Doctor Harry VanVelsor founded the North Carolina Jazz Festival because he loved the music so much. At first he wanted to use it as a showcase for big band music and for Dixieland, as these were the types of music he liked. The whole thing has helped put the city of Wilmington squarely on the map.
The event has grown in popularity to such an extent that in the past they're had musical greats such as Keter Betts, Bobby Rosengarden, Kenny Davern and Tony DiNicola. More recently, lots of talented artists have performed including: Ed Polcer, Wycliffe Gordon, Bucky Pizzarelli, Houston Person and Duke Heitger. They're not averse to showcasing young talent either; Jonathan Russell was aged 11 when he performed alongside Bucky Pizzarelli, the legendary guitarist.
Lately the types of music being played has changed a little. In order to attract more people, the organizers felt it imperative to branch out a little and have a little be-hop playing. The event will still keep its Dixieland and big band roots, but it's important to show people that jazz has a wide variety of sounds and not just two.
The list of foreign musicians that have attended is extensive. It's seen as a privilege to play at such an event, and so it's not surprise that people like Jim Galloway from Canada and Anat Cohen from Israel have performed there.
When Doctor Harry VanVelsor choose to end his participation in the event in 2006 it was already a big deal on the Wilmington calender. He was replaced by Sandy Evans, the former president of the Cape Fear Jazz Society. Evans has insured that the event continues to attract not only some great artists, but also bigger crowds.
The festival has really put the city of Wilmington on the map. Wilmington is situated along the banks of the Cape Fear River, and aside from the festival there are several other attractions such as restaurants and museums. It even has a movie studio and beaches, as well as historic Civil War sites, so it's ideal for tourists that like a bit of culture to go with their music.
The festival has a format that means you'll be able to come along and take in the music at almost any time. The morning/afternoon slot is great for those who like to get up early, have a late breakfast or early lunch and take in some music. The afternoon/evening set is perfect for those how prefer to spend their nights by the beach or in a restaurant. And the night slot rounds off an evening about as well as could be expected.
The North Carolina Jazz Festival has been going for over three decades and is still going strong. It provides an opportunity for musicians all over the world to congregate in the idyllic town of Wilmington. It also gives amateurs a unique chance to play on stage with some of the featured artists.
The event has grown in popularity to such an extent that in the past they're had musical greats such as Keter Betts, Bobby Rosengarden, Kenny Davern and Tony DiNicola. More recently, lots of talented artists have performed including: Ed Polcer, Wycliffe Gordon, Bucky Pizzarelli, Houston Person and Duke Heitger. They're not averse to showcasing young talent either; Jonathan Russell was aged 11 when he performed alongside Bucky Pizzarelli, the legendary guitarist.
Lately the types of music being played has changed a little. In order to attract more people, the organizers felt it imperative to branch out a little and have a little be-hop playing. The event will still keep its Dixieland and big band roots, but it's important to show people that jazz has a wide variety of sounds and not just two.
The list of foreign musicians that have attended is extensive. It's seen as a privilege to play at such an event, and so it's not surprise that people like Jim Galloway from Canada and Anat Cohen from Israel have performed there.
When Doctor Harry VanVelsor choose to end his participation in the event in 2006 it was already a big deal on the Wilmington calender. He was replaced by Sandy Evans, the former president of the Cape Fear Jazz Society. Evans has insured that the event continues to attract not only some great artists, but also bigger crowds.
The festival has really put the city of Wilmington on the map. Wilmington is situated along the banks of the Cape Fear River, and aside from the festival there are several other attractions such as restaurants and museums. It even has a movie studio and beaches, as well as historic Civil War sites, so it's ideal for tourists that like a bit of culture to go with their music.
The festival has a format that means you'll be able to come along and take in the music at almost any time. The morning/afternoon slot is great for those who like to get up early, have a late breakfast or early lunch and take in some music. The afternoon/evening set is perfect for those how prefer to spend their nights by the beach or in a restaurant. And the night slot rounds off an evening about as well as could be expected.
The North Carolina Jazz Festival has been going for over three decades and is still going strong. It provides an opportunity for musicians all over the world to congregate in the idyllic town of Wilmington. It also gives amateurs a unique chance to play on stage with some of the featured artists.
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