Jan. 28, 2003 – The music will be "Gershwin … Mostly" at Sunday's Jazz Vespers concert at the St. Croix Reformed Church, courtesy of Adjoa & Friends.
That's the title featured vocalist Claudette "Adjoa" Young-Hinds has given the program, and she says it will be a salute to George and Ira Gershwin.
Her "Friends" for the evening will be Ray Harley on trumpet, Elvis Pedro on guitar, Marsvyn David on bass and Ken "Afra" Dailey on drums.
According to Adjoa, she cannot recall a time when music was not a significant thread in the fiber of her life, starting with singing multi-part harmonies with her mother and siblings. She received exposure to and training in many forms of music from her mother, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Young, an award-winning classical vocalist.
She formed her first group in 1975 in Boston and called it Mosaic — a fitting word to describe her musical repertoire. She was a featured performer at St. Croix's "Motown to Memphis" concerts in the 1980s and was honored in 1992 to perform at the St. Croix "Jazz in Paradise" festival with the Yusef Saleem/Freeman Ledbetter Group. She also has appeared with internationally acclaimed artists Akwaaba, Billy Paul and Hugh Masakela.
Too modestly, she says: "I'm not given to vocal pyrotechnics, nor do I possess a once-in-a-lifetime instrument. I simply sing and hope you will enjoy!"
The concert is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — timed to take advantage of the sunset view — and there's no admission charge, although a free-will offering is taken. Seating is open, so early birds get the best choice. Everyone's invited to stay for refreshments afterward.
Jazz Vespers is held the first Sunday of each month. The program provides an opportunity to enjoy live jazz in a family-friendly environment free of smoke and alcohol. Young and aspiring musicians are especially welcome to enjoy the music and then chat with the musicians following the concert.
On tap for future Jazz Vespers concerts are The Fred Williams Trio on March 2, Anysa with "The Billie Holiday Story" on April 6, and Dan Dixon on May 4.
The St. Croix Reformed Church is located in Estate La Reine on the hill above the Kingshill Post Office. For more information, call Willard Fields at 719-3672 or Pastor Rod Koopmans at 778-0520, or e-mail to Jazz Vespers.
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