June 18, 2002 – It's the third Friday of June coming up already, so, jazz fans, get those folding chairs ready to go.
"Sunset Jazz" has expanded its name to "Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted," which is where it's been all along, but for those not in the know, the gathering spot is Veterans Park on the waterfront. And the hours are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., so even for the summer solstice this weekend, a sunset is absolutely guaranteed.
As for the jazz on tap, it, too, is as guaranteed as you're going to get: "Adjoa and Friends." That would be jazz singer Claudette "Adjoa" Young-Hinds and two other vocalists, Catalina Sevilla-George and Kevis George, along with Elvis Pedro on guitar, Marcus Rabb on trumpet, Marsvyn David on bass and Ken Afra Dailey on drums.
There'll be an extra added attraction, too: WTJX-TV/Channel 12 will tape the concert for airing at a date to be announced.
Presented by the Frederiksted Economic Development Association, the concert is free, and they're serious about people bringing their own chairs or blankets to sit on. There are some benches in the park, but only a few, and invariably a lot more people than that turn out to enjoy the music and the ambience. It's a family-oriented evening. A cash bar will be set up.
For future reference: July's concert, on the 19th, will feature The Elvis Pedro Quintet; and August's, on the 16th, will showcase Rene Encarnacion and the Tipico Jazz Ensemble. To learn more, call 719-3672 or 772-4000, or e-mail to Sunset Jazz.
Here's a little background on the artists:
Adjoa cannot recall a time when music was not a significant thread in the fiber of her life, from singing three-, four- and five-part harmonies with her mom and siblings to performing with Akwaaba, Billy Paul and Hugh Masakela. In 1992, she was invited to appear at the St. Croix "Jazz in Paradise" festival with the Yusef Saleem/Freeman Ledbetter Group. "I'm not given to vocal pyrotechnics, nor do I possess a once-in-a-lifetime instrument," she says with more humility than is warranted. "I simply sing, and hope you will enjoy."
Catalina Sevilla-George, a minister's daughter, began her vocal career in church. Ella Fitzgerald, Nat "King" Cole and The Supremes influenced her early on. A music major at Westminster College in New Jersey, she performed as a member of the college choir at the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and with The New York Philharmonic Orchestra under Leonard Bernstein. She earned her master's in vocal performance from New York University, has appeared on "Sesame Street," is the author of a book of poetry called "Cat's Paws/Pause" and now teaches music at Lew Muckle Elementary School.
Kevis George got singing experience doing talent shows while in high school. In the early '80s, he was a member of the vocal trio Nina, Kevis & Julia. In 1985, he joined the group Phun and recorded his first single, "Crucian Beauty." He worked with Rare Breed and later was lead singer for Code 9. He can be heard on Code 9's CD "Rude Girl" (the title refers to Hurricane Marilyn) and on "Mountain Sounds, Vol. 1" with Pure Energy. He also has worked with Aaron Mills, original bass player for Cameo, and had the lead role in the Island Center production of "The Wiz."
Elvis Pedro, a native Crucian, started studying guitar in 1975. His early inspiration came from Wes Montgomery, George Benson and Kevin Eubanks, as well as fellow Crucians Ronnie Russell and Fred Thomas. He's had no formal musical training but has has read books, studied the music and practiced for thousands of hours. He has played with Bensen, Jimmy Owens, The Drifters and Freddy Williams and sat in on numerous occasions at St. Croix's Blue Moon jazz restaurant. As a current member of the V.I. National Guard's 73rd Army Band he has performed throughout the world, from Morocco to California to Bolivia.
Marcus Rabb grew up in Baltimore and began studying piano and trumpet as a child. He played trumpet in area jazz bands while in high school, and he won a full music scholarship to Howard University, where he earned his master of music degree. He has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Milt Jackson and Joe Henderson, among others. As the recipient of a fellowship for study abroad, he chose to study chamber music at the American Conservatory of Music in Fontainebleau, France. He moved to St. Croix in 1997 and currently teaches music privately and at Evelyn M. Williams Elementary School.
Marsvyn David, who is also a writer, arranger and producer, has had four of his tunes recorded by the Howard University Jazz Band. He has written, produced and recorded numerous commercial jingles heard in the territory. He has was the band director for Brenda Cole, 1988 country singer of the year. He is currently music director for Orquesta Taboga, Atlanta's premier Latin band, and has produced the group's new CD.
Ken Afra Dailey's first instruments were flute and clarinet, but it was his drum talent that got him a gig with The Modern Ink Spots. He was practicing at his mother's house in Philadelphia when the group's producer happened to walk by, listened for a moment then knocked on the door and asked his mother if he could join the group. Of course, the answer was yes. He has worked at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, where the "Philly" sound originated, and has toured with Grover Washington Jr., Betty Carter and The Dells. He's currently a member of The Roy Davis Trio.
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