Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2015 Event Program

PRESENTED BY

S P Y R O G Y R A • M A C E O PA R K E R • R E G I N A C A RT E R • J A Z Z AT TA C K • FA N TA S I A SOUL REBELS • MICHAEL FRANKS • SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEB O X

DISCOVER YOUR REAL POSSIBILITIES AND WIN FREE PRIZES.

Nothing brings a community together quite like music. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. And to celebrate, we’re offering you a chance to win free prizes by playing fun jazz trivia and holding a drawing to win an AARP Real Pad, our easy-to-use tablet.* Just stop by our tent near the Swingin’ Stage to have fun and learn more about what we’re doing in our community. *No purchase necessary to win. Ends May 24, 2015. Open to legal residents of the U.S. 18 or older. Visit the AARP booth near the Swingin’ Stage for the ofcial rules.

Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.

Get to know us at aarp.org/jacksonville @AARPJax

Welcome Dear Friends: It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the 2015 Jacksonville Jazz Festival, a signature event here on Florida’s First Coast that grows bigger and better each year. The festival will feature a world-class lineup filled with talented musicians who will undoubtedly deliver the excitement we all love and draw crowds of excited music fans.

As an annual tradition, this city will vibrate with energy­—from downtown to Brooklyn, and even the beaches. In Jacksonville, we pride ourselves on offering a great quality of life and expanding cultural opportunities, and trust your visit is rewarding.

“The Jazz Festival has long been one of Jacksonville’s signature events and

Again, welcome, and thank you for coming to experience the best in world class entertainment! Take this opportunity to relax, enjoy the eclectic tones of this year’s artists, and make some

shows off our beautiful riverfront downtown”

memories with family and friends.

Sincerely,

Alvin Brown Mayor

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 3

of Table Contents Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Jazz By The Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Performer Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Festival Features & Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Youth Jazz Talent Showcase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Piano Competition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Hall of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Around Town. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Art in the Heart/Jazz Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Festival Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

HEADLINERS

Friday, May 22 Fantasia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Felix Peikli and the Royal Flush Quintet presented by Buffet Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Peabo Bryson with the Jacksonville Symphony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Regina Carter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Saturday, May 23 Maceo Parker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox. . . . . . . . 49 Spyro Gyra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Tito Puente, Jr. Orchestra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Sunday, May 24 JAZZ ATTACK featuring Richard Elliot, Euge Groove & Peter White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Michael Franks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 The Soul Rebels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 4

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

Jazzby

Numbers

the

34

The Number of Jazz Festivals Held Since Inception

5

The Number of Stages

24

Hall of Fame Members

37 Festival Performers

Special thanks to EU, a Jacksonville monthly entertainment publication, for contributing content for ‘By The Numbers.’

Mayor Jake Godbold and his aide, Mike Tolbert founded the inaugural Jacksonville Jazz Festival in 1979. It started as a single-day event in the quaint Mayport Fishing Village. They hoped that one day of free, live music would draw a couple hundred people to help boost the struggling area. The festival quickly outgrew the site and was relocated to Metropolitan Park in 1982. In 2009, the festival expanded to three stages in downtown Jacksonville.

The Florida Theatre will serve as a performance destination for two nights.

The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition and the JJF Off-Jazz Concert. Swing by the Swingin’ Stage, presented by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, located on Bay Street and Marsh Street. Dance your way down to the Groovin’ Stage, located on Bay Street and Newnan Street. And take it easy at the Breezin’ Stage, which offers spectacular waterfront views at the Jacksonville Landing.

New this year, JJF is partnering with Friends of Hemming Park for Pulse in the Park, a new stage and urban park experience featuring local performers.

There are several notable members in the Jacksonville Jazz Hall of Fame, who have made a positive impact on the jazz community. Among them are festival founders Jake Godbold and his aide, Mike Tolbert (1999), former executive director of the festival Dan Kossoff (1999), distinguished educator Rich Matteson (2000), winner of the first Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition Marcus Roberts (2003), former WJCT Vice President of Community Support Vic DiGenti (2004), the late great trumpeter Teddy Washington (2006), renowned jazz musician and festival supporter Von Barlow (2007), the late U.S. Congressman, the Honorable Bill Chapell Jr. (2011) and this year’s honoree Noel Freidline.

Over the course of 3 days, this urban street festival will feature performances by more than 30 local, regional and national artists, including: Andy Snitzer, the BERT, Dmitry Baevsky, Fantasia, Elisha Atlas Parris, Maceo Parker, Ignacio Berroa, Jazz Attack, Noel Freidline, Lisa Kelly and more.

2015 2015 JACKSONVILLE JACKSONVILLE JAZZ JAZZ FESTIVAL FESTIVAL 5

We devote a lifetime to our work, too.

Moving Medicine Forward with Every Patient We Serve J AC K S O N V I L L E

UFHealthJax.org

JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL JAXJAZZFEST.COM

@JAXJAZZFEST

Swingin’ Stage

presented by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority

Bay St. at Marsh Street

Groovin’ Stage

Bay St. at Newnan Street

Breezin’ Stage

The Jacksonville Landing

Ignacio Berroa Quartet 3:30 p.m.

Kellylee Evans 5:30 p.m.

Downtown, San Marco, 5 Points

Free Jazz Clinic

Mama Blue 5 p.m.

presented by Buffet Group USA Underbelly • 1 - 3 p.m.

Felix Peikli 1 p.m. / Regina Carter 2 p.m.

Felix Peikli & The Royal Flush Quintet presented

by Buffet Group USA 7 p.m.

Ryan Montaño 7 p.m.

Elisha Atlas Parris 9 p.m.

Jazz Jam with Lisa Kelly 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 23 Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition Winner 2:30 p.m.

JAZZ AFTER DARK

Festival Hours: 5-10 p.m. Music Starts: 5 p.m.

Linda Cole & UNF Jazz Ensemble The Joshua Bowlus Quartet 5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Peabo Bryson with Jacksonville Symphony 9:30 p.m.

PRESENTED BY

JACKSONVILLEJAZZFESTIVAL

Friday, May 22

Regina Carter 7:30 p.m.

MAY 21-24, 2015

Youth Talent Showcase, First Round 2 p.m.

Youth Talent Showcase, Finals 3:45 p.m.

JU Jazz Combo I 5:30 p.m.

Tito Puente Jr. Orchestra 7:30 p.m.

Maceo Parker 7 p.m.

Spyro Gyra 9:30 p.m.

Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 24

OFF JAZZ CONCERT FANTASIA and Joy Dennis Florida Theatre, 7 p.m.

Festival Hours: 1-10 p.m. Music Starts: 2 p.m.

Dmitry Baevsky Trio 2 p.m.

Jazz After Dark 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

VENUES: Underbelly 113 E. Bay Street

BIVA Jazz 4 p.m.

1904 Music Hall 19 N. Ocean Street

Larry Wilson & Truth Serum 6 p.m.

Burro Bar 100 E. Adams Street The Volstead 115 W. Adams Street Karpeles Museum 101 W. 1st Street Cigar Lounge 11 North Ocean Street The Parlor at Grape & Grain 2000 San Marco Blvd Rain Dogs 1045 Park Street

Festival Hours: 1-10 p.m. Music Starts: 2 p.m.

Lisa McClendon 2:30 p.m.

Mica Bethea Big Band 2 p.m.

Melvin Smith Organ Trio 2 p.m.

Jazz Brunch

Andy Snitzer 4:30 p.m.

Roman Street 4 p.m.

Eric Carter & Company 4 p.m.

Jazz After Dark

The Soul Rebels 6:30 p.m.

Michael Franks 6 p.m.

Noel Friedline Quintet 6 p.m.

JAZZ ATTACK featuring Richard Elliot, Euge Groove & Peter White 8:30 p.m.

Omni Hotel 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Following the last act of the festival lineup each night, enjoy even more live Jazz.

Participating bars and clubs are located within a couple of blocks from the Jazz Fest stages and admission is free!

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

7

FESTIVAL FEATUR AARP FUN ZONE

HIDDEN VALLEY

Stop by our Welcome Zone on Bay Street near the Shipyards to honor veterans of our armed services, play a Jazz Trivia game for special gifts and to learn more about what AARP is doing to create Real Possibilities in Jacksonville. If you’re not “jazzed” when you think AARP in Jacksonville, then you don’t know “aarp.”

AMERICA’S FAVORITE RANCH IS ON THE ROAD AGAIN! Come grab some good food and fun at the Hidden Valley Food Truck.

We’ll have burgers, giveaways and games. Plus, you’ll get to taste our new flavors of Hidden Valley® Ranch!

GUEST SERVICES PRESENTED

BY UF HEALTH JACKSONVILLE Visit one of the guest service booths presented by UF Health and let our helpful volunteers answer any questions about the festival or shuttle parking.

See the map inside the guide for locations.

LOWE’S Stop by our garden and patio display with outdoor kitchen features. Meet our experts and let us help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams! You can also register to win a Lowe’s gift card. Check out our pop-up Jazz Garden piano fountains for the perfect photo opportunity!

BUFFET GROUP Visit Buffet Group USA to learn more about our brands of woodwind and brass musical instruments, meet our performing artists, and see a live demonstration of our new URBAN PLAY app for musical education.

SUNPASS SunPass will save you time and money when driving all toll roads and most bridges throughout Florida. Please stop by to “Say Hello” and learn more!

GEICO Visit the GEICO tent for a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card! Plus, ask us how 15 minutes can save you 15% or more on car insurance.

RE-BATH & 5 DAY KITCHENS Stop by the Re-Bath & 5 Day Kitchens booth and registerto-win a free bathroom or kitchen remodel!

8 2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

RES & ACTIVITIES DOLE DIPPERS Snacking just got sweeter with new DOLE Pineapple Dippers!

The goodness of Pineapple comes together with the rich, indulgent taste of dark chocolate.

Stop by the Dole Dippers tent and indulge!

JAZZIZ Stop by the JAZZIZ booth to get 5 CDs for FREE today with a 50% discounted subscription.

Your subscription includes an additional 8 CDs a year and award-winning JAZZIZ Magazine.

V101.5 THROWBACK HIP HOP AND R&B Stop by the V101.5 tent and register to win a GoPro camera plus enjoy all your favorite Throwback Hip Hop and R&B hits.

JACKSONVILLE JAZZ VIP LOUNGE VIP pass holders can catch some shade and chill with us in the VIP tent at the Swingin’ Stage presented by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. Join us for happy hour Saturday, May 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and happy hour on Sunday, May 24, 4-6 p.m.

RITZ THEATRE AND MUSEUM JAZZ SERIES

Leading up to the Jazz Festival, the Ritz Theatre will feature concerts with such national jazz artists as Stanley Jordan, a four-time Grammy nominee. Jordan, who is known for his innovative technique on the guitar, will perform on May 15th.

PULSE IN THE PARK AT HEMMING PARK

Enjoy live jazz music at ' Pulse in the Park' in Hemming Park on Friday, May 22 from 5 - 9 p.m. Then, on Saturday, May 23, listen to the tunes of Jacksonville’s local musicians at the ‘Pulse in the Park’ stage from 2-9 p.m.

JAZZ AFTER DARK

“Jazz after Dark” returns for another year! Following the last act of the festival lineup each night, enjoy even more live Jazz from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. Participating bars and clubs are located within a couple of blocks from the Jazz Festival stages.

Join us for happy hour and enjoy samples of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Foley Wines, Heineken and more!

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 9

Subscribe

downbeat.com 877-904-JAZZ 651-251-9682

USA INTL

CONTESTANTS Sydney Leiser, 15 Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Marisa Webster, 18 Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Catching Karma (Madison Carr, 14, Grace Leidman, 14, and Morgan Strickland, 14)

LaVilla School of the Arts

Y outh Jazz Talent Showcase First Round: 2 p.m. ∙ Finals: 3:45 p.m. ∙ Free Admission The City of Jacksonville presents the Youth Jazz Talent Showcase, a live talent competition open to young jazz singers and musicians.

The winners are selected by a panel of music adjudicators who specialize in the arts forms of traditional and contemporary jazz and blues. The winner will receive a cash price to be used expressly for the purpose of furthering their musical education.

Prizes: 1st place: $1,000 2nd place: $750 3rd place: $500

Katherine Kincaid, 18 Homeschool Jazz Infusion (Kayla n. Graves, 14, Miranda Whiteman, 14, and Jenna Wolbers 14)

LaVilla School of the Arts Skylar Nolan, 15 Dr. Phillips High School Carley Stickney, 17 Fleming Island High School Praniti Kudre, 14 Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Jason Puthusseril, 16 Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Michaela Rowe, 15 Douglas Anderson School of the Arts

SHOWCASE JUDGES

Jazz Jet Trio (John Campbell, 17, Benny LaGory, 18 and Anna Gyland, 18)

Duncan U. Fletcher High School Deborah McDuffie

Joy Dennis

Timothy Snyder

Azalea Pratt, 18 Sandalwood High School

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 11

Whether you are a professional or a beginner.

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To purchase the piano of your dreams visit Keyboard Connection today!

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MAY 21, 2015

The Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition, presented by Keyboard Connection, has been a staple in the annual festival for over 20 years. Pianists from around the world compete for a cash prize and chance to play on the main festival stage. Held at the historic Florida Theatre, the Piano Competition serves as the official opening event of the 2015 Jazz Festival.

The Finalists

The Master of Ceremony

Noel Freidline returns to the Jacksonville Jazz Festival as the Master of Ceremonies for the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition.

The Rhythm Dennis Marks has performed with many of the great musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Dave Liebman, Bob Mintzer, and Pat Metheny. He appeared on Sandoval’s Grammy-Award Winning “Hot-House”.

Tom Ammend, a pianist, composer, and arranger from Wyoming, has performed throughout the Rocky Mountain Region as both a leader and sideman. Tom has worked extensively with soul/blues artist Taylor Scott.

His compositions draw on elements of jazz, blues, soul, Americana and are often rooted in the spacious landscapes of his Wyoming home.

Clyde Conner, is a renowned drummer and educator. Currently, Clyde can be heard as a performer/composer/ arranger with the St. Johns River City Band.

Steve Denny is an accomplished pianist living in New York City. Besides performing at various events across the country and abroad, he is on faculty at the Bergen Academy of Music and Art in New Jersey. The Steve Denny Trio released their inaugural recording project, Life in the Basement in 2012.

The Judges Kemuel Roig discovered his love of music at an early age and, after moving to the United States from Cuba, he would go on to study the classical piano and the drums simultaneously.

Roig has performed and participated with notable musicians, including Giovanni Hidalgo and Issac Delgado.

Elisha Atlas Paris has served as Music Director for a number of plays, recording projects and artists. Due to his talent, he has won numerous awards.

Matt Villinger was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He started playing the piano at age 9, and by age 12, his interest had turned to jazz piano. He went on to study music in high school and college, and later studied privately with Reggie Thomas and Peter Martin, frontrunners in today’s jazz scene.

Longineau Parsons, 2006 Jacksonville Jazz Festival Hall of Fame inductee, has been hailed as one of the world’s finest trumpet players.

Sorin Zlat, 29, was first exposed to the beautiful sounds of music by his father, a professional saxophone jazz player. At age 7, he started studying the violin and classical clarinet. Many years later, he would earn his Master’s Degree at the National University of Music in Bucharest, Romania and go on to win numerous awards. He is currently the leader of the Sorin Zlat Trio.

Joyce Hellman Bizot, 2009 Jacksonville Jazz Festival Hall of Fame inductee, is a life-long jazz fan and supporter.

She conceived and created the Great American Jazz Piano Competition in 1981 and chaired it until 2000.

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 13

14 2015 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

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Š2011 The Coca-Cola Company.

HALL OF FAME Noel Freidline 2015 Pianist, vocalist, writer and arranger are all talents that describe Noel Freidline. A graduate of the University of North Florida, he has kept us entertained for years, becoming the leader of his own group, the Noel Freidline Quintet, in 1991. Since that time, the group has become a renowned presence in the jazz world, performing for 13 years at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, as well as across the country. Freidline has been the emcee of the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition since 2004.

He has received too many awards and accolades to list!

The Honorable Jake Godbold 1999

Dan Kossoff 1999

Mike Tolbert 1999

Ira Koger 2000

Rich Matteson 2000

The Honorable Elaine Brown 2003

Marcus Roberts 2003

Dick Brown 2004

Vic DiGenti 2004

Cecil Cole 2005

Teddy Washington 2006

Longineu Parsons 2006

Von Barlow 2007

Dr. Bill Prince 2008

Joyce Hellman Bizot 2009

Bob Bednar 2010

Na’im Rashid 2010

The Honorable Bill Chappell 2011

Bunky Green 2011

Bernard “Womack” Howard 2012

Gary Starling 2012

Lisa Kelly 2013

Theresa O’Donnell Price 2013

Ace Martin 2014

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 17

Andy

Snıtzer

Andy Snitzer has performed and recorded with a veritable who’s who of contemporary music artists. From Eric Clapton to Aretha Franklin to Naughty by Nature and Christina Aguilera, performances with these artists and many others have showcased Andy’s passionate sound and melodic style, and have earned him a place in the elite ranks of contemporary saxophonists. He is currently a member of Paul Simon’s touring band and has, in the past, been a member of the Rolling Stones’ Voodoo Lounge and Bridges to Babylon world tours.

Born in Philadelphia, Andy excelled in music and

mathematics as a child. He first studied the clarinet, and dabbled in guitar and piano on his way to embracing the saxophone at age 15. He went on to study with classical saxophone giant Frederick Hemke at Northwestern University in Chicago and later enrolled in the jazz program at the University of Miami, where his talent grew by leaps and bounds.

In 1984, armed with a college degree, Andy moved to New York and hit the streets, playing wherever and whenever possible.

As a result, he slowly began to garner an impressive reputation and became known to a long list of record producers. His three

18 2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

solo records, Ties that Bind, In the Eye of the Storm, and Some Quiet Place, set the bar for inventiveness and creativity in Contemporary Jazz.

In the midst of all this work as a saxophonist, Andy has created one of the industry’s best music editors. Most notably, he did all the performance editing on Bon Jovi’s latest album, Crush. Andy says he is “grateful for a career that encompasses all his areas of interest.” Going forward, he will undoubtedly continue to play, write, produce and edit and will continue to give thanks for the gift of working with something he loves.

BERT

the

An exceptionally talented group of musicians, the BERT (Boril, Ernie, Rick and Tony) knows jazz and so much more!

In fact, each member of the ensemble has his own rich musical history.

A native of Bulgaria, Boril Ivanov is a classically trained pianist from the Bulgarian National Conservatory. After immigrating to the United States in 1991, he quickly became involved in the local musical scene. Ernie Ealum, on bass, is a graduate of the Jacksonville University (JU)

music program and is now the Bass Professor at both his alma mater and Florida State College at Jacksonville. Rick Kirkland, on drums, is an Adjunct Instructor at Jacksonville University. He has directed and taught throughout the Northeast and has performed with many of the jazz greats, such as Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, and Diana Schuur. Tony Steve, on vibes, is a Professor of Percussion and Composition at JU and he has been performing with the Jacksonville Symphony for the last 13 years.

Each BERT member has toured all over the country, as well as internationally, with their respective trades composing hundreds of musical pieces and adding to their professional recording careers with varying artists.

This year, the group is featuring a local jazz singer, Claire Heusinger, who says she is “honored to work with this phenomenally group of talented musicians.”

For more information on the BERT Quartet visit bivajazz.com or the ensemble’s Facebook page.

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 19

Dmitry

Baevsky Trio Dmitry Baevsky, a formidable altoist from the New York jazz scene, was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. His dark, warm tone, superior technique, harmonic sophistication, hard-driving and tasteful playing make him one of the most exciting saxophonists out there.

The only son of a writer and a translator, he grew up in St. Petersburg surrounded by books and started piano lessons at the age of six. He discovered his passion and seriousness for music as a teenager only when he picked up an alto saxophone. Although Dmitry was not surrounded by professional musicians, his family

was closely connected to music.

His great grandfather, Moisei Beregovsky, was a famous Jewish ethnomusicologists who spent his life gathering melodies and words of Yiddish folk songs, as well as Eastern European Jewish dance melodies.

Dmitry entered the Mussorgsky College of Music in St. Petersburg when he was 15 and studied for 4 years with the brilliant Russian jazz saxophonist Gennady Goldstein. When he turned 19, Baevsky auditioned to join the Jazz Department at the New School University in New York and was granted a full scholarship. As he was finishing college, Baevsky was already

20 2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

a member of the New York jazz community and decided to settle there permanently.

He released his first album in 2005 with Introducing Dmitry Baevsky (Lineage Records). The album features such masters as Cedar Walton and Jimmy Cobb.

Since then, Baevsky has performed and/or recorded with musicians such as Benny Green, Peter Washington, Willie Jones III, David Hazeltine, “Killer� Ray Appleton, Peter Bernstein, Steve Williams, Joe Magnarelli and Ryan Kisor.

His new album Over and Out is his 5th recording as a leader and features bassist David Wong and drummer Joe Strasser.

Elisha

Atlas Parris Elisha A. Parris is an urban jazz pianist, songwriter and producer, based in Jacksonville.

Born into a musical family, both his father, a trombonist, and his mother, a piano teacher, influenced his now distinctive style of keyboard performance, giving him the opportunity to play at clubs and festivals, across the country. Elisha Atlas Parris has also served as Music Director for a number of plays, recording projects and artists, including the award-winning, inspirational jazz duo, Allen & Allen.

While in the music program at Edward Waters College, Elisha was “student musician” for the EWC Chorale and, due to his talent, has won numerous awards, including the NCP (Nouveau Classical Project) Musician of the Year award.

TH ON RiverTHE4 Join the City of Jacksonville for a fun-filled celebration along the riverfront downtown.

Live music, kid’s zone, entertainment and fireworks!

5–10 P.M.

The Shipyards, The Jacksonville Landing, and Friendship Fountain

Visit jaxhappenings.com for information 2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 21

Eric

Carter

Born December 3, 1968 in Fort Lauderdale, it was never a question to the parents of Eric Carter what he was born to do.

At age 2, Eric started playing the guitar and at the age of 13 he played in his first concert. History has been in the making ever since.

Eric Carter, the lead artist of Eric Carter and Company attended Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, where he studied region and physiology. He had several bands while pursuing his degree, including Strictly Business.

While at Bethune-Cookman, he also played in numerous other bands. Since that time, he has also had the opportunity to grace the stage with artists, like Al Green, George Benson, Paul Jackson Junior and many others.

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22 2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

Even before the question is posed, she makes clear the essence of her sound. “I’m a soul singer,” she says, with much pride and little hesitation. That’s who she is, at her core, and no matter the song she sings, her spirit seems to resonate from the speakers along with her voice.

Fans say that is the magic that Fantasia brings, every time.

Since winning season three of American Idol in 2004, the North Carolina native is now a Grammywinning singer who has enjoyed chart-topping, triple-platinum and multi-platform success. Her first album, Free Yourself, featured “I Believe,” a song that made her the first artist in Billboard history to debut at #1 on the Hot 100 chart. Her 2nd album entitled, simply, Fantasia, included the hit single, “When I See U” and her 3rd album featured the Grammywinning single, “Bittersweet.”

Fantasia calls her 4th album, “her baby.” She created Side Effects of You, in collaboration with London-bred producer, Harmony Samuels. Fantasia says the album was like a “dream come true” and she made it her mission to tap into the music that has inspired her over the years. “When I was growing up, we listened to so many different types of music in my house,” she remembers. “It started with gospel and then the blues because my grandfather loved B.B. King. Of course I loved listening to my girls Monica, Brandy, TLC and SWV, but I also played Billie Holiday, Josephine

Fantasia OFF JAZZ CONCERT

Baker, and Ella Fitzgerald. You can listen to any of those artists today because their music still stands and that is what I wanted to do with this project. I want my music to be timeless.”

To date, Fantasia has sold millions of records and digital tracks, domestically. As she

continues on her creative journey, she says she still has more learning and growing to do and many more songs to sing. What remains constant is that she loves music, she knows music, and she always sings from her heart, with all of her soul.

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 23

Felix

Peikli

Royal

and the

Flush Quintet

presented by

Buffet Group USA

AKIA UWANDA Felix Peikli & the Royal Flush Quintet is a unique group of artists under the direction of the internationally acclaimed clarinet virtuoso, artist, and entertainer Felix Peikli. These young and talented artists have breathed new life in the international music scene. With band members hailing from across the globe, the Quintet promotes global diversity through their music and camaraderie.

Born in Oslo, Norway, Felix Peikli discovered his love for music at the age of 8, when he was introduced to the clarinet through the local marching band. As his skills developed, he received a Benny Goodman recording from his grandfather and was dazzled by the music that a clarinet could produce.

By the time he was a teenager, Felix was dazzling his own audience. He

went on to win numerous contests, including the 2005 National Dream Prize on national television. As a result of the publicity, you might say Felix “hit the ground running.” He began performing extensively as a featured soloist and a bandleader, receiving amazing reviews.

A native of Hiroshima, Japan, Takeshi Ohbayashi began playing piano at the age of 2 and picked up the trumpet at 12. After receiving a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ohbayashi went on to win numerous awards and distinctions and has had the privilege to perform with worldrenowned names.

Alexander L. J. Tóth is a formerly self-taught Bassist & Producer. His professional career began at age 13, co- leading a very successful R&B/Jazz group. He has

24 2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

performed extensively, receiving countless honors and awards. A recent graduate of Berklee College, he has performed with such artists as Wayne Shorter, Danilo Perez, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Tia Fuller.

At the age of 20, Drummer, Anthony Tóth has already established himself as an accomplished and promising young musician. He, too, has performed extensively, winning an impressive number of awards.

Matteo Prefumo began playing the guitar at 8-years-old, watching videos of Pat Metheny and Jimi Hendrix. After turning to the great guitarist and teacher Alessio Menconi and attending various workshops, he began to share the stage with some top names in the jazz circles. He is currently working on his first album.

Ignacio

Berroa

Ignacio Berroa has been recognized by many as one of the greatest drummers of our times. His numerous contributions to the American music scene have earned him a place among a selected group of artists known to have set new musical trends for the 20th century.

Jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie best defined Ignacio as: “… the only Latin drummer in the world in the history of American music that intimately knows both worlds: his native Afro Cuban music as well as Jazz…”

Quartet

Born in Cuba in 1953, Ignacio Berroa began his musical education at age 11 at the National School of Arts and subsequently at Havana’s National Conservatory, beginning his professional career in 1970. By 1975 he had become Cuba’s most sought after drummer. He moved to New York in 1980, where he started working with musicians such as Chico O’Farrill and Mario Bauza who recommended him to Dizzy Gillespie. In 1981, Dizzy Gillespie invited Ignacio to join his quartet.

Ignacio’s first album as a leader, Codes, was nominated for a Grammy in 2007. That same year, it won a Danish Music Award as best International Jazz Album.

He was honored by inclusion in the 2011 Modern Drummer Magazine, entitled “Jazz Drumming Legends”. Ignacio later received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Montreal Jazz Festival.

Ignacio has recorded and played with musicians of the stature of: McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Slide Hampton, Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Milt Jackson, Ron Carter, Charlie and the Lincoln Center Orchestra

to name a few.

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Around

Town

Please support the following sanctioned businesses during your timedowntown and take advantage of their specials and promotions during the festival.

JACKSONVILLE LANDING

The

A.J. REESE CLOTHIERS

www.Ajreese.com 904-359-0680 25% discount on selected items Live DJ with refreshments

AMERICAN GRILL 904-353-7523

HENA AND HER SISTER FINE JEWELRY 904-358-8080

Up to 75% off Swarovski Crystals

NAIWBE NATURAL AS I WANNA BE

15% discount upon display of VIP badge

904-634-7607

BBVA COMPASS LANDING BRANCH 904-564-8240

Voted one of the 10 best spas in Jacksonville FL by USA Today 10% discount on pedicure and Swedish Message, polish change $10

301 East Bay Street 904-356-7100

Credit Card Sell, WBA American Express, Credit Council Free Checking accounts

First Floor 904-236-7170

Food and beverage specials created daily Jazz Music and Art Displays by Local Artist

BENNY’S STEAK & SEAFOOD

OLIO

MARK’S

904-301-1014 www.bennyssteakandseafood.com

315 East Bay Street 904-355-5099

Catch of the day (changes daily) Dinner featured steak

10% discount for Jazz Fest Patrons Open at 3:00pm on Saturday and Sunday DJ’s and Dancing after party’s Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

CHICAGO PIZZA

TSI, DISCOTHEQUE 333 East Bay Street

$15.00 Bottles of Champagne $3.00 Budlight May 21 Thursday- Cyber open mic ( Featured artist Tim Tarintino) May 22 Friday- Pete Bones: In the loop sessions May 23 Saturday- 1:00pm-8:00pm ID Band with DJ Monsta 8:00pm-Close Bangarang May 24 Sunday- DJ’s

RIVER CITY BREWING CO. 904-398-2299 835 Museum Circle

Saturday Lounge Open until 2:00am Sunday Only brunch 10:30am-2:00pm

904-354-7747 www.chicagopizzjax.com

METRO PCS

Buy one get one 50% off on Selfie Sticks 20% discount on Power banks 20% discount on Chargers 4G Phones $29 4G plans starting at $30

NEW JAX GYM 904-353-6371 Newjaxgym.com

15% discount upon display of VIP badge

$5 Day pass only during Jacksonville Jazz Festival Weekend

CINCO DE MAYO

PIERRE’S/ ZAP’S

Monday and Tuesday: 2 for 1 Margarita on the rocks, Draft Beer, $.99 Tacos

10% off entire purchase

904-329-2892

FIONN MACCOOL’S 904-374-1547 FionnMacs.com

Live Music Friday, May 22 – Saturday, May 23 5:00pm-8:00pm May 24, Sunday 1:00pm-4:00pm Free Appetizer with purchase of two entrees upon display of VIP badge Daily beer and lunch specials Unannounced specials of Jazz Happy all 3 days

HAPPY LANDING GIFTS & LIQUOR 2 Independent Dr. www.jacksonvillelanding.com $1 off Margarita’s $8 Double Tall Landing’s Famous Breezin' Punch 10% off any bottled liquor

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904-379-3225

VISIT JACKSONVILLE

904-798-9111 www.visitjacksonville.com Live Music by Roger Glover

VOODOO ULTRA LOUNGE

904-566-7312 www.facebook.com/VooDooJax Friday- Sunday $20 Hookah, $3 Margaritas until 10:00pm, $.50 Wings and Shrimp until 10:00pm Free wine for ladies 6:00pm-9:00pm 2 for 1 drinks 6:00pm-9:00pm No cover from 5:00pm-10:00pm After parties Friday, May 22 –Sunday, May 24 start at 10:00pm

Art intheHeart Art Show & Craft Sale will feature the work of prize-winning fine artists, master craftspeople and specialty vendors from all around the country. Stop by their respective booths to check out their artwork and displays featuring: photography, metal wear, paintings, jewelry, wood, fiber, 3D mixed media, clay, sculptures, and more.

2015 ARTISTS African Art Market Place B.L.A.C.K. Centsable Fashions Chaos Glass Chill Skinz Copper Head

Fruits of the Spirit Fine Art Homeport Soapworks International Flhair Joyce Hayes Fine Art Kainat Josephine’ K*Star Krafts

Couture Jems

Love your Hats

Dr. Cynthia Parker White & Associates

Mirabazaar LLC

Downtown Cigar Lounge

Ted’s Neck Ties

Elegant Elephant

Okoye’s Art Gallery

Eye of Joy Art

Pandora’s Boxes

Free Range Lens

Raw and Silver Steel

Ricky Steele Design Russ Wilson Art S & G Designs Santini Leather Savannah Essentials Schofield’s Studio of Art & Design Steampunk Smuggler The Bead Bowl The Kingdome Windows to Africa Woodsmith of Naples

Jazz Festival Store Find 2015 and vintage Jazz Festival merchandise, posters, VIP passes and more at the Official Jazz Festival Store, located on Bay Street.

Commemorative Poster Sales

The official 2015 Jacksonville Jazz Festival poster by Russ Wilson, a local artist who lives and works in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, creates illustration work ‘from the ridiculous to the sublime’. He has also created several jazz related images for clients such as Bose and Seattle’s Best Coffee. Wilson’s fine art is shown at Stellers’ Ponte Vedra, Driftwood in Jacksonville Beach, and The Framing Establishment in Ortega. $40 signed and numbered by the artist (while supplies last) $25 for an unsigned copy After the festival, the cost will be $60 (signed and numbered) and $45 unsigned.

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 27

Piloting Jacksonville’s Generating $3 Billion flyjacksonville.com

s Economic Engine; Annually.

City Hall

Duval Street MOCA

5

Main Library

Monroe Street

Ocea n Stree t

Forsyth Street

Main Street

Laura Street

Adams Street

Newnan Street

Chamblin’s Uptown

Yates Building

ENTRY Bank of America

4

Regions Bank

2

Wells Fargo

Bay Str

Old City Hall Annex

Sun Trust

Newnan Street

Hogan Street

Bay Street

Omni Hotel

Blackston Building

Independent Drive Chamber of Commerce

Water Street

3 Times Union Center for the Performing Arts

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

Coa stli ne Driv e

ST

1 Swingin’ Stage

presented by Jacksonville Aviation Authority East Bay Street at Marsh Street

Underbelly

1904 Music Hall

2 Groovin’ Stage

Burro Bar

3 Breezin’ Stage

Volstead

4 The Florida Theatre

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

5 Pulse in the Park

Hourglass Pub & Coffeehouse

East Bay Street at Newnan Street

The Jacksonville Landing Forsyth Street

Hemming Park

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Jazz Fest After Dark

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Parlour— Grape and Grain Exchange Rain Dogs

Downtown Cigar Lounge

Duval Street

Monroe Street

Forsyth Street

Marsh Street

Liberty Street

Market Street

Adams Street

Police Memorial Building

ne

Jazz Store

Olio

reet

J

I

H

G

F Berkman Tower I

Old Courthouse

D

1

Bay Street C B

The Shipyards

A

ENTRY

Liberty Street

Market Street

T

E

Maxwell House

ENTRY

Jazz Merch

JOHNS

RIVER

A iHeart Radio B JAZZIZ C Sun Pass D Buffet Group USA E AARP F Hidden Valley G Dole Dippers H Lowe’s I GEICO J Re-Bath & 5 Day Kitchens

VIP Access Areas JTA Shuttle Stop Art in the Heart Jazz Marketplace

Jazz Store Closed Streets

Guest Services

presented by UF Health Jacksonville

ATM Food and Beverages Restrooms Parking

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

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Stop by our Food Truck for FREE food, fun and giveaways.

Also try our new flavors of Ranch.

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2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

JazzAttack Founded by Rick Braun and Richard Elliot in 2005, when they were partners in their record label ARTizen Music Group, Jazz Attack has been winning the hearts of contemporary jazz fans nationwide ever since. The first year, they invited Peter White and Jonathan Butler to join them on stage to create a thrilling musical experience for their audience.

Many electrifying line-ups since then bring us to Jazz Attack 2015, featuring Richard Elliot, Euge Groove and Peter White.

Richard Elliot’s saxophone brings to Jazz Attack his unique and compelling grooves as only he can. Since the 1980s, he has

been among the top saxophonists with his easily accessible, grooveoriented style that combines elements of jazz, pop and R&B. Elliot loves to perform live and has a singular talent for enthralling audiences with his powerful, no-holds-barred playing and seemingly inexhaustible on-stage energy. His numerous #1 albums have held consistent presence at the top of the Billboard and NAC charts.

Euge Groove joins Jazz Attack on saxophone and brings his wide ranging musical taste, impeccable musicianship and keen showmanship to the stage. A quadruple threat, the

featuring

Richard Elliot, Euge Groove and Peter White

saxophonist, composer, producer and DJ has built an impressive career as a free spirit who remains true to his own artistic vision.

Guitarist, Peter White, also brings a uniquely engaging style to the band. Over the years, he has maintained a reputation as one of the most versatile and prolific acoustic guitarists on the contemporary jazz landscape.

Armed with an unparalleled combination of lyricism and energy, he combines elements of jazz, pop and classical guitar to create a sound that is singular and at the same time accessible to a broad audience.

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

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JoyDennis Joy Dennis is a singer/songwriter, who paved her way onto the music scene through open-mic venues and selfproduced concert events in the

heart of Jacksonville. In 2009, Joy began sharing the stage with artists such as Keith Sweat, Jazmine Sullivan, Raheem DeVaughn and Lyfe Jennings in

an event she helped co-produce entitled, “The Melodic Inferno.”

In 2010, Joy turned her very private poetry into her debut R&B/Soul/Jazz album, Music Is. The first single from that album was “He Awaits”, followed by the Dinah Washington remake, “Electric Chair”. She went on to write and produce 2 full-length music videos for both songs.

Joy now travels with and performs for Variety Entertainment Promotion’s Funk Fest Concerts, which feature acts such as Charlie Wilson, Frankie Beverly and Earth, Wind and Fire, while preparing for the release of her second album, The Listening Party.

John

Lumpkin Trio John “Lil John” Lumpkin is an up and coming producer, arranger, and drummer through the Jazz, R&B and Gospel scene. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Florida under the direction of Danny Gottlieb and a Master’s Degree from Florida State University under the leadership of Leon Anderson.

John grew up in the Pentecostal church and still plans to exercise his gifts there as well as other local, state and national venues. However, he says “The

34

church is the root of my zeal for music and forever shall be.”

John’s decision to become a professional musician came through an audition at Florida State College at Jacksonville. It was there that band director Paul Weikle helped him establish a future as a professional musician.

His style is driven by simplicity and repetition similar to that of an African drum. He says, “I love the atmosphere that a constant pulse creates. You can create anything musically with a strong root of rhythm and everyone within the

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

spirit of music can support the drive.” John is thrilled to have shared the stage with such greats as Slide Hampton, Delfeayo Marsalis, Wycliff Gordon, Marcus Roberts, and David Baker.

JUJazz Combo I

The JU Jazz Combo I is composed of some of the top scholarship recipients in the Jacksonville University Jazz Program, a few of whom are already achieving honors and gaining professional recognition. Ranging from Music Performance majors to Film Majors, this eclectic group performs advanced repertoire and arrangements that balance tradition and modernity and represent the top jazz ensemble in the JU Music program.

Kellylee

Evans

The program’s director, John Ricci, has been a performer, jazz educator, composer, and clinician in the North Florida area for more than 10 years. During that span, he has performed with a myriad of top recording artists and has won numerous awards. In 2009, he won the “jazz song category” at the 8th Annual Independent Music Awards (IMA). He has shared the stage with such notable artists as Donald Brown, Julian Lage and Chris Potter.

He’s performed locally as a tenor saxophone soloist with the Jacksonville Symphony Pops Orchestra, the Four Tops, and The Temptations.

Canadian singer/songwriter, Kellylee Evans’ voice is considered one of the most beautiful of her generation. She is a chameleon-like performer, whose natural charm and improvisational jazz vocal style have shined on her adventurous journey through jazz, soul, pop and hip-hop over the past decade. In that period, Evans released two solo albums in Canada, earned two Juno Award nominations (winning “Best Jazz Vocal Album” for Nina), captivated adoring French and Canadian fans and performed around the world with such stars as John Legend and Dianne Reeves. In 2014, she released her U.S. debut, I Remember When, on which she puts her

stamp on songs by hip-hop royalty Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog and others.

Not bad for a mother of three, who went straight from singing in the shower to performing live at the Kennedy Center. She threw herself into her dream of singing after enduring the death of her mother and has never looked back.

Dynamic, hip and modern, Kellylee’s warm, soulful timbre reminds you of fellow true originals of her generation, like Amy Winehouse and Erykah Badu. With a thriving career in Canada, and a growing legion of fans in French, she is well on her way to flourishing in America.

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

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Wilson&Serum Larry

Larry Wilson is founder and drummer of Truth Serum, a brotherhood of musicians who are passionate, creative, and versatile. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Larry was raised in Jacksonville. He began his love affair with music at the tender age of 3, playing the drums in church. His formal education began in middle school, and really blossomed in high school and college, where he majored in Jazz Studies.

Larry has since played abroad, visiting various countries,

Linda Cole & Joshua Bowlus

the

Quartet

From age 3, Linda Cole was constantly surrounded within her immediate and extended family by musical talent, participating regularly in her family group “The Singing Coles” in her hometown of Freeport, Illinois. Linda has now created

36

Truth

including Spain, France, and Ireland. He has also worked with many notable musicians and artists, including Kirk Franklin, Vashawn Mitchell, and Alexis Speight; and has shared stages with notable jazz musicians like Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, and Scotty Barnhart.

Truth Serum released its debut album, No Secrets No Lies, last October. a distinctly recognizable voice of her own, stemming from influences such as Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, Rosemary Clooney, and all the classic music of Motown. Perhaps one of her greatest inspirations comes from the most prestigious and wellknown singer within her family’s musical lineage: her father’s cousin, Nat King Cole.

Linda met pianist Joshua Bowlus in 2008, and they have since created an unstoppable musical partnership working together regularly across the east coast. As a versatile jazz pianist residing in Jacksonville, Bowlus has shared the stage and/or recorded with a variety of modern masters including such names as Wynton Marsalis,

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

Chris Potter, Christian McBride, Reuben Rogers, Dave Weckl & Ulysses Owens among others.

With an affinity for straight-ahead swing and blues, Joshua also draws inspiration from music of various other genres including R&B/Soul, gospel, fusion, and Latin music. Recently in March 2014, Bowlus & Cole have joined musical forces to record their first album together, also featuring trumpeter Alphonso Horne, which is entitled What a Wonderful World and was released in September 2014.

Linda Cole & The Joshua Bowlus Quartet play inventive arrangements of familiar standards, balancing the tradition of swing with a modern harmonic touch.

Award winning vocalist Lisa Kelly, inducted into the 2013 Jacksonville Jazz Festival “Hall of Fame,” is very well-known for her rich, smooth tone and swinging delivery of lyric. She was born in Dublin, Ireland, into a musical family, with both her parents and sisters being singers. Lisa herself began singing when she was 7, starring in the musical version of Bugsy Malone. Influenced by her parents, who were both heavily involved in amateur theatre, she went on to play several principle roles, such as “Velma Kelly” in Chicago, “Florence” in Chess, “Laurie” in Oklahoma and “Sandy” in Grease. She is also a founding and former member of the musical group Celtic Woman. The group has released several albums and

Lisa Kelly embarked on several world tours.

In 2003, Lisa recorded her debut solo album entitled Lisa. Over the years, she has won many awards for her singing and drama,

including “Best Female Performer” at the Ireland Musical Awards. Lisa now resides in Peachtree City, Georgia where she recently opened the Lisa Kelly Voice Academy.

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

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Lisa

McClendon Lisa McClendon is an awardwinning international and inspirational soul artist who is best known for the melodic worship tune, “You Are Holy.” Her name has become synonymous with soulful music and cutting edge, heart penetrating lyrics, and she has taken this “soulful style” on tour throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. With comparisons to Jill Scott, India Arie and Lauryn Hill, she has 6 releases to date, including her latest organic and soulful release, 5AM. McClendon is both a vocalist and a songwriter and many of her songs touch on subjects like learning, difficult decisions, and life’s responsibilities. Songs such as “Let Go” which provide therapeutic melodies for those who feel overwhelmed with the cares of life and encourages them to ‘let it all go’, while the song “Make Over” puts a spin on what is often seen on TV and suggests, instead, an inward make over. “I want to be able to look back 10 years from now and see the music I did 10 years prior still affecting people,” said McClendon in an interview with newreleasetuesday.com.

Born in Jacksonville, McClendon also has a passion for helping young girls. Her non-profit organization, Girls LIFE with Lisa

38

McClendon, provides mentoring and guidance to girls, ages 8-18. She says she created the organization to reach out to girls around the globe. “There are many things that trouble our girls today, sexual abuse, abandonment/ rejection and poor self-image.

It is our belief that these things,

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

with countless others, are the reasons for teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse and violent behavior. Our girls lack mentors. They lack motivation and will power, because there is a shortage of guidance from the elder women,” says McClendon.

Maceo Parker

His name is synonymous with Funky Music, his pedigree impeccable; his band: the tightest little funk orchestra on earth. It’s fairly common knowledge that Maceo Parker has played with each and every leader of funk, his start with James Brown, which Maceo describes as “like being at University;” jumping aboard the Mothership with George Clinton; and his ongoing part in Prince’s tours. He’s the living, breathing pulse which connects the history of Funk in one golden thread… the cipher which unravels dance music down to its core.

“Everything’s coming up Maceo,” concluded DownBeat Magazine in a 1991 article at the beginning of Maceo’s solo career. At the time Maceo was considered by aficionados of funk music as sideman; appreciated mainly by those in the know. For

the last two decades, however, he has been enjoying a blistering solo career, building a new funk empire. His collaborations over the years have included Ray Charles, Ani Difranco, James Taylor, the Dave Matthews Band and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

It is almost impossible to separate which came first, Maceo or the funk. In the 60s, he climbed on board the James Brown funky soul train and became the lynchpin of the Brown enclave for the best part of two decades. Then, in the 90s the opportunity came for Maceo to concentrate on his own projects. He released several successful solo albums: Roots Re-Visted and Mo’ Roots, but it was his third album, Life on Planet Groove, which became a funk fan

favorite, boosting his career.

In the last few years, Maceo has not only continued to perform in Prince’s groundbreaking tours, but he has released more albums, received more awards, including a Lifetime Achievement award for his contribution to music.

“When people talk about legends they mean ‘they’re done, but boy did they do good.’ When I think of Maceo Parker I think of legendary funk master and horn player, but not ‘legend’ in the term that he’s done. He’s still doing it.

And that, to me, makes a really legendary person,” says singer, songwriter Ani DiFranco.

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 39

Mama

Blue

Eloquently dubbed the “Sultry Sister of Soul,” Mama Blue is captivating, grounded and real. Her gifted voice and stage presence is uplifting, unforgettable and

addictive. Insightful lyrics and renditions, coupled with oldschool sophistication will take you back to a simpler time when music was alive. Her unique sound is reminiscent of legends such

as Nina Simone, Tina Turner, Etta James and Aretha Franklin and fuses elements of blues and jazz, with hints of Motown, classical, Latin and even a bit of country.

A native of Jacksonville, Mama Blue graduated from the prestigious Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and earned a talent scholarship to Jacksonville University. Majoring in vocal performance, she has since ventured forth to live performances across the Southeastern United States and Europe.

With a signature flower in her hair as the finishing touch to a classy visual flair and personal warmth, Mama Blue exudes an approachable and irresistibly genuine persona. Mama Blue is the real deal y’all!

Melvin Smith Melvin Smith is described as a “soulful sax man and well musically educated award winner.”

A native of Jacksonville, he began playing saxophone at the age of 13. He went on to attend the Berklee College of Music and later earned a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Queens College in New York. He has had the opportunity, over the years, to perform at numerous festivals and to play with such artists as Charli Persip, Kim Burell, Hubert

40

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

Eaves III, Ben Vereen, Michael Henderson, and Norman Connors.

Smith has also had the pleasure of opening for Ce Ce Winans and Donnie McClurkin. His critically acclaimed 2007 release Portrait is described as an “honest representation of an artist willing to take chances while respecting the musical traditions of his past.”

Smith’s latest release Evidence covers much ground stylistically, blending musical styles for a “casserole of perfection.”

Mica

Bethea Mica Bethea is a “down beat” award-winning composer and arranger from the North Florida region. His influences range from straight ahead jazz and funk to Latin and gospel music.

After earning his degree in 2012, at the University of

North Florida in Jazz studies, he put together some of the finest musicians in the area to play his compositions. With this ensemble, he released the self-titled, The Mica Bethea Big Band album, which was critically acclaimed by acolytes

such as Bob Mincer and Bunky Green. The group also performed together, with Chris Potter, at the Jacksonville Times Union Center.

Bethea is now in the process of recording his next album, Phase Two.

J O I N U S F O R T H E 2 0 1 5 J A C K S O N V I L L E J A Z Z F E S T I VA L

Be our guest.

Steps from the St. John’s Riverwalk, the newly renovated Omni Jacksonville Hotel pairs Southern hospitality with contemporary luxury.

Relax poolside with dramatic views of the skyline, savor fine dining at Juliette’s Bistro, and experience Join us for Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring music by The John Lumpkin Trio Sunday, May 24, 2015 in the Florida Ballroom from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $35 per person Reservations are recommended, please call 904-791-4826 Purchase a Jazz Brunch ticket and be entered to win a two-night stay and brunch for two at Jazz Fest 2016.

The Omni Jacksonville Hotel is located within walking distance from the stages and music venues.

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 41

Franks Michael

Over the languorous course of 33 years and numerous albums, Michael Franks has mesmerized an international legion of fans with his one-of-akind artistry. Seamlessly weaving lyrics of stunning sensuality, wit,

reflection and literary eloquence over music that tastefully utilizes top shelf shadings of jazz, soul, pop, chamber and music from around the globe, Michael Franks the songwriter has set a bar in the music world

42 2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

that places him as nothing less than a statesman of song craft.

His best known works include “Popsicle Toes,” “Monkey SeeMonkey Do,” “The Lady Wants to Know,” and “When the Cookie Jar is Empty.” As if that weren’t enough, Michael Franks, the singer, is gifted with a gentle, deliciously expressive voice— identifiable from note one.

Michael’s last album, Time Together, has been described as the “most consistent, graceful collection of songs in the 21st Century.” Prior to that, he released Rendezvous in Rio, which sways to a very familiar South American beat. Brazilian music, culture and vibe have haunted Michael’s work from early on. The country’s renowned composer Antonio Carlos Jobim has been a significant influence on his writing and Michael has dedicated three songs to him over the years.

Many more music gems can be tied to Michael Franks’ name, including “The Chemistry of Love,” “Songbirds,” and “Tahitian Moon.” “As long as Michael Franks continues to put pen to paper, lending life and voice to song, and creating poetically inspired albums such as Rendezvous in Rio, the tradition of true artistry will gracefully endure...like branches braving the night breeze in Brazilian banana trees,” says writer and music journalist A. Scott Galloway.

Noel

Frıedline Quintet Noel Freidline, a graduate of the University of North Florida, is a pianist, vocalist, writer and arranger. In addition to being the leader of his own group, the Noel Freidline Quintet (NFQ), he performs regularly with the Charlotte Symphony, both as a featured artist and ensemble member. He also performs regularly with touring Broadway shows… most recently “Jersey Boys,” “Bring It On,” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

With the NFQ Noel has opened for such diverse artists as Tony Bennett, saxophonist David Sanborn, Kenny G, Rosemary Clooney, and pianist Dave Brubeck.

Freidline, the recipient of numerous awards and accolades,

including being named “Best Jazz Musician,” by Charlotte Magazine and “Best Musical Director” by the Metrolina Theatre Association of the Carolinas, is a busy man. Besides being a constant performer, he often lectures at the University of North Carolina, teaching such diverse topics as the history of rock music and music theory.

He maintains a private teaching studio. In 2013, he began working with the Columbia, SC Museum of Art to create a jazz concert series, and in 2014, launched Jazz on Main, the CMA’s newest concert series, with an inaugural concert that received rave reviews from a near capacity audience. That same

44 2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

year, he became the director of the Lake Norman Big Band, an 18-piece big band founded in 1998, based out of Mooresville, NC. He is also currently the music director of non-traditional worship at Providence Baptist Church in Charlotte.

Let’s don’t forget his work as a composer and arranger as well.

He has written and recorded music for ESPN, ABC and the Walt Disney Company, with his most recent work being featured on Monday Night Football, the NBA All-Star Game, and SportCenter.

A native of Clearwater, Kansas, Noel resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife April and their three children.

Jacksonville

Symphony

Peabo Bryson Among the world’s most dynamic and gifted vocal talents, Peabo Bryson sings and composes ballads that gracefully continue the legacy of sweet soul music, such as “Feel the Fire” and “I’m So Into You,” as well as chart topping hits like “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again” and “Can You Stop the Rain.”

He also has a plethora of duet collaborations with artists like Celine Dion (“Beauty and the Beast”) and Regino Belle (“A Whole New World”)… both of which won Oscars.

Peabo continues to do what he does best in the 20th soul album of his career, Missing You, proving that he still has the goods to successfully

contend with today’s younger R&B singers. “In today’s R&B market, artists are either young, longing to be young or trying to be young,” says Peabo.

“I’m only trying to be me.” The album’s title track, “Missing You,” is an emotional Tour de Force for Bryson. “The words to this beautiful song make me think of the two women I love most in this world, my mother and my sister, both of whom I lost.”

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, the world-renowned Peabo Bryson truly penetrates the hearts of soul fans everywhere. His other chart topping songs include: “Tonight I Celebrate My Love,” and “By the Time This Night is Over.”

One of the nation’s top regional orchestras, the Jacksonville Symphony offers live symphonic variety and engages the community throughout the First Coast and statewide.

The Jacksonville Symphony is the largest nonprofit provider of youth music education programs in North Florida. Each season nearly 70,000 young people and citizens benefit from the Symphony’s educational and community engagement opportunities.

The Jacksonville Symphony announces an historic new era as Courtney Lewis takes the baton as Music Director in 2015-16, bringing to the podium several exciting new initiatives.

SAMEER PATEL Exciting American conductor Sameer Patel will take the podium with the Jacksonville Symphony.

A native of Michigan, Patel has served as associate conductor of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. He first conducted the Jacksonville Symphony during the League of American Orchestras National Conductor Preview in 2013 and has returned on several occasions.

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Regina Carter is considered the foremost jazz violinist of her generation—a designation which doesn’t quite paint the picture. For Regina, the violin isn’t merely an improvisational vehicle.

It is a passport to unexpected realms, a Rosetta stone that unlocks the door to a myriad of cultures and worlds.

As a result of her curiosity, passion and quest for beauty brought to every stop taken on

her full musical journey, Regina was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship (a “genius grant”).

Those qualities are more apparent than ever on her critically acclaimed release, Southern Comfort (Sony Music Masterworks), on which she explores the folk music of the South.

On Southern Comfort, Regina interprets her own roots through a modern lens. “In

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the Appalachians there were Scottish and Irish descendants, slaves and Native Americans.

It was a cultural hodgepodge and the music resulting from it is intoxicating. This disc was to pay homage to my family,” says Regina, “but it turned out to be so much more.”

RomanStreet Roman Street, an energetic band born and raised out of Mobile, Alabama, dabbles in the arts of “new” flamenco, smooth and not-so-smooth jazz, and its own brand of fusion

Ryan

style music with a youthful and spontaneous approach to musical expression.

Brothers Noah and Josh Thompson put their guitars together to form Roman Street,

named for an old roman street in the Alps. Since the college years, this brotherly jam session has developed into a Billboard/iTunes charting band who many have dubbed ‘the next generation’ of Jazz Fusion. The internationally trained instrumental band specializes in an improvisational fusion of Classical, Gypsy, Contemporary Jazz, Latin, and Nuevo Flamenco. A departure from the over-produced music that is out there today, they keep it simple—the beautifully organic sound of acoustic instruments played by talented people who love what they are doing. Whether performing as a guitar duo, or with a backing band, Roman Street astounds with music that appeal to fans of many genres.

Montaño

Ryan Montaño is Jazz’s newest star! Trumpeter, songwriter and movie actor with a role in Ethan Hawke’s latest release Good Kill, Ryan is a multi-talented performer who also recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, backing The Hanson Brothers.

Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ryan Montaño is much more than just an artist in the jazz/smooth jazz arena. It’s fair to illustrate his style as being more instrumental pop, with influences ranging from Chet Baker to Celia Cruz. His style, in fact, has been

described as Chet Baker meets Chris Botti meets Coldplay.

Upon hearing Montaño perform, you will hear everything from an instrumental version of “Shake your Body”, a Latin jazz version of “Just the Two of Us”

by Bill Withers, all the way to Ryan’s very own Billboard chart topping song, “I’d Like That.”

With solid technique, jazz sensibilities and emotive

songwriting, Ryan Montaño’s sound is a captivating fusion of jazz, folk, blues and singer-songwriting style never before heard from any trumpeter or instrumental artist.

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PostmodernJukebox

Scott Bradlee’s

The work of Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox has been viewed on the ensemble’s YouTube Channel well over a hundred million times. Most people, however, are not fully award of the method to Bradlee’s madness.

On the surface, the method is video—performance clips shot in the bandleader’s living room. The madness: pop hits of the present performed á la pop hits of the past like Mylie Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop” assayed as a doo-wop number. In fact, Bradlee’s method runs deeper.

He’s educating his audience about 20th Century song styles;

he’s commenting on the elasticity of the pop form; he’s uniting generations; he’s breaking the rules. But as far as the fans are concerned, it’s just fun. Bradlee himself will tell you, simply, “I reimagine a song in another style because I want to hear it that way.” Clearly so does everyone else, as evidenced by PMJ’s success on the music charts.

Bradlee began his career as a jazz pianist in high school, pursued Jazz Studies in college and then moved to New York to become a starving artist. In 2009, he started making videos as another way of reaching

audiences and that’s when things went viral. Among the hits, a New Orleans flavored take on Guns N’ Roses “Sweet Child Ó Mine”—3+ million views and “Thrift Shop”—6 million views.

Bradlee is also known to help boost other artists’ careers. The repertoire he selects for PMJ’s vocal artists has furnished a platform for some very talented, but previously little-known performers.

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They started with an idea—to expand upon the pop music they loved on the radio and the New Orleans brass band tradition they grew up on. The Soul Rebels took that tradition, blended funk and soul with elements of hip hop, jazz and rock, and built a career around an eclectic live show that harnesses the power of horns and drums in a party-like atmosphere of a dance club.

The band now travels worldwide, making appearances at festivals and collaborating with notable artists and bands including Metallica, Green Day, and Maceo Parker. When not on the road, their weekly show in New Orleans is known to erupt with the kind of contagious, shout-along musical mayhem that The Rebels bring with them wherever they perform.

Members of the band include bass drummer Derrick “Oops”

Moss, who learned to read and perform concert music, in elementary school. He continued his musical career in high school and college as the Drum Major at Southern University. Lumar LeBlanc is on the snare drum.

A graduate of Texas Southern University, his musical influences include the Olympia, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and The Doors.

Julian Gosin plays the trumpet and has performed with numerous brass bands such as Rebirth, Hot 8 and Treme. He has been sharing his love of music since high school and says he “never plans on stopping.”

Trombone player Corey Peyton is one of the newest additions to the Soul Rebels.

Raised in New Orleans, he began his musical career playing in the high school band.

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Erion Williams also calls New Orleans home. He, too, started playing in high school and has since won numerous awards and accolades for his musical ability on the saxophone.

Paul Robertson, who plays the trombone, joined the Soul Rebels in 2010. Before The Rebels, he played with several other New Orleans’ bands.

Edward Lee Jr. played with a number of New Orleans’ bands, as well, before joining The Rebels on his sousaphone. He also teaches youngsters in New Orleans about music theory and standard marching band fundamentals at an after-school program.

Last, but certainly not least, Marcus Hubbard started playing the trumpet in 1988. In 1994, he won an NAACP competition in classical music, which he says was his first love.

©2011 Rick Olivier

theSoulRebels

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Spyro Gyra Spyro Gyra is a jazz juggernaut who released their 30th album of new material The Rhinebeck Sessions in 2013, which Jazztimes called “inspirational”. Travis Rogers of the Jazz Journalists Association also picked it for Jazz Album of the Year. Still, others described it as their “finest album since their early 80s heyday.” George Harris of the Jazz Weekly enthused, “I gotta tell ya, these guys still sound GREAT.” Certainly not bad, for a band that just celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Theirs is an unlikely story of a group with humble beginnings in Buffalo, New York who has continued to reach an international audience over nearly 40 years, resulting in sales of over 10 million albums and having played over 5,000 shows on 5 continents. They say it’s all because of their “forward looking approach, combined with the work ethic of an underdog, always challenging themselves to do something new while never resting on past success.” It has proven to be a recipe for longevity

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for this jazz group while music has gone in and out of styles in ever shorter cycles.

“My hope is that our music has the same effect on the audience that it does on me,” says group leader Jay Beckenstein. “I’ve always felt that music, and particularly instrumental music, has this non-literal quality that lets people travel to a place where there are no words.”

Tito

Puente,Orchestra Jr.

The comparison is inevitable.

Tito Puente Jr. carries his father with him —imprinted on his physical being and locked in his soul. It’s in his looks, his joy, and his music. No doubt, every time Tito Jr. walks on stage—he walks in his father’s footsteps.

He dances in celebration, throws his head back in pure joy and lights up the room with that oh-so-familiar smile. The younger Puente is determined to nurture his father’s musical legacy, refusing to let it become a distant memory. “He was just too vibrant, too exciting. There was magic in the music my father made. My goal is to keep it alive, and in doing so, expose it to a whole new generation.”

Tito Jr. has found captive audiences who echo his passion.

Crowds, once lured to a venue by the father’s magic, have returned to enjoy the son. Tito Puente, Jr. has become a favorite entertainer in casinos, performing arts centers and jazz festivals nationwide. In the spirit of giving back, Tito, Jr. has also participated in two USO Tours performing for troops in Japan, Korea, Spain, and Italy. He also helps generate thousands of dollars annually by donating his time and talent to fundraising events.

Tito Puente, Sr. was perhaps best known for his all-time best-

selling 1958 mambo album Dance Mania, and his eclectic sound has continued to transcend cultural and generational boundaries. He went on to become a household name and would later be presented with the National Medal of Arts by then President Clinton in 1997 and be honored by the Library of Congress in 2000, as a

“Living Legend.” Puente died at the age of 77 on May 31, 2000.

“People who don’t know anything about Latin music know my father and people always, always smile when they say his name,” says Puente, Jr. “That is a very special gift, and it inspires and motivates me to bring his music to the world.”

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

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UNFJazz

Ensemble I

The University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble 1 is the flagship ensemble of the prestigious University of North Florida Jazz Studies Program, headed by legendary alto saxophonist Bunky Green. The Ensemble has enjoyed the reputation of being one of the finest collegiate jazz ensembles worldwide. That all members of the Jazz Studies Program are undergrads makes this achievement that much more impressive.

Jazz Ensemble 1 has won numerous awards and is consistently recognized by publications like Cadence, Jazz Times, and DownBeat. The band is also invited to perform

at prestigious jazz festivals including Tampa’s Suncoast Jazz Festival, the Savannah Jazz Festival and annually at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. The band has also performed at the International Association of Jazz Educators Conferences.

A special component of the UNF Jazz Studies Program is the Great American Jazz Series, which brings in stellar artists as residents.

This series, along with other opportunities, has enabled Jazz Ensemble 1 to perform in concert with more than 100 esteemed artists.

2015 JACKSONVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL 55

EVENTS SEPTEMBER 5

PONCHO SANCHEZ

DECEMBER 5

NICHOLAS PAYTON TRIO

OCTOBER 3

BOOKER T

OCTOBER 10 RANDY WESTON AFRICAN RHYTHMS

JANUARY 16

JANUARY 29

APRIL 9

EVERY MONTH

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE

NOVEMBER 21

DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND

FEBRUARY 20

BLACK VIOLIN

SUN RA ARKESTRA

A Co-Presentation with Riverside Fine Arts

MARCH 31

CECILE MCLORIN SALVANT

NAJEE

JAZZ DISCOVERY

TICKETS AT WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM

FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH

RITZ AMATEUR NIGHT

CALL THE TOM BUSH FAMILY OF DEALERSHIPS BOX OFFICE , LOCATED AT THE RITZ THEATRE AND MUSEUM 904.807.2010 OR VISIT WWW.RITZJACKSONVILLE.COM • 829 N. DAVIS STREET, JACKSONVILLE, FL

RITZ-THEATRE-AND-MUSEUM @RITZJAX @RITZJAX

Lowe’s is a Proud Sponsor of the Jazz Gardens at the 2015 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

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MIDDLEBURG 1700 BLANDING BLVD MIDDLEBURG, FL 32068 (904) 589-3022

NORTH JACKSONVILLE 13125 CITY SQUARE DRIVE JACKSONVILLE, FL 32218 (904) 696-4063

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WE’RE PROUD TO SALUTE AMERICA’S VETERANS.

We’re thanking everyone who has helped defend our great nation.

Come by the AARP tent near the Swingin’ Stage, where we have a small token of our gratitude for all who are serving or who have served. Visit our Veterans Wall of Honor, an interactive tribute to those who have served our country. Provide your comments for the national Veterans History Project. Just stop by our booth near the Swingin’ Stage to get involved or learn more.

See what we’re doing in our community at aarp.org/jacksonville @AARPJax

Special thanks to these friends and businesses for their support of the 2015 Jacksonville Jazz Festival

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A portion of beverage proceeds will benefit the Morocco Shriners of Jacksonville and 100 Black Men of Jacksonville.

A very special thanks to the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding efforts to keep festival attendees safe and traffic flowing smoothly.

(904) 630-3690 | JaxHappenings.com Stay abreast of events and activities in Jacksonville. Download the mobile app JaxHapps on Google Play or iTunes.

Visit JaxHappenings.com for information.

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Jacksonville Jazz Festival

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