Mindi Abair, Joey Alexander wow Jazz Fest patrons
Two-time Grammy award-nominated saxophonist Mindi Abair thrilled the crowds during two shows at the Rusty Rudder Oct. 16.
Abair has had a long and outstanding career. In addition to her solo success, she also worked with many notable artists and groups, including Aerosmith, the Backstreet Boys, Mandy Moore, Adam Sandler and John Tesh. She’s also appeared on “American Idol” and “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” and filled in on the CBS Orchestra for “The Late Show with David Letterman.”
Just a few miles north, 18-year-old pianist Joey Alexander took to the stage at Epworth United Methodist Church for a lively performance with drummer John Davis and bassist Kris Funn.
Alexander was considered a child prodigy, learning to play the piano by himself at age 6. He released his first album in 2015 at age 11. He’s performed for Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, and legendary musician Herbie Hancock.
Alexander was discovered by Wynton Marsalis, who watched a Facebook video of Alexander performing. Marsalis invited him to play at Lincoln Center, and the rest is history.
See the official 2021 Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival program, produced by Cape Gazette, at capegazette.com/center/2021-rehoboth-beach-jazz-festival/226733.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
