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Text Box:         Monday Night Jazz Returns The longest-running free jazz concert series in the nation returns to Bushnell Park this summer, thanks to generous support from Prudential Retirement, a business of Prudential Financial.  The Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series presented by Prudential Financial will kick off its 40th season on Monday, July 9, 2007. IN 2006, Prudential partnered with the series producer Garden Area Neighborhood Council and the Greater Hartford Arts Council, another longtime funder of the program, to bring the popular series back to the more central and accessible downtown location.  The Monday Night Jazz Series moved temporarily last year to Trinity College’s Vernon Center due to budget constraints.  The multi-year agreement with Prudential is designed to provide greater financial stability to the series, as well as additional technical and marketing support from the Arts Council. “Prudential is committed to supporting and enriching the communities in which we work and live.  We view the arts — including the Jazz series — as an important component of educational and economic development, and as one more tool to attract and retain talent for our businesses and our city,” stated John Kim, president of Prudential Retirement.  “We are excited to support the great tradition of the Jazz Series and to bring it back to Bushnell Park, where most people can enjoy the performances of the many musicians who make this such a vibrant part of our city’s culture.”  Since 1967, the Monday Night Jazz Series has brought world-famous musicians and local aspiring artists together to perform free concerts for the public during July and August.  Under the direction of renowned jazz bassist Paul Brown, the series’ many contributing international luminaries have helped to create a loyal and large audience base.  In fact, nearly 50,000 jazz fans of all stripes enjoy the concerts each year, and come from Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York, as well as Connecticut. “Prudential is a lifesaver for this series,” said series founder Paul Brown.  “Not only are they supporting the series financially, they’re promoting it and encouraging their employees to get involved.  This is a big plus for the residents and the City of Hartford.  I can’t think of a better way to reclaim Bushnell Park for jazz on Monday evenings.  It’s also especially exciting to see that others share my passion.”  “This series is a beloved tradition in our city, and one of the foundations of Greater Hartford’s vibrant jazz scene,” said Ken Kahn, Executive Director of the Greater Hartford Arts Council.  “With many more people living downtown now, particularly right around the perimeter of Bushnell Park, it’s important that we foster this kind of free, first-rate cultural programming that gives our city its distinctive character.” Kahn noted that, with support from Prudential, the Arts Council will work to enhance the visibility of the series, with street banners, posters, flyers and other promotional materials. Five concerts are planned for the 2006 Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz Series presented by Prudential Financial.  The season kicks off on Monday, July 10, at 6 p.m. with the Christian Sands Trio, a local youth jazz group, and Clark Terry, a Grammy-winning, world-class trumpeter, flugelhornist, educator, and NEA Jazz Master.  The series will run on consecutive Mondays through August 7. Prudential Retirement delivers retirement plan solutions for public, private, and non-profit organizations.  Services include state-of-the-art record keeping, administration, investment management, comprehensive employee investment education and communications, and trustee services. With over 80 years of retirement experience, Prudential Retirement meets the needs of two million defined contribution participants and more than one million defined benefit participants and annuitants.  Prudential Retirement has more than $139 billion in retirement account values as of March 31, 2006. Prudential Financial companies, with approximately $547 billion in total assets under management as of March 31, 2006, serve individual and institutional customers worldwide and include The Prudential Insurance Company of America, one of the largest life insurance companies in the United States. These companies offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, mutual funds, annuities, pension and retirement-related services and administration, asset management, banking and trust services, real estate brokerage franchises, relocation services and, through a joint venture, retail securities brokerage services. For more information, visit www.prudential.com. The Greater Hartford Arts Council enlivens the spirit and economy of Connecticut’s Capital Region by planning, promoting and raising funds for cultural programs that are building one of our nation’s most vibrant communities.  It is the largest independent arts council in New England, runs the 9th largest United Arts fund in the country and is a national leader in diversified services and cultural promotions.  The Greater Hartford Arts Council has raised and invested nearly $42 million for the arts over 34 years, helping to rank Greater Hartford in the top 6 percent of metropolitan areas in North America for its arts and culture.  More information about the Greater Hartford Arts Council may be found at www.ConnectTheDots.org. Contact: Contact:  Rie Poirier-Campbell GHAC 860.525.8629 ext. 237 cell: 860.539.0078 RPoirier@ConnectTheDots.org   Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz 860.521.4388 Harold Banks Prudential 973.802.8974 cell: 973.216.4833                                                          Paul Brown, MNJ     Harold Banks, Prudential May 31, 2006                           860-525-8629 ext. 237                                     860-521-4388             973-802-8974                                                   cell: 860-539-0078                                                                               cell: 973-216-4833                                                   RPoirier@ConnectTheDots.org