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Everything Amelia Th e people, events, and history that make Amelia a special place
everythingAmelia
PEOPLE, PLACES, HISTORY & MORE
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BY JULIE SIMMONS
LES DEMERLE VALENTINE’S DAY BIG BAND SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT CONCERT FEBRUARY 13
Grab your sweetheart and join Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele for the Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s 10th annual Valentine’s Day Big Band Bash Scholarship Benefi t Concert. Th e Valentine’s Day Masquerade Ball is Saturday, February 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. Guests can look forward to dinner and entertainment by the Dynamic Les DeMerle 17-piece Orchestra with vocalist Bonnie Eisele and special guests performing classics by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and more!
Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 6:30 p.m. for cocktails, musician meet-and-greet, and to peruse the amazing silent auction presentation. Suggested dress is smart casual/elegant, and the team wants you to know that they are taking social distancing very seriously. In partnership with the Omni Resort, every precaution is being taken, including tables socially distanced with seating for four.
All of the event’s proceeds will benefi t the Amelia Island Jazz Festival Scholarship Program. Awarded annually to a graduating high school senior, this scholarship helps to fund college expenses to earn a major or minor in music, helping talented, local young artists pursue their dreams of becoming jazz musicians. Tickets start at $90. For ticket purchases and further information, visit www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com. TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN’S GALA RETURNS ON MARCH 13
Take Stock in Children of Nassau County is excited to announce a virtual gala this year on Saturday, March 13 at 7 p.m. The “Home Grown Virtual Gala” is inspired by Take Stock in Children’s desire to support and showcase local businesses in Nassau County while featuring talented and deserving students, all while keeping guests safe at home. Attendees will pick up a three-course meal from the popular Lagniappe restaurant and tune into the program live-streamed. The gala will be hosted by John Drew from Amelia Community Theatre and will feature entertainment by Take Stock in Children students. There will also be a virtual auction to bid on fun excursions, unique art and jewelry, and gift certifi cates to local restaurants and shops.
Take Stock in Children is a non-profi t organization working to stop the cycle of poverty for low-income students through mentoring, support, and scholarship programs. Gala proceeds, along with public and private donations, help qualifi ed Nassau County students achieve their dreams for a better future through their own hard work and TSIC’s support. “We hope you will join us for this fun event and make a difference for these talented students,” says Regina Lee, Chair of TSIC’s Board of Directors. Visit www.takestocknassau.org for more information and tickets.
First Coast Original Music Forum is an organization founded by Amelia Islander Joe Senger. “We established the forum to promote and off er visibility to original artists and musicians on Florida’s First Coast,” he says. “We feature all styles and genres on our website and Facebook page, and the best part is that it’s off ered at no cost to the artists! Each month visitors can look forward to monthly featured artists.” First Coast Original Music Forum is excited to announce its fi rst Original Music Sampler CD coming out in March. “Th ere have been great featured artists and bands over the past year, and there is a whole bunch of new music on the way, and we can’t wait for you to hear these selections from the First Coast’s best talent. And we love Amelia Island so much that the cover photo on the CD was taken right here on the Island.”
Th e album will also debut Fernandina’s own Colored Sound, a 3-piece band that blends genres to form a unique and original sound. In addition to the CD, the team is planning to host live local concerts to further promote the featured artists. For more information and scheduling, visit their website at www.fcomf.com or on Facebook at First Coast Original Music Forum.
