Thanks for a great 2017 Jazz Festival!
2017 Lineup
Mint Julep Jazz Band
With their little big band lineup of 4 horns, rhythm section, and vocalist, the Mint Julep Jazz Band recreates the hot jazz sounds of the 1920′s, 1930′s, and early 1940’s through arrangements based on original recordings from the jazz age and swing era and original tunes inspired by that time period. The Mint Julep Jazz Band is based out of Durham, North Carolina and is led by trombonist Lucian Cobb and vocalist/swing DJ Laura Windley, who have put their collective knowledge and love of swing music together to create an ideal dance band for swing dancers. Conceived in the fall of 2011, the Mint Julep Jazz Band formed to fulfill the musical needs of a thriving local swing dance community in the Triangle area of North Carolina, drawing its musicians from the educators and former students of North Carolina universities with vibrant jazz programs.
Davina & the Vagabonds
Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national music scene with their high-energy live shows, level A musicianship, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. With influences ranging from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits, the band is converting audiences one show at a time, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe. DATV’s shows are filled with New Orleans charm, Memphis soul swagger, dark theatrical moments that evoke Kurt Weill, and tender gospel passages. Davina’s voice and stage presence defy category in a different way. Davina has been compared to Etta James, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday, and Betty Boop, but comparisons don’t suffice: Sowers is a true original.
Marquis Hill Blacktet
Trumpeter and composer Marquis Hill is widely recognized as one of the preeminent voices on the instrument of his generation. Raised in the Chatham neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, his introduction to music was made by taking up the drum kit in the fourth grade. However, after being inspired by a cousin his focus soon shifted to what was to become his primary instrument, the trumpet. Mr. Hill’s musical education further expanded by attending Northern Illinois University and while still an undergraduate, he began to be regarded as one of the most in demand trumpeters in Chicago. Upon finalizing his formal education with a Master of Music degree in Jazz Pedagogy from DePaul University, Marquis Hill began working more frequently both as a sideman and a leader of his own ensemble, the Blacktet, throughout the region; appearing at festivals, clubs, and theaters with increasing frequency.
The Rad Trads
Based in New York City, The Rad Trads have quickly gained a reputation as one of New York’s most entertaining live acts. They bring their love of the game to a diverse style of soulful American music, with influences ranging from early jazz to New Orleans brass band, R&B, the Chicago and delta blues, and rock & roll. Featuring three powerful horns, a driving rhythm section, and three captivating lead vocalists, The Rad Trads consistently win over audiences with their relentless energy, charisma, and enthusiasm.
The band performs regularly in NYC at Brooklyn Bowl, Webster Hall, The Blue Note, BB King’s, and Radegast Hall when not touring across the USA and Europe.
The Robert Jospe Express Trio
The Robert Jospé Express with Butch Taylor on keyboards, and Dane Alderson on electric bass play a percussive driven mix of jazz, rock, funk and Latin with a contemporary electric sound. Born in Manhattan, Robert Jospé was inspired by his Belgian parents love of music and began playing the drums at fourteen. He had his first professional performance in France at the age of sixteen. He became an active player in the New York jazz and rock scene as well as co-leader of the fusion band Cosmology. The Robert Jospé Express came together in 2012.
The Second Marine Aircraft Wing Jazz Ensemble
Located at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina, the Second Marine Aircraft Wing Band continues the proud tradition of excellence in military music that has become the hallmark of the Marine Music Program. Consisting of 51 Marine Musicians, the Second Marine Aircraft Wing Band is a highly trained and versatile musical organization. Since 1941, the Second Marine Aircraft Wing Band has performed in well over 50,000 military and civilian ceremonies, formal concerts, community celebrations, parades, and military tattoos, festivals, and public relations tours. Throughout its history, the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing Band has received numerous awards and accolades, establishing a long-standing tradition of excellence and service to Corps and Country. The 2d Marine Aircraft Wing Jazz Ensemble will pay tribute to jazz as an American art form by playing a variety of swinging staples from the modern jazz ensemble literature.
First Flight High School Jazz Band
First Flight High School Honors Jazz Band is made up of approximately 20 student performers. FFHS Jazz Band is directed by Bob Ebert.
Schedule of Events
Sunday, October 8, 2017
On Sunday, October 8, 2017, visitors enjoyed a free, non-ticketed, day-long festival showcasing national, regional and local jazz musicians on two stages. Gates opened at 10:00 a.m., with live music starting at 11:00.
Main Stage:
11:00 AM Robert Jospé Express Trio
1:00 PM The Rad Trads
3:00 PM Marquis Hill Blacktet
5:15 PM Davina & The Vagabonds
Amphitheater Stage:
12:00 PM Second Marine Aircraft Wing Jazz Ensemble
2:00 PM “The Journey of the Clave from Africa to the Americas” by Robert Jospé Express Trio
4:30 PM First Flight High School Jazz Band
2017 Jazz Festival Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
treble clef sponsors
This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.
whole note sponsors
half note sponsors