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| Bella Sera Sunset Jazz Festival Jekyll Island hosts the 2nd Annual Bella Sera Sunset Jazz Festival, March 16-17, 2007. Among the featured performers: Joey Somerville, Marcus Johnson, Eric Essix, Janita, King City Trio and Marc Dickman Jazz Quintet. "I can't think of better way to enjoy jazz music than with the beautiful marsh and sunset as a backdrop, " said Eric Garvey senior director of marketing for Jekyll Island. "With this year's line-up, and the addition of our wine tasting event, the second annual Sunset Jazz Festival is set to be a big hit." Bella Sera, which translates into "beautiful evening, " will feature two nights of music. Friday, March 16th visitors will watch the sunset at the historic Jekyll Island Wharf outside the Rah Bar as the King City Jazz Trio entertains. On Saturday, March 17th, the Festival moves to the Historic Landmark District. Music will start to fill the air with wine sessions mingled throughout the day. Wine participants must be ages 21 or older, and show valid identification. Proceeds will go to the Jekyll Island Foundation and benefit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. Bella Sera is sponsored by Coca-Cola, Macy's, Latitude 31 and the Rah Bar, Red Bug Motors and United Distributors. Joey Somerville: Unlike most trumpet players, the basis of Somerville's musical essence lies in the Baptist church. He would judge the caliber of his playing by the number of people he could 'get happy' in the congregation. Today, Somerville makes listeners happy with a harmonious mix of be-bop jazz with the soul and melodic fire of the Baptist church, sprinkled with beats and grooves drawn from Atlanta's R&B and Hip-Hop sounds Eric Essex: The Beatles were a first influence in Essex's musical life. Essex taught himself to play by listening to LP's by Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5 and Al Green. His smooth jazz is sure to entertain. Marcus Johnson: An accomplished jazz pianist, Marcus Johnson's presence is elegant, from his attire to the sheer elegance of his music: a tasty blend of contemporary Jazz styling and hip-hop rhythms. Janita: Starting her career at the age of 13, Janita had multiple hits and received two Grammy Awards in her home country of Finland before turning 17. Janita's inspired and passionate vocals and strong stage presence draw in concert goers. Says Billboard Magazine, "Sensual, musical mosaic, should be hits..." King City Jazz: Vocalist Betsy Shelander and King City Jazz take a familiar set of words-and-music and turn it into a fresh batch of adventurous listening. Whether you like the blues, salsa or swing - such familiar tunes as "Ain't Misbehaving, " "The Girl From Ipanema, " "Route 66" and "Satin Doll" - will make you want to dance. Marc Dickman: An Associate Professor of jazz studies and low brass at the University of North Florida, Dickman conducts the Jazz Ensemble and tuba/euphonium choir. A founding member of the Modern Jazz Tuba Project, Dickman has two critically acclaimed releases; Live From the Bottom Line, and Favorite Things. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |