Comedian and music buff Bill Cosby is to bow out as the longtime host of the Playboy Jazz Festival after introducing acts at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles this weekend.

Cosby has been a regular fixture at Hugh Hefner's annual music event since 1979.

No reason has been given for the veteran's decision to step down as host but event producer Darlene Chan tells the Los Angeles Times, "Playboy Jazz fans will surely miss his familiar and charismatic presence in his customary seat on stage right, enjoying the music, often sitting in with a cowbell or shaker or just waving a white hankie to start a New Orleans second line or a long, winding conga line."