Drummer and bandleader extraordinaire Les DeMerle, the Amelia Island Jazz Festival's Artistic Director, will host "Let's Talk Jazz," a lively discussion of the music he loves, at Nassau Health Foods
Drummer and bandleader extraordinaire Les DeMerle, the Amelia Island Jazz Festival’s Artistic Director, will host “Let’s Talk Jazz,” a lively discussion of the music he loves, at Nassau Health Foods
, 833 T.J. Courson Road in Fernandina Beach, Monday, September 26, beginning at 5:30 P.M. With an emphasis on peak moments in jazz history starting with its roots in New Orleans and moving through the Big Band, Be-Bop, Modern, and Fusion eras, DeMerle will note key players and will supplement the talk with audio examples of many.
The public is invited and admission will be free.
A notable lecturer on the history of jazz, both locally and on cruise ship engagements around the world, DeMerle will present an extensive musical knowledge as well as relate his memorable experiences sharing the stage with a potpourri of the music’s iconic names, including Harry James, Lionel Hampton, and Frank Sinatra. “We want to raise the awareness of jazz, America’s original art form,” he said, “and we plan to have a lot of fun in the process.”
Additionally, DeMerle will discuss his favorite moments from the 13 year history of the Amelia Island Jazz Festival, which has showcased such top drawer acts as David Sanborn, Ramsey Lewis, Spyro Gyra, and Larry Coryell. “I’ll also be previewing this year’s exciting lineup, topped by our headliners, legendary saxophonist Houston Person and hot young trumpeter/vocalist Bria Skonberg, along with all of the exemplary musicians set to appear October 2-9 on the island,” he said. “I hope many of our friends and jazz enthusiasts will come out and join us for this program. We’ll welcome all questions and comments as well,” he added.
For more information please go to www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com, or contact the Festival Hotline at (904) 504-4772.
