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Killens Pond State Park in Felton will come alive with the sound of music on Saturday, May 10. Jazz, Blues & BBQ, an event produced by Delaware Charitable Music, will kick off at 11:30 a.m., as the highlight of a Mother’s Day weekend full of musical events.
Natural and recreational opportunities abound at Killens Pond State Park, centrally located in the heart of Kent County.
Headlining this year is jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut, who draws from both modern and traditional jazz, while also flirting with R&B and gospel. Joining him will be Bryan Lee, a bona fide New Orleans blues guitar hero and staple on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.
Bryan Lee is a natural-born house rocker with a whole lot of soul. Complementing these two performers will be Delaware’s own Joe Baione and his sextet, who will be performing tunes from his brand-new CD, “Oh Yeah!” and the incredible guitar work of Clarence Spady.
Add to this mix the talent of Nothin’ But Trouble, the amazing Delaware State Jazz Band, and the new Delaware All-Star Student and Faculty Band. For a full description, visit www.dejazzbluesfest.com.
New to the lineup this year is the addition of a dance stage area as well as the ongoing music at the main stage.
Festivalgoers will have the chance to learn how to swing dance through the instruction given by two professional dancers from the Philadelphia area, Paul Salter and Jennifer Scricco.
These dancers are proud to be the driving force behind vintage swing dancing in Philadelphia. Joining these instructors will be the six-piece swing and Dixieland sounds of the Barbone Street Jazz Band. And if this isn’t enough to keep the little folks entertained, the park rangers will be hosting some fun events for the younger set throughout the day.
In addition to the events scheduled for the day of the festival, new kickoff party and celebration is set for Friday, May 9, near the Lobby Bar at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. There is no charge for this event, which includes complimentary food, a cash bar and the appearance of a true bluesman, Sonny Rhodes. Guitarist, lap steel player, singer and songwriter, Rhodes is an international legend.
He has been performing for more than 40 years worldwide and has written more than 250 songs on such labels as Kingsnake and Alligator Records.
Among his awards, Rhodes has received the Smithsonian Institute Lifetime Achievement Award at the Monterey Blues Festival and also received congressional honors from the U.S. House of Representatives.
On Sunday, May 11, the Sheraton Hotel in Dover will host a gospel/jazz brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring the music of progressive gospel/jazz saxophonist Tyrone Birkett. The sound is progressive by using contemporary gospel as a springboard and extending it through jazz and soul. The music is unique in that various influences have been assimilated to produce something new but still familiar. All of the music selections are anchored by the attentive musicianship of New York’s best up-and-coming jazz and gospel talent and are joined by vocalist Paula Ralph-Birkett.
To make a reservation for the brunch call the Sheraton Dover Hotel at 302-678-8500. Tickets for the festival at Killens Pond are on sale now and may be purchased through the website at www.dejazzbluesfest.com or by calling 302-672-7022.
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