from the shoot.

Notables participating are:

- Blythe Danner - Currently starring in Off-Broadway’s “Suddenly Last Summer,” Danner is widely recognized for her prolific career spanning theatre, film, and television. The mother of Gwyneth Paltrow has received Emmy and Tony awards, along with the distinguished Katharine Hepburn Medal.

- LeVar Burton - As an award-winning actor, director, writer, producer and educator, the character of Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge on the television series Start Trek: The Next Generation has become synonymous with Burton. Through his service as national co-chair, with First Lady Laura Bush, of the PBS “Share-A-Story” literacy campaign, Burton has garnered ten Emmy Awards for his work.

- Steward Copeland - Inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, five Grammys and numerous other awards, along with the sale of more than 60,000,000 records worldwide, speak volumes about the popularity of this artist.

- Buddy Collette - The first-ever, African-American musician hired to a Hollywood studio orchestra (Groucho Marx Show, 1949), Collette went on to become part of an equally landmark breakthrough, as a member of the first Academy Awards Show orchestra ever to include the participation of African-American musicians (Academy Awards, 1964). Returning to the very spot from which the 1964 Academy Award ceremonies were originally telecast (the Santa Monica Civic Center), join Bill Claxton and Buddy Collette as part of an exclusive photo shoot on the stage of the historic Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.

- Pete Rugolo - Capitol Records producer, arranger, and composer Pete Rugolo is celebrated for his early work with American musical icons Stan Kenton, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat “King” Cole and numerous others, and he returns to Capitol Records Studios in Hollywood for the shoot.

- William Claxton - With his images forever embodying the innocence, diversity, and individual character of some of the most cherished figures from American music, television, and film, a partial list of some William Claxton’s celebrity subjects includes: Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando, Marlene Dietrich, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Igor Stravinsky, Sting, Duke Ellington, Judy Garland, Shirley MacLaine, Billie Wilder, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, John Coltrane, Chris Rock, Martin Short, Jon Stewart, Billy Crystal, Spike Lee, Nathan Lane, Dan Ackroyd, Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, and numerous others.

To bid on one of these extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experiences, visit ‘http://www.charityfolks.com/cfstores/charity_reg/charity_auctions.asp?slrid=163’.

About the Center for Jazz Arts
Framed by the events of September 11th, the work of the Center for Jazz Arts is dedicated to building urgently needed, new channels of understanding for the unifying role of American values and American popular culture around the world.

Bringing-to-light countless lessons of diversity, tolerance, and shared cultural heritage through increased public awareness across numerous fields of the arts, the CJA works in close cooperation with leading institutions throughout the United States and Europe: from Abbey Road Studios and Royal Albert Hall in London, to the U.S. Postal Service in Washington and the distinguished University of Paris American Studies Program.

“The CJA is committed to advancing greater understanding for the unparalleled, shared national heritage created through the embrace of American popular culture, both within and beyond its borders,” stated Guy DeFazio, Center for Jazz Arts president and chairman, “and William Claxton’s lens continues to bring inspiring and indelible images of our culture to millions around the world.”

To speak with the Center for Jazz Arts President, Guy DeFazio, call 866-950-5200.

Published: Sunday, December 10, 2006

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