Feb. 10, 2005 – Agriculture Fair weekend resident jazz lovers and visitors on St. Croix get the doubly sweet treat of not only the Caribbean's premier Agricultural Fair, but to kick the weekend off on Friday evening, February 18th, the Frederiksted Economic Development Association is presenting Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted featuring the phenomenal talent of jazz saxophonist Joel Press.
With sounds reminiscent of smoky, dark and sultry jazz clubs of years ago, Boston's Joel Press is a versatile artist who has performed with such diverse players as pianist Jaki Byard, bassist Jimmy Garrison of the John Coltrane Quartet, vocalist Sheila Jordan, and Duke Ellington's ubiquitous cornetist/violinist/vocalist Ray Nance. Joel Press' latest CD release, "How's the Horn Treating You?" has been enthusiastically received by jazz connoisseurs worldwide.
In an age of retro preoccupation by younger players, Joel Press speaks the language of swing-based, post-World War II jazz in as singular a fashion as any living saxophonist. He has been listening to this music all of his life, and playing it for almost a half century.
The wonderful talent sharing the stage with Press on Friday, February 18th will be Benjamin Jacobs-El on keyboards, C.J. Everett on drums, and Fred Williams on bass, promising the Territory's jazz lovers an evening of jazz nirvana!
Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted, presented by FEDA, is held on the third Friday of each month in Fort Frederik Beach Park, on the beach in Frederiksted. Beginning at 6 p.m. and going for two hours, the title ties in to the timing and the setting — the sun slips beneath the horizon somewhere in that two-hour period pretty much all year around, and the waterfront affords a spectacular view as it does. Having evolved into one of the premier jazz events in the Territory, Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted is a guarantee of wonderful music, wonderful venue, and a wonderful opportunity to mingle with friends, neighbors and visitors.
Admission is free, and with its early evening hours, Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted is a family-oriented affair. Attendees are encouraged by Sunset Jazz producer, Bridget Cox-Dawson, to bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on. F.E.D.A. operates a cash bar, with proceeds going toward the cost of producing the jazz programs. Hispanos Unidos sells food to raise funds for its community outreach projects. As a reminder, please be cool: no coolers!
Concertgoers also are encouraged to stay downtown after the music's over, to dine and enjoy the Frederiksted night life.
Next months Mar. 18 concert will feature the jazz stylings of guitarist and vocalist Dr. Eugene "Doc" Petersen & Friends. For more information, e-mail to [email protected], or call 277-0692.