The 3rd annual Sunset Jazz Festival–held in Atlanta, GA–did once again raise the bar. Rick and Ross of The Famous Rick & Russ Show Here are some photos from the Sunset Jazz Festival: Furthermore, they will be happy that they did. Without knowledge of the line-up for 2016, I can assure old and new attendees they can safely make plans to attend. The energy he and his band leave on the stage every time he performs is undeniable and created the perfect finale. With an expansive catalog of music, Brian was able to give the crowd some of old and new music. In true Culbertson style, Brian and his talented ban delivered a performance not to be forgotten. Headlining the festival was none other than the entertaining, keep-you-on-your-feet Brian Culbertson. Eric never disappoints his fans with a collection of songs spanning his expansive career. His performance was grown and sexy–as expected. Alongside a cast of extremely talented musicians, The Robert Glasper Experiment wowed the crowd. Next up was The Robert Glasper Experiment. Robert had just flown in from London the night before, and he gave the type of performance he is known for: incredible. Opening the five hour show with his energetic performance was saxophonist, Mike Phillips, joined by the very talented violinist, Karen Briggs. They’ve appeared together all over on various stages. As always, the line-up was incredible and left no stone unturned. August 15, 2015, Atlanta, GA was once again the host for the Sunset Jazz Festival at Chastain Park. I am going to get a couple more in before it all comes to end for 2015. When it was all said and done, Norman Brown had undoubtedly left it all on that stage.Īs we approach the end of the summer, we are also approaching the last few festivals for the year. His performance was stellar, as always and spiritually moving. And under the stars, Norman Brown closed the night with everyone in the palm of his hand. When Will Downing graced the stage, everyone was beyond ready to hear him sing the songs they know all the words to. The Rippingtons with their legendary jazz style and masterful musicianship, gave fans exactly what they came to see. He was followed by Kindred the family soul who sang as the crowd swooned with them. If fans didn’t know him then, they definitely know him now. Opening the show was a local talent, Darnell Showcase Taylor. No one was disappointed as artist after artist took to the stage, giving the crowd their all. On that hot afternoon, fans packed the Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre with much anticipation. Live music–who doesn’t love it? There is nothing quite like it, and on June 16th, live music is exactly what the city of Charlotte received.
The last day of the festival included vocalist and guitar player Jackie Venson, Michelle and Ravi Coltrane, Diane Reeves, and Pete Escovedo with Sheila E. It was the perfect finale to a day of incredible music. Gregory Porter graced the stage with his fabulous band and flawless vocals to end the evening. Renowned guitarist Lee Ritenhour was everything fans expected. The rain made its way in and even caused a brief break in the performances, but in the end it didn’t stop the music. Grammy nominated Jazzmeia Horn blew onlookers away with her incredible jazz vocals. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band from New Orleans had the crowd on their feet with their funky big band grooves. Following them were the 2018 Coltrane Jazz All Stars spearheaded by the director of Jazz Ensemble at North Carolina A&T State University Mondre Moffett. Every year they are always the festival openers. The John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival held on September 1st -2nd began with the Coltrane Youth Jazz Workshop. Jwas a memorable night that attendees will be talking about for a while. It was such an amazing moment to witness a true legend sharing his gift. Fans were taken on a journey through his expansive musical career they sang along and swayed while holding onto his every word. He sat at the piano accompanied by his incredible band and sang his heart out. At that point, everyone was ready for the highlight of the evening Michael McDonald stepped on stage to a roaring crowd. The soulful, funky, uplifting performance left fans on their feet dancing and singing. The pair fueled the crowd with song after song, taking turns individually and together. Such opened the show with a few of her songs and her single “ Before Dark.” When Gerald and Jonathan hit the stage together, fans knew they were in for a special treat. Sure who serenaded the crowd with snippets of his hit songs. Once the announcement was made that Michael McDonald, Gerald Albright, Jonathan Butler, and Such would be performing, the stage was set. The Queen City JazzFest was an amazing treat for attendees this year.