>> Michael Occhipinti’s new CD The Sicilian Jazz Project will be released June 24^th, 2008!

Click on the Sicilian Jazz Project link to read more about the group and don’t forget to visit www.myspace.com/thesicilianjazzproject www.myspace.com/thesicilianjazzproject

Michael Occhipinti will be touring the Sicilian Jazz Project this summer and all of Michael’s gigs are up at www.myspace.com/michaelocchipinti

>> Michael Occhipinti is inviting all amateur musicians to get out their instruments (even if you haven’t touched them in a long time) and get playing! Michael is the new Artistic Director of the summer music camp at the Ontario Music Centre (www.cammac.ca) in Lakefield, Ontario. The camp is aimed at adult amateur musicians and their families (there’s a great kids program too) and offers a broad array of programs including jazz, classical music, world music, musical theatre and choral music. There are two one-week camps starting August 3rd (more focused on jazz and world music) and August 10th (more focused on classical music) and Michael has assembled a faculty made up of some of Canada’s finest musicians.

>> Amateur and student musicians are also invited to study jazz in an ensemble situation with Michael year-round at the Royal Conservatory of Music where Michael runs the jazz combo program. Visit www.rcmusic.ca

>> When he’s not playing jazz, Michael is part of The Lester McLean Trio performing acoustic soul, pop, and r&b. The trio features Lester McLean on vocals and saxophone, Louis Simao on upright bass and Michael on guitar, and their CD Best Foot Forward is now available. Visit www.lestermclean.com or look for the group on iTunes.

>> Michael is also busy with his funk band Grooveyard. Check out www.grooveyard.info