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| Jazz to Jump in Bay Springs' Grove Notable jazz musicians will turn up the beat in this Southern town on Saturday, April 26 for Jazz in the Grove, Mississippi's premier jazz festival.The event, now in its 12th year, features New Orleans pianist Ellis Marsalis; the hot jazz harmonies of The Pfister Sisters; Larry Panella Jazz Quartet, highlighting Brasil-based classical pianist Jeff Gardner, Joey Panella - young up and coming bassist, Harrell Bosarge - adjunct University of Southern Mississippi professor and versatile drummist and University of Southern Mississippi Director of Jazz Studies Lawrence M. Panella; and University of Southern Mississippi Jazz I Lab Band, featuring Jeff Gardner. "We're excited about the spectacular line-up of jazz artists we'll have on hand this year, " said Joseph D. Fail, an event founder and president of TEC. "As Mississippi's premiere jazz festival, we hope to have another great turnout of jazz aficionados from across the state come enjoy the day." Downtown Bay Springs' shaded grove, located at 43 Hwy. 528, will be the backdrop for Jazz in the Grove. The festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. with a Kazoo Parade highlighting the musical talents of all ages. The opening ceremonies begin at 11:45 a.m., and the first musicians begin at 12:00 noon, continuing until 6:00 pm. Admission is free. Excellent food, shopping and children's activities will accompany the performances. No pets, ice chests or alcoholic beverages are allowed, but lawn chairs and quilts are welcome. In the event of rain, John R. Sims Arena, on Highway 15 North, will host the event. Jazz in the Grove, presented by TEC and OmniBank, is held annually the last Saturday in April. Fail and the late Jerald Hughes, physician and trombone player of Jazz Reflections, founded the festival in 1996 to unite rural Mississippians and foster their appreciation and awareness of jazz music. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |