musicians

Old Time Mountain Music Jam

A friend and I are spending a week in Brevard, discovering life as a local here. It’s the best little town, just big enough to offer everything you need, yet small enough that the traffic is manageable and parking spaces can be found downtown, with no meters! Not that we park downtown much because we walk everywhere, for groceries, coffee, dinner, general shopping. We walked to a local church on Sunday. Monday nights at the Oskar Blues Brewery are a treat. Local musicians of all skill levels show up with their instruments and jam together for their enjoyment and free beer. A great time is had by all; kids, dogs, the old and young. Definitely a highlight of my stay here.

The 2022 Charleston Jazz Festival

I was pleased to be hired to photograph several performances from Charleston’s seventh annual Jazz Festival which was held in various locations between April 21st – 24th. These images were captured on Saturday, 23rd April at the Charleston Music Hall where Kandace Springs and her band performed for the early show, and Etienne Charles & Creole Soul took the 8pm slot. Both performances were musically and visually excellent. Kudos to all the Jazz Festival staff and volunteers for putting this event together, showcasing 43 jazz musicians from all over the world, three High School jazz bands, and two student combos from the Charleston Jazz Academy. Another post will follow with images from the students’ performances on Family Jazz Day at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church.

Gracie & Lacy at the Forte Jazz Lounge

Businesses of all kinds on King Street are struggling to come back. Not only has the COVID19 virus wreaked havoc with their vibrant tourism-driven livelihood, but their troubles were compounded by the riots that took place in downtown Charleston in May. Many enterprises have not survived, as evidenced by all the dark and boarded up storefronts I passed this weekend. One location that is gamely fighting to revitalize is the Forte Jazz Lounge. The owners showcase talented performers and musicians in a relaxed, laid-back (socially distanced) environment. On Saturday night I enjoyed performances by the talented sister duo, Gracie and Lacy, as well as from the legendary low country artist, Ann Caldwell. Get out and support these local artists when you can. You will be glad you did.