May 13, 2005 – Friday, May 20th's Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted promises to be an evening of Big fun and Big sound. The Frederiksted Economic Development Association (FEDA) is bringing the St. Croix Big Band to center stage at 6 p.m. at the Fort Frederik Beach Park.
Remember when swing was 'the' thing, and "jump jivin' "Cats" and "Kittens" were lindy hopping in every ballroom and dancehall around the world? The Big Bands such as – Benny Goodman – "the King of Swing", the Dorseys, Glenn Miller, and a host of others, were riding high, and now the St. Croix Big Band delights their audiences with sounds reminiscent of the Big Band era, adding their own innovative stylings to the works of these musical legends.
For a while, other music was to take the place of the great bands, but with the new millenium, a new generation has re-discovered Swing and Jazz, leading to a resurgence of the music of the Big Band Era. Led by Kent Moorehead, the St. Croix Big Band is just that – BIG – complete with a five piece saxophone section featuring Jerry Doward, Mark Bass, Christopher Fredericks, Clarence Molloy and Douglas Carter, a three piece trumpet section featuring Raymond Harley, Bruce Marshak and Kent Moorehead, a four piece trombone section featuring William Howell, Paul Shakroff, George Clark and Dean Hodge, a five piece rhythm section featuring Donald Richards on Piano, James Sealey on Bass, Lennox Joseph on Guitar, Wayne Clark on Congas, Hugh Clark on Timbales, along with the complimentary vocals of Audrey Browne and Dean Hodge.
The band came together about three years ago and has 20 active members. According to Moorhead, the group provides professionals an outlet to play the music they love. Some of the members are retired; others still hold active positions within their varied professions. But all love playing music and entertaining a crowd.
Along with memorable music and a scenic setting, the monthly Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted concerts, held the third Friday of the month year-round, have the additional appeal of being free. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. and going for two hours, Mother Nature assists by providing a wonderful display of setting sun and cooling Caribbean breeze.
Sunset Jazz is presented by the not-for-profit Frederiksted Economic Development Association, which operates a cash bar to help defray concert expenses, while the also not-for-profit group Hispanos Unidos sells food. Seating is on the terra firma, so taking along folding chairs or blankets is a good idea.
FEDA is joined in it's efforts to present Sunset Jazz by WTJX/ Channel 12, our local PBS station, who assists every month through their video taping of Sunset Jazz which airs on Channel 12 Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. As a reminder, Sunny 99.5 f.m. is now the Official Radio Station of Sunset Jazz, so be sure and tune in to stay up to date on all of the jazz happenings!
Concert goers are encouraged to remain in Frederiksted after the concert to dine at one of the fine restaurants and to enjoy the Frederiksted night life!
For more info e-mail [email protected] or call Bridget Cox-Dawson at 277-0692.
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