Candlelight Jazz: August 2013

Courtesy of the Metro Spirit. Thanks for your support

Candlelight, Jazz & You

By Cheryl Aaron Corbin

Summer is upon us, and we are preparing for pool parties, picnics and playing outside. Of course, this also means summer concerts where you can see who is hot, who is making a move and hear your favorite artist.  The summer concert season has a fix for every type of music junkie.  These concerts can be hosted in large outdoor venues which may feature up to 30 acts, to indoor festivals which may feature as few as five with the hottest talent in the industry. Whether you seek char- busting artists or local favorites, summer is definitely the time of year to get out there and enjoy live music.

On Mother’s Day, I had the pleasure of kicking off my outdoor concert season with a local favorite, The Candlelight Jazz Series in Augusta, Georgia. This summer series is sponsored in part by the City of Augusta and Garden City Jazz.  What I love of about this concert series is the intimacy.  Yes, I said intimacy. Concerts are focused on bringing the masses to the music.

                I have attended jazz festivals where I felt like a speck of dust on a flower in Whoville. There were literally thousands of people, all jockeying and vying for a patch of grass to spread a quilt.  The bathrooms are overcrowded, and it never fails, that I get the stall that just ran out of paper. The lines are long, the patrons are hot, tempers are flaring and I leave stressed out.  This, is not a relaxing experience.

I have attended “free” outdoor concerts where again, not only am I vying for a spot near or under a tree, I have to fight for a spot that is not loaded with a young family. As a firm believer in truth in writing, it is with no shame that I admit, I attended the free concert, because I, like many of the attendees was broke with nothing else to do. I packed my lunch basket with cheap wine, lots of ice, bug spray and a positive attitude.  I did not leave with one.  I left with a sour feeling in my stomach and a firm understanding that sometimes you don’t need to bring the masses to the music, but music to the masses.

The Candlelight Jazz series does just that.  It offers diverse programming all summer long for lovers of music in a safe, family friendly environment.  It happens in the calm of the evening juxtaposed against the Savannah River, with the freshness of the air blowing in off the water. The coolness of the acts on stage are inviting, as they soothe the savage beast in you whilst preparing you for your work week.  Friends and family gather with table coverings, bottles of wine are uncorked as glasses are filled, people get merry and the music begins to play.  Lawn chairs are opened as patrons sit back, relax, and enjoy live music.

There is no hustle.  There is no bustle.  Grandma Earline and Aunt Annie rise to dance on the make shift dance floor of the sidewalk that leads to the stage.  Little Becka Summerall, adorned in her pink tutu, hits the dance floor and begins modified pirouettes.  Teens, who were forced to come, find themselves enjoying the evening and one or two even get up to dance with one of their parents. The concert starts at 8 pm and by 9:30, everyone is heading home, eager for next week, so they can return to enjoy another Sunday evening at the River.

It is an intimate affair because you make new friends.  You share your wine with your neighbor and promise next week to bring more fruit and cheese to part with your new pals. If you have not tried or experienced Candlelight Jazz at the River, it is time to mature your music experience. I am currently the Foursquare Mayor of Candlelight Jazz, so when you come down to the river, look for me, and if you locate and snag a photo with me, you just may win a prize.

Candlelight Jazz Concert Series

River Stage at 8^th Street (@ Riverwalk),

downtown Augusta, Georgia.

8:00pm

$6 Admission

free for children under age 13

The Candlelight Jazz Concert Series, sponsored by City of Augusta Special Events, Metro Spirit, Dapper & Company, and 96.3 KISS FM, begins in May and continues through Labor Day Weekend. Bring your own seating and picnic for an evening of great music under the stars at the Riverwalk in downtown Augusta.

Candlelight Jazz 2013: Riverwalk Augusta GA

Candlelight Jazz 2013: Riverwalk Augusta GA

PayBack #PeriodicPhase2

What do you think? Better than the first?

(available for purchase at midnight, May 16, 2013) Click to visit the shop

The Commons Jazz Festival – September 2: Buzz Clifford

Buzz Clifford, 69. Born in Aiken, SC, has been playing pro since 1961.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson…Too many to mention.

Are you working on any new/special projects?           

Putting together an album of jazz originals

What are some other venues you’ve performed at lately?
Savannah Lakes Village Country Club in McCormick, SC; West Lake Country Club and 5 O’clock Bistro in Augusta

Describe a live performance – what should the audience expect?
Lots of jazz, blues, and R&B (lots of the time all fused together).  I’ll be joined by the fantastic vocalist and Grammy nominee Pam Bowman, the super talented Augusta music scene veteran, bassist David Heath who played with Clarence Carter and many others. Finally, on drums Mr. Ricky Chanin formerly with Neal Diamond, The Young Rascals, The Yardbirds, and even Frank Sinatra!

What makes your show unique, different?
Lots of energy, technique & improvisation.

Do you teach? How do you give back to your community?
I’m always on the go and can’t seem to find the time to teach in a structured setting, but I have worked with Rudy Volkmann, for the Georgia Arts Council – introducing jazz to area middle school stuents.

How has the jazz music (or arts) scene in your community changed over the past several years?
There’s very little jazz left.

Children are admitted free to this festival. Were you introduced to jazz music at a young age?
Yes. My father wrote and arranged with Irvin Berlin before I was born, and he had all these old 78 records.  We’d listen to them together & he’d talk about the music and answer all my questions.

The Commons Jazz Festival: Joel Cruz + Augusta’s Young Lions

Joel Cruz, 32.

How long have you been a professional musician?
10 years

Who are some of your musical influences?
My influences are my teachers/mentors, the local musicians from church, the jazz circles, the legit/classical side, and the island music scene.

Are you working on any new/special projects?
Travis Shaw & I just started a trio again.

What are some other venues you’ve performed at lately?
Casa Blanca Cafe’ & Sit-A-Spell Coffeehouse have supported me the most in the past year.

Describe a live performance – what should the audience expect?
Our music is supposed to heard/seen live because it’s improvised and it’s influenced by the moment.

What makes your show unique, different?
We use all of our influences in every piece we play so you’ll often hear lots of movement in one piece. We also make use of our mistakes and our little musicial jokes by allowing them to directly influence our melodies; this helps our confidence, and it helps the listeners to understand how invent in the moment.

Do you teach? How do you give back to your community?
I take teaching very seriously and I teach by principles.  I want my students to filter out bad influences, stay away from drugs & violence, and learn from the of those who lived troubled lives.  I want my students to eventually play along with me, not as student-&-teacher but as peers; it’s a lot to look forward to.

And not just with me but with anyone in any scenario.  This assures that, wherever these students end up in life, they know they can contribute to their communities.

How has the jazz music (or arts) scene in your community changed over the past several years?

I learned by sitting in with local pro bands and knew that one day musicians would walk in off the street to sit in with my band, but it didn’t really happen that way. When friends & I started working, that whole “sitting-in” aspect kind of disappeared (it was weird).  Now we encourage the new guys to get on stage as often as possible.

The spontaneous jam sessions are a trademark of jazz musicians and it’s awe-inspiring to all witnesses wherever they happen.

Children are admitted free to this festival. We’re you introduced to jazz music at a young age?

My older brother’s experience in his school jazz band was my intro.  I knew I wanted part of that.

Annual Labor Day Jazz Festival re-branded, re-launched with more than music

NEWS RELEASE

______________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2012

Contact: Karen Gordon    706-495-6238    info@gardencityjazz.com

Garden City Jazz Presents Labor Day Festival as Part of The Commons Jazz on September 2

Augusta, GA – Garden City Jazz presents The Commons Jazz Festival (formerly UNCOMMON jazz) on Sunday, September 2, at 6;00 p.m.–but this year with added cultural programming and activities for families and children.  The full day of festivities include:

-a free “ArtWalk” from 2:00-5:00 PM at The Augusta Commons at which local artisans will showcase their diverse works ranging from paintings, jewelry, and photography to ceramics, fine crafts and other hand-made goods.  The ArtWalk will also feature performances by singer-songwriter, Celia, presentations by SPARK contestants from Blue Bistro Theatre, and more;

-activities for the kids–including interactive art demos, face painting, Jazz4Kids, inflatables, youth dance and music performances; and an assorted selection of food and beverage.

Following the afternoon’s free offerings, audiences are invited to join in for evening concert from The Commons Jazz Festival beginning at 6:00 p.m. with performances from London Arrington “DIRTYJAZZ” (Atlanta), Kickin’ Brass, Elliot Holden (Atlanta), Buzz Clifford, and Augusta’s Young Lions with Joel Cruz.

Tickets for the evening’s jazz offering range from $15-20, with newly announced ticket discounts available for seniors, students, and military (active, reserve, retired, etc). In keeping with the tradition of Candlelight Jazz at Riverwalk, this year’s event has been moved to Sunday night of the holiday weekend.
For a full schedule of events for The Commons Jazz Festival 2012 & ArtWalk, please see below:

Augusta ArtWalk

2:00pm                Jazz 4 Kids
3:00pm                SPARK Contestants / Blue Bistro Theater
4:00pm                Music by Celia

The Commons Jazz Festival 2012 Artist Lineup

6:00pm
Augusta’s Young Lions with Joel Cruz
music in the moment

6:45pm
Buzz Clifford (Augusta/Aiken)
jazz/blues/R&B fusion

7:30pm
Elliot Holden (Atlanta)
mixed media/acoustic guitar, rock/pop originals

8:10pm
Kickin’ Brass (Ft Gordon & beyond)
New Orleans music, Mardi Gras-style

9:05pm
London Arrington “DIRTYJAZZ” (Atlanta)
funk/jazz/soul originals + high-energy and interactive

Venue:  Augusta Commons, 836 Reynolds Street,  Augusta Georgia

Festival admission is $20, $15 for students, seniors, and military (active, retired, reserve, etc) and free for children under 13. Tickets are available at Garden City Jazz sponsored events (The Augusta Market and Candlelight Jazz), or online at gardencityjazz.com.

The Commons Jazz Festival + Augusta ArtWalk is made possible with generous support from The City of Augusta Special Events, The Augusta Market, David Walker Creative, Ann DeLorge, and Butterfly Photography.

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Candlelight Jazz Concert Series – Season 10: A Look Back

We’ve had a great run thus far. We hoped that you’ve enjoyed the past ten years of Candlelight Jazz. Many of the musicians have moved on to greener pastures – others continue to make it happen right here in the CSRA.

As we wrap up Season 10 – there are two more concerts, then The Commons Jazz Festival on September 2. Many thanks to 96.3 KISS-FM, Metro Spirit, Cher Best, Selina Soul, Minister Eddie Harris, City of Augusta Special Events Office, Dapper & Co. M.G.L, Quest Sound & Productions, Garden City Jazz, and many volunteers and supporters.

It is our hope that you’ve been able to experience a few (or more) of these performances, and that they were memorable and inspiring.

A very special thank you to the musicians and music educators who continue to enrich our lives with art, creativity, tenacity, and passion. We salute you all. Thank you. #jazzlives

Candlelight Jazz Concert Series – Riverwalk Augusta, GA artists, from 2003-present.

3 Sides of Jazz
3rd Shift
A Step Up
After the Storm
Air Apparent
Alabaster Radio
All-County Jazz (Richmond County)
Anderson-Cruz-Shaw
Ashanti Floyd “Mad Violinist” (Tallahassee, FL)
Augusta State University Conservatory Jazz Band
Augusta State University Jazz
Bert Ligon (Columbia, SC)
Blue Diamond Express
Bud Hudson
Calvin “Big Bopper” Edwards (Charlotte)
Chris Andrews (Columbia)
Chris Crenshaw (NYC)
Chris Mangelly
Christian Sands (NYC)
Cigarette Jones
Courtland Saxon
David Heath Project
Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School
Decibels, The
DJM Trio
Doc Easton Smooth Jazz
Richard Doron Johnson (Atlanta)
Edna Stewart Morgan
Edwin G Hamilton Trio (Charleston)
Eldorado Deluxe
Eric Mayweather
Fayth Hope
Fred Williams
Gerry Eisenberg
Glenn Hills High School
GPS – Guitar Performance Standards
Greenbrier High Jazz Band
Gretchen Parlato (NYC)
Hakim Rahsul
Hyland Brooks
iGallo
Jazz Collective
Jazz4Kids
Jazz-a-ma-tazz
Jerusalem Sounds
Julia Easterlin
Kari Gaffney
Kay King (Louisville, KY)
Kemba Cofield (Atlanta)
Kenny Carr & The Tigers (Charlotte)
Kings of Swing
Lakeside High School
London Arrington’s Dirty Jazz
Lucy C Laney High School
Lunar Octopus
Mace Hibbard (Atlanta)
Mellow-D
Mike & Sherry
Mike Frost Jazz
Modern Jazz Movement
Moniker
Mood Indigo
Not Gaddy & The Jazz Savants
Nu Funk Revolution
Nu Project
Pam Bowman
Playback, The Band
Preston & Weston & Sandra
quietSTORM
Reggie Sullivan Trio (Columbia)
Rob Foster & Pulsar
Rob Nordan Jazz
Rodney Green Group (NYC)
SherryWine
sketchbook
Skipp Pearson (Columbia)
Smooth Expressions
SOMA Jazz
Soul Bar Jazz Quartet
Sounds of Zamar
Sounds Unlimited
Stallings Island Middle
The Low End – Tribute to Gerry Mulligan (Savannah)
Tutu D’Vyne
US Army Signal Corps Jazz
USC Aiken Jazz Ensemble
Vintage Jazz Quintet
Will Goble Trio (Atlanta)
Wycliffe Gordon (NYC)
Young Lions

Dirty Jazz has taken the …

Dirty Jazz has taken the best from every genre and combined them all for a groovefest that stirs the soul and awakens the minds of those who embark upon the musical journey with us!!” -London Arrington

#dirtyjazz

Kudos for Jazz 4 Kids!

Hi Karen! My kids were at the Library Fort Gordon Army Base today, and I just wanted to give you an extra thanks for coming out; the kids had fun (and me too!). Manamanah!!

-P. Salatino, July 10, 2012