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| St. Croix Jazz Fest by Sylvain Music Notes Sultry sounds from trumpets, trombones, saxophones and pianos will waft through the evening air when the highly anticipated Blue Bay Jazz Fest makes its mark on St. Croix November 15-18, 2007, featuring an impressive lineup of talented local performers and celebrated musicians from the city where jazz was born: New Orleans. On a main stage and several secondary stages located around St. Croix, the Jazz Fest will present afternoon and evening concerts with stellar acts, including alto saxophonist Donald Harrison, Jr., trumpeter Christian Scott, vocalist Stephanie Jordan and the Jordan Family, pianist Henry Butler, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, and The New Orleans Trumpet Summit featuring Kermit Ruffins, James Andrews, Marlon Jordan, Christian Scott and Troy Andrews. The line-up is filled with New Orleans musicians who are among some of jazz greats, Donald Harrison was named Jazziz 2007 Person of the Year; Stephanie Jordan recently appeared on the back cover of the World's Who's Who in Jazz; "SHOWBIZ, PIONEERS, BEST SINGERS, ENTERTAINERS AND MUSICIANS FROM 1606 TO THE PRESENT"; Billboard Magazine named Grammy-nominated artist Christian Scott one of the "Top Ten to Watch in 2006"; Wynton Marsalis says he is one of Troy Andrews biggest fans, trumpeters Kermit Ruffins and James Andrews have been recognized as torch carrier of Louis Armstrong, while Marlon Jordan's The Undaunted was selected "Top 25 Albums of All Times" by UA Journal. Joining them are Kent Jordan (flute) and violinist Rachel Jordan of the famed Jordan Family of New Orleans. In addition to amazing live shows by jazz masters, the Jazz Fest will feature local foods, arts and crafts, dance troupes, Quelbe musical groups, stilt-dancing mocko jumbies and street entertainers all weekend long, as well as fundraising events, including a "Hugo to Katrina" benefit cocktail party. A festival sponsor, WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' Jazz and Heritage radio station, will broadcast live from the multi-day event. "St. Croix is honored to host the Blue Bay Jazz Fest, which is truly a remarkable event celebrating music, culture and history", said Beverly Nicholson Doty, Commissioner of Tourism. "This extraordinary gathering not only features jazz legends from New Orleans, but also highlights local jazz talents from America's Caribbean. And the fundraising aspect of this occasion makes it even more meaningful to participants and spectators alike." Throughout the weekend, unique daytime events will complement the Jazz Fest schedule. Several St. Croix restaurants will serve up New Orleans cuisine, and many shops will offer Jazz Fest discounts. Music-, wine- and art-lovers can enjoy an art walk showcasing works by Caribbean artists along Frederiksted Strand (and sample wine and cheese in nearby jazz clubs), and later attend a Jazz Beach Party on Cane Bay. In addition, several bars, nightclubs and beach clubs will invite dancing on the beach or around the pool during their live jazz jam sessions. When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel, including online and curbside check-in-making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |