Hi Guys – Diki likes the strong Joe (I do too), but I am also a cappuccino nut. The Seabreeze JazzFest link is
www.seabreezejazzfestival.com. I have gone several of the last years and it is one of the best things that has happened to this area for smooth jazz lovers. Diki’s also right about it being primarily a “smooth jazz” event. Most of the artists are current ones being carried on the smooth jazz radio links, in fact, the “King of the smooth jazz hill” himself, Dave Koz, is performing Saturday night. I have a gig and am still trying to decide whether I can make much of Saturday’s shows or not (going Sunday). Here are some of the artists to be on the docket:
Norman Brown
Paul Taylor
Alex Bugnon
Chante Moore
Bonafide featuring Slim Man (Dinner Cruise)
Wayman Tisdale
Richard Elliot
Nick Colionne
Rick Braun
Euge Groove
Kim Waters
Joyce Cooling
Four 80 East
Steve Cole
Jeff Kashiwa
Dave Koz
The place will be packed and the majority of folks come from Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Last year I sat next to a family of four that flew in from Salt Lake City. The guy said they come every year and won’t miss it. One of the pluses of course is the beauty of the coast this time of year…no hurricanes and the venue is a block from the most gorgeous beaches in the country. Gerald Albright was here last year as was Kirk Whalum, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Euge Groove, Mindi Abair, and the two hot sax players from “Down to the Bone”. This festival is similar to what you would see in Los Angeles or other big cities – the popularity of it all is enhanced here by the pristine natural setting we live in. It is a beautiful outdoor setting on a grassy knoll overlooking the stage.
If you listen to smooth jazz I can tell you that you would get much more than your money’s worth by attending the Seabreeze events. They even had some “tables for 10” up front priced at $5000 - - and they sold them. Regarding pot… no need to worry down here. This is a very clean family event. Lots of security, cooler checks, and deputies abound.
I’ll be there Sunday. Can’t pass it up… particularly for a local like me, the money is nothing for the opportunity to hear and meet so much talent in so little time. I’ll miss Dave Koz, but some of my other “heroes” will be taking the stage. It'll be a fun Sunday for sure.
Randy
[This message has been edited by saxxman (edited 04-17-2008).]