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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Wilmington Jazz Festival brings the swing

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By Cullen Lea

Intern

The sounds of smooth clarinet, soulful saxophone, funky standup bass and melodic piano will soon float over the Cape Fear River from the Hilton Wilmington Riverside during the 35th Annual North Carolina Jazz Festival.

Sandy Evans, festival president, said the festival will feature various forms of jazz, such as standard and swing.

“Our festival features world-class musicians from all over the country,” Evans said.

A multitude of renowned musicians will play during the event including Adrian Cunningham, Mark Shane, Bria Skonberg, Jonathan Russel, Ed Polcer, Nate Najar, Chuck Redd and more.

The first evening of the festival, Thursday Feb. 5, presents The Benny Hill Quartet, Rossano Sportiello’s tribute to George Shearing and The Dan Levinson Quartet with Molly Ryan. All 13 all-star musicians will play Friday and Saturday in various arrangements. Each concert will last 4 hours and 30 minutes.

“I love playing in the festival because it’s always a unique experience,” musician Ed Polcer said. “Nothing is rehearsed and everything occurs in the moment. That’s the essence of the art form.”

Evans, who discovered jazz at age 18 when she visited a club in New York, understands the genre may be intimidating to the uninitiated.

“There is a stigma that jazz is just for intellectuals,” Evans said. “I find it to be something that brings you joy. There’s nothing to understand, it’s just great music. … The musicians love what they do and are very approachable. They love to speak with people in between sets about jazz.”

Festival organizers are expecting around 1,300 people to fill the Hilton ballroom. Individuals travel as far as from California and Texas to attend. Evans is proud to be a stable outlet for those who appreciate the genre.

“Jazz is cyclical, coming in and out of style,” Evans said. “We enjoy putting on a festival every February that people can depend on.”

In addition to the concerts, the jazz festival features an education program Friday, Feb. 6 from 4-6 p.m. at Roland Grise Middle School. Workshops include instructions for horns, guitar, violin, trumpet and woodwind instruments. The sessions are open to the public but will be limited to 20 people per teacher.

Fans and musicians alike appreciate the festival and its location in Wilmington thanks to its beaches, shops and restaurants.

“This is one of the best jazz festivals in the country,” Polcer said. “I love the Wilmington area and it’s no surprise that it has attracted such a wonderful collection of musicians.”

The 35th Annual North Carolina Jazz Festival will be held at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside Hotel where visitors can enjoy music Feb. 5-7. General admission on Thursday is $40, while Friday and Saturday increase to $60. The event costs $15 for students and $25 for active military each day.  For all three days concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m.

For additional information visit www.ncjazzfestival.com

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