Tickets for the 29th Telluride Jazz Celebration are now on sale. Jazz Festival Director Paul Machado said Patron Passes and All-Access Passes sell quickly, so purchasing passes early (and at a discounted price) is the best way to make sure you don't miss out on the celebration. Early bird discount prices for single day tickets are $45. Limited Three Day Park Passes are $115 and include entry to the outdoor town park stage. Limited All-Access Passes are $155 and include entry to the town park stage and participating night venues, on a first-come first-seated basis after Patrons, Sponsors and Artists. Patron Passes, $575, include entry to all participating night venues, special stage-side seating, and food and beverage catering at the Town Park. They also include invitation to outdoor activities, the opening party and a special invitation to an evening performance by Lizz Wright at the Sheridan Opera House on August 6. Tickets are available online at www.telluridejazz.com, www.tellurideticket.com or by calling the Jazz Office at 970/728-7009. The Telluride Jazz Celebration is known for mixing international and contemporary jazz acts and looks to be doing it once again this year by putting together another outstanding line-up. That line-up includes three world famous bassists – Ron Carter (this year’s Guest of Honor), Dave Holland and his Quintet, and Steve Swallow – respected by jazz lovers as well as jazz artists for their mastery of the bass instrument. The festival has also added rock legend Dave Mason for the weekend. “We are very excited to have Dave Mason on Friday night,” said Machado. “His classic tunes like Feelin’ Alright, Let it Flow and We Just Disagree will be real crowd pleasers.” Other performers include legendary electric guitarist John Scofield and his Trio (Steve Swallow playing electric bass and Bill Stewart on drums); newcomer Lizz Wright with her smokey, full-bodied voice; Horizon, featuring saxophonist Bobby Watson; Latin rhythms from the Rumero Lubambo and Pamela Driggs Duo; spicy “salsa” dance sounds from the 11-piece vocal and instrumental ensemble band Conjunto Colores; and traditional New Orleans-style jazz from the Queen City Jazz Band. Last, though certainly not least, will be the band Garage à Trois, providing this year’s celebration with its unique jazz-fusion funk sound. Garage à Trois is the union of the musical forces of Charlie Hunter (8-string guitar virtuoso); Galactic drummer Stanton Moore; percussionist and vibraphonist Mike Dillon (Critters Buggin’, Les Claypool); and saxophonist Skerik (Critters Buggin’, Tuatara, Les Claypool, Elemental, Roger Waters). These guys blew the crowds away at Jazz Fest 2000 and since then have made a full-length album, Emphasizer, and toured together when schedules allowed. “Seeing these guys jam, improvise and play is not to be missed, and is rare,” said Machado. The Raynier Institute and Foundation, Telluride Foundation and the Telluride Society for Jazz invites young musicians ages 13 and over to audition for a position in the 2005 Telluride Student Jazz All-Stars. Ten young artists will be chosen from among the finest young jazz musicians nationwide for the ensemble and will be directed by renowned Yamaha Artist/Clinician Bob Montgomery. The deadline to audition is June 1, for more information about the audition visit the Jazz website at www.telluridejazz.com. “Each year we are truly amazed at the caliber of artist we have been able to bring to Telluride,” Machado said. “We always want to keep the festival intimate for the jazz artists who perform and for the jazz and music lovers who want to enjoy great music in a natural setting and in ideal night venues.” For more information about camping/lodging, restaurants and/or more information check out the Telluride Jazz Society website at www.telluridejazz.com.