Holmby Hills , CA(Hollywood Today)2/20/12/—Phoebe Rose, pugnacious pug with a predilection for sniffing out a story-went behind the scenes (and under the chairs) at the Jazz Festival Press Conference today at the Playboy Mansion, hosted by perennial host, comedian, Bill Cosby.  The Coz (wearing a retro “Hello Friend” sweatshirt) did a running gag commentary on the artist line-up, entertaining the invitation only guests and media who enjoyed refreshments, live music by the LA City Jazz band and self guided tours of the mansion’s grounds, game room and zoo.

Hef was indisposed (“under the weather”) and the only bunny ears visible belonged to Miss Rose-posing as a canine Playmate.   Cosby (touting his prowess with a cow bell and wawa pedal), cautioned the VIP guests, “Don’t send your assistant to see these bands!”

The 34th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival returns during Father’s Day weekend for two nights at the Hollywood Bowl on Saturday, June 16th and Sunday, June 17th -featuring recent Grammy-winning artists like Christian McBride Big Band and the Terri Lyne Carrington’s Mosaic Project.  Also included are rising artists like the Quincy Jones discovery Global Gumbo All-Stars.

 

Saturday’s artists:  Christian McBride Big Band, Boney James, Ozomatli, Sheila E., Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, The Soul Rebels with special guests Leo Nocentelli, Zigaboo Modeliste and Ivan Neville, Global Gumbo All Stars, COS of Good Music and more.

 

Sunday’s artists:  Ramsey Lewis Electric Band, Robin Thicke, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Keb’ Mo’, Terri Lyne Carrington’s Mosaic Project, The Cookers, Spectrum Road, Chico Trujillo, KG Omulo and more.

Single day tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster now online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by downloading a ticket order form available at www.playboyjazzfestival.com.