The 2006 BMW Pop-Jazz Live Tour will get off to a rousing start with a special debut show in the birthplace of jazz at the historic jazz venue Tipitina’s French Quarter, 8/18 at 8pm.

The New Orleans show—conceived as a “tribute” to the Big Easy in recognition of New Orleans’ singular contribution to jazz history—will feature the tour headliner Mike Phillips, who appears courtesy of Hidden Beach Recordings. Phillips, a NAACP Image Award Nominee, regularly tours and collaborates with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Prince and Jill Scott.

Phillips will be joined by local jazz legends Kermit Ruffins and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews. The invited audience will include community leaders, dignitaries, local jazz musicians and New Orleans residents.

Mike Phillips is renowned for his signature passion and magnetic presence challenging the established jazz norms by embracing a variety of musical influences while adding his own unique flavor to the mix. These skills earn him the distinction of being the first and only non-athlete endorsed by Brand Jordan. Phillips can also been seen hosting his music-lifestyle show, Mike’s World on BET J.

Dedicated to “re-inventing” jazz for a younger, sophisticated and hipper generation audience with new ideas on what jazz should be, the 2006 BMW Pop-Jazz Live Tour will then travel to six other cities: Chicago, 9/13; Washington, D.C., 9/19; New York, 9/21; Atlanta, 9/26; San Francisco, 10/10; and Los Angeles, 10/12. Further information about Mike Phillips and the tour are available at http://www.ipopjazz.com.

In addition to title sponsor BMW, The 2006 BMW Pop-Jazz Live Tour will be sponsored by Harman Kardon and will benefit VH1 Save The Music; and supported by a multi-platform marketing plan designed to connect with an invited audience of multicultural influencers in the 25-49 demographic..

For interviews and media passes, contact Sandra Tarver at Matlock Advertising & Public Relations at 404-962-8432 by Friday, August 18, noon.