jazz

 Generous helpings of traditional, big band, be-bop, and Latin jazz cascaded throughout Amelia Island this past week, as the 2008 Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival presented its strongest offering to date, thanks in part to a kind nod from the weatherman.  Festival organizers, along with a dedicated group of volunteers and appreciative audiences, could not have been more pleased with the quality of music and the picture perfect climate conditions. 

Tickets for the Amelia Island Jazz Festival are now available online at www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com and at the following ticket sales venues on 9/15:

The UPS Store - Island Walk Shopping Center
1417 Sadler Road
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 277-0820

Intercoastal Wine Company
10 North 2nd Street
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
(904) 321-1300

Intercoastal Wine Company proudly presents BLUE MONDAY JAZZ & WINE CONCERT featuring The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band with Bonnie Eisele and Special Guests, Al Waters - Saxophone & Flute and Doug Matthews - Keyboards. Monday August 25, 7-10 pm at Intercoastal Wine Co. 10 N. 2nd St. Fernandina Beach, FL. 904/321-1300. Dig the swingin' sounds of live jazz at this chic, historic venue while enjoying a selection of the very best domestic and imported wines, beer and more. Tickets are available at Intercoastal Wine Co. 10 N. 2nd St. Fernandina Beach, FL 904/ 321-1300, The UPS Store 1417 Sadler Road Fernandina Beach, FL 904/ 277-0820, and at the Door if not sold out in advance. Open Seating * Cash Bar * Jazzy Treats * Space is limited-purchase tickets early!**A portion of the proceeds will benfit The Amelia Island Jazz Festival Scholarship Fund.**

The 2008 Les DeMerle Amelia Island Jazz Festival is pleased to announce its initial slate of bookings for this year’s event, which promises to deliver swinging music throughout Fernandina Beach, FL from October 5-12. World-renowned tenor saxophonist and Swing Bros. recording artist Harry Allen will highlight the performances during the weeklong festival, where fans will enjoy a kaleidoscope of styles ranging from traditional New Orleans jazz and big band swing to Bebop and Latin themes. Additional acts set include the popular Bill Allred Classic Jazz Band, Brazilian sounds from Jeff Rupert & Dirty Martini with vocalist Michelle Amato, the infectious salsa of Latino Impacto, the 19 piece U.S. Southeast Navy Big Band, hot Dixieland from The Spare Rib Six, and The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band, featuring Bonnie Eisele. Nightly jam sessions will follow each of the evening shows, and a complete schedule will be announced soon.