The sounds of cool jazz will join cool ocean breezes this October, when the Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary and once again brings some of the best in the business to the Delaware seashore. Locals already know autumn is the best time to be at the beach, and the jazz festival has helped lots of visitors learn their little secret.
In 2008, headliners included The Drifters, The Neville Brothers, Patti Austin, Fourplay and Paquito D’Rivera. Taking the stage in past years were A-list jazz artists including Boney James, Diane Schurr, Diane Reeves, Stanley Jordan, Chaka Khan, James Ingram, Jeffrey Osborn, Kim Waters, Brian Culbertson, the Rippingtons, Jonathan Butler, Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, Al Green and Peter White.
This year’s festival, boasting another great lineup, including Mindi Abair, Peter White, Kim Waters and Dave Koz, will be held from Oct. 14 through Oct. 18. Originally created as a way to increase off-season activity in Rehoboth Beach, the festival has now created a strong reputation for its presentation of many international recording artists. Whether at the Bay Center in Dewey Beach or the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, music lovers will be able to hear sounds of jazz from an incredible assortment of entertainers.
The festival’s opening night gala has become one of the highlights of the year for locals and visitors alike. Last year, the stellar event included amazing performances, as well as two contests where there were definitely no losers – attendees voted on the best chicken and crab dishes and best desserts prepared by local restaurants.
Not the sort of event to leave town quietly, the jazz festival comes to a rollicking close with a Grand Jam Party on the final night. Last year’s All-Star Jazz Jam Closing Party included performers such as Jason Miles, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Everette Harp, Kim Waters, Andy Snitzer, Maysa, Phil Perry, Chuck Loeb, Gerald Veasley and Buddy Williams. The closing party also includes an open bar and a buffet.
Each year, the festival’s five-member board of directors strives to put together a list of performers sure to attract the widest range of jazz fans. From bawdy “blues women” to smooth R&B to old-style orchestral jazz, the performers at the festival always represent the best variety of the genre.
For more information on the schedule for the 2009 Rehoboth Beach Autumn Jazz Festival, ticket sales and more, go to www.rehobobothjazz.com on the Web. |
