A special feature of this year’s Competition, Blue Note Records 70th Anniversary Gala Concert, will bring together the biggest names in music, showcasing Blue Note recording artists past and present, including Monk Institute Chairman Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves, Wayne Shorter, Kurt Elling, Bobby McFerrin, Ron Carter, Terence Blanchard, McCoy Tyner, Earl Klugh, John Scofield, and Joe Lovano.
The 2009 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Bass Competition takes place on October 11th. President Barack Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama will serve as the honorary chairs. Co-chairs include Madeleine Albright, Herb and Lani Alpert, Quincy Jones, Debra Lee, Bill and Carolyn Powers, and Joseph E. Robert Jr.