Coffee-table book celebrates Monterey Jazz

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the Monterey Jazz Festival has released a coffee-table book of posters, programs and photographs dating back to the first festival in 1958. The Art of Jazz: Monterey Jazz Festival/50 Years features reproductions of posters by such artists and designers as Earl Newman, Eldon Dedini, Batista Moon Studios, Judy Anderson, Ron Grauer, Harry Briggs, Jeeun Lee and the book’s designer, Jerry Takigawa.

The book includes a foreword by noted festival supporter and filmmaker Clint Eastwood, plus essays on the history of the festival by music and culture writers Keith and Kent Zimmerman. It also includes historical and contemporary photographs of the many jazz greats who have played the festival.

The 142-page book is available for pre-order at the MJF website and will be available at bookstores across the country beginning July 31. This year's festival, which will include various events commerating the 50-year milestone, takes place September 21-23 at the Monterey Fairgrounds in Monterey CA.