Nick Colionne takes it to the next level
Chicago-born guitarist/vocalist Nick Colionne was born into the business, exploring the fretboard by the age of nine. At 15, he was already touring professionally with older musicians.
He smiles as he recounts his efforts to pencil-in a fake mustache in order to fit in on stage. In spite of his one-of-a-kind introduction into the world of jazz, Nick graduated from high school, went to college, and in between tours became a teacher and mentor of elementary-school students in Elgin, IL.
He has been honored for his work with young people and his dedication to breast cancer research. He released just four albums between 1994 and 2003, including the smooth jazz and funk collection Just Come On In.
Colionne signed to Narada for 2006’s Keepin’ It Cool, and was granted the International Instrumental Artist of the Year Award at the Wave Jazz Awards in 2007. In 2008 he released No Limits. Though Colionne’s tour itinerary earned him an established European audience, he was nominated as Guitarist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year by the American Smooth Jazz Awards in 2010, also taking the the Wayman Tisdale Humanitarian Award for his continuing efforts in mentoring children and championing breast cancer causes.
Nick’s wide-ranging musical taste covers many genres, including the classic style of jazz guitar pioneer Wes Montgomery (there is a song dedicated to Wes on every Nick CD), Jimi Hendrix, Kenny Burrell, Miles Davis and Steve Vai, among others. Nick’s appearance at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is opportune on many levels, because he’s an avid fisherman when not casting his musical net over appreciative audiences. Nick does it all with style and dynamic energy!
Nick Colionne will join Nagee and Alex Bugnon at 10 p.m. on Friday, October 14 at the Baycenter at Ruddertown in Dewey Beach.
On Saturday, October 15th, Colionne will be joined by Rick Braun, Alex Bugnon, Steve Cole, Eric Darius, Matt Marshak, Art Sherrod Jr. and Kim Waters at 10 p.m. for their groundbreaking tribute to James Brown, Jazz Meets James. That show will also be at the Baycenter in Dewey Beach.
