(Telluride, CO - May 29, 2008) The Telluride Society For Jazz today announced that pianist McCoy Tyner has upon medical advice withdrawn from the 2008 Telluride Jazz Celebration (TJC) as his physician is concerned that the high altitude of the alpine resort in Colorado's San Juan Mountains where the festival takes place poses a threat to Tyner's health. The acclaimed pianist suffers from high blood pressure and while he is not ill at this time it was felt performing at nearly 9,000 feet above sea level was too risky for the pianist who will turn 70 in December.

Keyboardist Les McCann and saxophonist Javon Jackson will perform the concerts that were to feature Tyner at 9:30 pm Friday June 6 at the Michael D. Palm Theatre and outdoors at 5:30 pm Saturday June 7 at the main festival stage which will remain named The McCoy Tyner Stage in a tribute to the pianist who was to be the 2008 TJC's guest of honor. The event will instead now be dedicated to Tyner.

Tickets purchased in advance to Tyner's concert scheduled for 9:30 pm Friday, June 6 at the Michael D. Palm Theatre may be used for admission to the concert by Les McCann and Javon Jackson. Patrons holding tickets who would prefer to return their tickets for a refund should contact the Telluride Society for Jazz at 970.728.7009 or info@telluridejazz.org.