Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday: A Tribute to Global Unity

CHICAGO, IL. (Top40 Charts/ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic) - Millennium Park is set to come alive with vibrant sounds and the spirit of global unity during a special free concert in honor of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday on July 21, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion.

The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP) is presenting "Hope in Action," which will be hosted by broadcast legend Bill Kurtis.

Orbert Davis, well-honored jazz trumpeter and artistic director/conductor of the CJP, composed a piece exclusively for the concert that weaves jazz, classical and South African melodies. The program also features special guest performances by Zim Ngqawana, a prominent South African jazz saxophonist; Ari Brown; Dee Alexander; and T'keyah Crystal Keymah.

"The inspiration to compose this work for the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic comes from the many parallels I can draw between Mandela's ideals of perseverance, his mission for diversity, reconciliation and equality, and how the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic embodies these ideals both externally and internally," Davis said.

Honorary co-chairs Maggie Daley, Chicago's First Lady, and the South African Consul General in Chicago Pearl Nomvume Magaqa, will be presented with beautifully handcrafted "Hope in Action" brooches designed by noted Oak Street Jeweler Lester Lampert. "I handcrafted the elegant brooches to pay homage to Mandela's global contributions and in the spirit of all Chicagoans. These brooches incorporate the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic's official Hope in Action logo. It's an honor to present them to Mrs. Daley and to Ms. Magaqa."

In conjunction with the concert, CJP has launched a Website, www.chicagoformandela.org, where well-wishers can send birthday greetings to Mr. Mandela and learn more about the event.