The beginning of May can signal many occurrences in Murfreesboro such as graduation and other events, but for 15 years it has signified JazzFest for Main Street Murfreesboro.
Year after year, the event has been a stronghold for the Murfreesboro community while attracting an audience of all ages and providing free talent to the public.
Without a hitch, this year the trend remains the same as it brings in a bevy of first-rate jazz acts from the mid-state to the Square Friday and Saturday, May 6-7.
“The bands are diverse, regional and full of talent. I love the talent in Middle Tennessee,” Main Street Murfreesboro Director Kathleen Herzog said.
The lineup for this year crosses many genres and includes acts such as drummer Chester Thompson.
Thompson, a Maryland native who now resides in Nashville, has played with acts like Frank Zappa, Carlos Santana, Phil Collins, Genesis, Freddie Hubbard, George Duke and Neil Diamond among others.
Thompson is excited to play this year’s festival, which will mark his first appearance in Murfreesboro.
“I’ve played in Franklin. It’s nice to front this one and play with some of my players.” Thompson said in a recent phone interview. “I was impressed they are using so many great players from the area.”
In anticipation of Saturday’s set, he indicated that it would lean more toward a jazz-fusion style with some tunes from former group Weather Report.
Rounding out his group for the day will be Todd London, Bruce Dudley, Roger Spencer, Rod McGaha and a possible guest appearance from his wife, Roz Thompson, as the weekend will mark their anniversary.
Another group on hand will be El Movimiento, who will bring a multi-cultural flair to the stage as they draw upon influences beginning with Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Machito and other Latin jazz artists while mixing modern jazz, rock and other popular music to create their sound, according to the band’s bio.
Playing upon the local theme, MTSU graduate and Nashville saxman Chris West will make a return to JazzFest.
His credentials run deep, as he has studied under Jeff Coffin, who is currently a member Dave Matthews Band and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.
West also plays with local funk and soul group Charles Walker and The Dynamites in addition to his solo work.
Other acts include jazz mallet artist Jerry Tachoir, a Grammy nominee and Berklee School of Music graduate along with 3rd Coast Vocals, who are a four-piece, vocal-jazz ensemble, reminiscent of the hrmonies and arrangements of The Manhattan Transfer.
One of the most exciting and crowd-pleasing groups over the years has been The Jazz Guardians.
Bringing its big band, swinging sounds, the group has put Murfreesboro on its hit list this year, as they will make a return appearance.
Rounding out an extensive lineup will be the MTSU Jazz Ensemble, Jazzmin from Belmont, Fresh Fruit Jazz Project, Music City Swing,
All Rutherford County Jazz Band, Tennessee School for the Blind plus many area high school and middle school bands. MP |
Email
Print
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Google
Yahoo!