Sunday, January 20, 2013

The Anticipated North Carolina Jazz Festival

By Shanna McNeil


Crisp, cool evenings and smooth tunes fill Wimington's air as fans from across the area converge on the area for the North Carolina Jazz Festival. This event features some well-known legends and some horizon and local artist who are worth listening too. There are several other types of activities for people to enjoy. There are work shops, art raffles and other activities during the three day event.

The musical genre started back at the beginning of the twentieth century in some of America's black communities in the southern states. The style was a mix of European music and African music. It has grown and developed since then and has drawn the interest of a variety of different types of people from all over the world and has implemented and borrowed beats and styles of other types of musical styles.

The event, which celebrates the popular genre, got its start back in 1980 by Dr. Harry VanVelsor, who was a local dermatologist who decided to show off his favorite music with a larger scale celebration. The event has expanded and evolved through the years and is a much anticipated annual event today. Folks from all over the region travel there to enjoy their favorite type of music, good food and even a little bit of dancing on the newly added dance floor.

Some of the biggest names in the music business such as Art Hodes, Keter Betts, Johnny Frigo, Kenny Davern, Bobby Rosengarden and Tony DiNicola have all participated. Modern day favorites like Wycliffe Gordon, Ken Peplowski and Duke Heitger and others have all performed on the stages. They often share the stage with some of the area's favorite musicians and Jazz players from around the region.

The event coordinators have also worked together with local schools to bring the music they love into the classrooms. They hold concerts and workshops at local middle schools and hotels. They have held an educational jazz string clinic for local violin and guitar students and have presented a clinic to teach trumpet students some new tricks.

Fans of the musical style and event can wear custom created gear that feature the familiar logo of the piano and the name of the festival. There are various types of shirts and sweatshirts available, along with coats which can all be purchased from the event's website. They offer a wide range of colors and sizes and even offer big and tall sizes too.

There are many other kids of items that help people show their love of the even and the music in general like environmentally friendly bags. There are also briefcases for professionals who also want to promote or support the event. Lunch boxes featuring the logo can also be purchased at the site.

The North Carolina Jazz Festival is an highly anticipated event that only happens once a year in the beautiful city of Wilmington. Top national and international names and local musicians all gather together to create beautiful music in this popular genre. People interested in buying tickets or branded merchandise can visit the website.




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