 | | | Last year's performance Photo Doug Kohen
| | | | | | Now in its twelfth year, the Lafayette Jazz Festival will kick off the magic on Friday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Acalanes Performing Arts Center. Sponsored by Generations in Jazz Foundation, both nights and the Sunday matinee show of the Festival have unique themes with top performers and soon-to-be famous student musicians from the area.
"An International Connection" is the Friday evening opener for the Festival, featuring International Artist J. Kyle Gregory and his quartet, along with Bob Athayde and the Stanley Jazz Messengers - promising students from sixth through eighth grade.
The fun continues on Saturday, March 10, also at 7:30 p.m., with "Jazz for the Ages" featuring the Realistic Orchestra, comprised of some of the Bay Area's finest Big Band musicians that play a unique blend of modern electronic influenced grooves and improvisation. They will be joined by the award- winning Acalanes Jazz Ensemble led by Norm Dea.
Closing the Festival on Sunday, March 11, at 3:00 p.m. is "Honor That Jazz," featuring the Contra Costa County Middle School Honor Jazz Band, followed by the Contra Costa County High School Honor Jazz Band.
Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce, (925) 284-7404 or by visiting their website at www.lafayettechamber.org. All shows will be at the Acalanes Performing Arts Center, 1212 Pleasant Hill Road-$10 for adults and $5 for students for the evening performances. The Sunday "Honor That Jazz" matinee is only $5 general admission.
C. Tyson
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA