Live Chat Session with Wynton Marsalis Thursday, July 31, from 7:00 - 8:00 P.M., EDT

July 29, 1997 NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE) via Individual Inc. -- IBM is the host of the on-line version of a new weekly public television music series, "Sessions at West 54th," airing nationally Saturday nights from 11:00 p.m. until midnight (check local listings).

"Sessions at West 54th" features performances by a diverse array of artists, including k.d. lang, Paula Cole, Taj Mahal, Albita, Bobby McFerrin, Nil Lara, Nancy Griffith, Wynton Marsalis, Patti Smith, Phillip Glass, Luscious Jackson and Billy Bragg among many others.

The IBM-designed and hosted website at http://www.sessionsatwest54th.com will feature a live chat session with Wynton Marsalis on Thursday, July 31, 7:00-8:00 p.m., EDT. Marsalis performs his Pulitzer Prize-winning Jazz at Lincoln Center Production of "Blood On The Fields" by Wynton Marsalis with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra in its television debut on "Sessions" this Saturday, August 2, at 11:00 p.m., on public television. Acclaimed jazz musician, composer, and distinguished classical performer, Marsalis has recorded more than 30 jazz and classical albums since 1982. Among numerous other awards and accolades, he has received eight Grammys and a 1996 Peabody for his 26-part National Public Radio series, "Making the Music." He currently serves as Artistic Director for the internationally recognized Jazz at Lincoln Center program which he co-founded in 1987.

"The 'Sessions' series is a unique blend of technology and entertainment with broad appeal," said Marianne Caponnetto, Director of Worldwide Media Strategy and Operations for IBM. "It attracts the eclectic and techno-savvy audience that is our customer-base."

The website includes artists' biographies, schedules, streaming video and audio clips of artists' performances and filmed interview segments shot by documentary filmmakers D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus, nominated for an Academy Award for "The War Room." www.sessionsatwest54th.com is linked to the IBM, BMW and Sony home pages, as well as to public television and performing artist web sites.

IBM's experience hosting web sites such as the one for the recent Deep Blue chess match and for customers with web hosting requirements such as electronic trading, reservation systems and complex e-commerce catalog applications has evolved into its ability to package powerhouse capabilities into standardized offerings.

Additional programs include the following:

Aug. 9

Sonic Youth and Bill Frisell with special guest Jimmie Dale Gilmore This "session" features Sonic Youth, pioneers of the American indie explosion of the lare '80s; and Bill Frisell, the electric guitar wizard, who performs in a largely acoustic setting with some of the finest bluegrass and country & western musicians, including legendary dobro player Jerry Douglas, vocalist Robin Holcomb and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.

Aug.16

Richard Thompson and Suzanne Vega This program pairs Richard Thompson, the widely admired and extraordinary folk-rock guitarist, singer and lyricist, with Suzanne Vega, who returns to her folk roots with a performance combining astute couplets with catchy folk-based storytelling.

Aug.23

Shawn Colvin and Keb' Mo' Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Shawn Colvin demonstrates the beauty of her voice, the range and honesty opf her feelings, and her innovative guitar playing. L.A.-bred, New Orleans-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Keb' Mo' presents colorful and compelling songs that range from 12-bar blues to folk-R&B-style storytelling.

[Copyright 1997, Business Wire]