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The Pacific Jazz Institute at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley presents for two nights pianist Geri Allen with special guests Oliver Lake (alto saxophone/bass clarinet), Don Byron (clarinets), Dwayne Dolphin (bass) and Jeff “Tain” Watts (drums) performing a tribute to Eric Dolphy. Set times Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30pm. Doors open at 6:00pm Tuesday and 5:30pm Wednesday.

It is a sign not only of greatness but vitality when artists repeatedly challenge themselves and their listeners through works that both affirm and expand the legacies of their art form. Geri Allen meets this standard. For all that she has achieved as a composer, performer, and scholar, her two debut releases for Motéma Music--Flying Toward The Sound and Geri Allen & Timeline, Live--vividly document her boundless curiosity, innovation, and commitment to growth and diversity in every aspect of her artistry.

"Any survey of jazz recordings in early 2010 ought to grapple with pianist Geri Allen, who's issued two stunning new releases prior to mid-June. One is the debut recording from Timeline, a sparkling new band which features a tap dancer; the other is Flying Toward the Sound, a remarkable solo recording. The title track is dedicated to pianist McCoy Tyner, whose signature percussive style is refracted toward introspection and beauty. There's a dense, dreamy lyricism to the whole thing; allow it to reveal itself, and it'll prove as satisfying as anything in Allen's catalog." - Patrick Jarenwattananon, NPR Music

Born in Pontiac, Michigan, Allen is one of the first musicians of her generation to move gracefully to and from a diverse array of jazz universes, including those as wide ranging as that of free jazz innovator Ornette Coleman, jazz singer Betty Carter and the free jazz of M-Base Collective. 2009-10 also finds Allen engaged in the yearlong Centennial Celebration of Mary Lou Williams. "I have always known I could embrace the entire spectrum of jazz and have my freedom" explains Allen.

As Associate Professor of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan many honors have come her way. She was recently invited by Ms. Jessye Norman to participate in Honor, A Celebration Of the Legacy Of African Music, held at Carnegie Hall Spring, 2008. She has received the key to the city of Cambridge during Geri Allen Week at Harvard University, and the key to the city of Cleveland. Howard University has honored her with its Benny Golson Award, while Spelman College bestowed its African Classical Music Award on her in 2007. Professor Allen is a 2008-2009 Guggenheim Fellow for Musical Composition and holds a master's degree in ethnomusicology from The University of Pittsburgh.

www.geriallen.com