The First Annual Blue Ridge Vineyard Jazz Festival welcomes you on Saturday, May 28. Starting at 3:00 p.m., you will be treated to four distinct Jazz groups, from David Oakes and Friends to headliner Kerry Hurley and the Lenny Marcus Trio. The Bill Hoffman Quintet and The Judi Jackson Trio round out the 3:00 ’til 9:00 p.m. excitement.
Take a jaunt into the countryside (Only forty-five minutes from everywhere!), and travel to the beautiful, relaxing setting of Blue Ridge Vineyard. Spend the day at the vineyard, avoiding traffic headaches and pain at the gasoline pump
Coriander Company will provide upscale box lunches for sale, and The Smokehouse of Roanoke will offer genuine slow-cooked BarBQ for visitors, or bring your own picnic basket. Admission for the entire day is $15.00 for adults or $25.00 for couples. Children and friendly, leashed dogs are welcome without charge.
Although no outside alcohol (ABC regulations) is allowed, Blue Ridge Vineyard will offer both red and white Sangrias as well as complimentary tastings. Visitors may bring blankets, umbrellas, and chairs, or come early for available seats. Call us at (540) 798-7642, if you wish to pitch a tent.
Headliner Kerry Hurley has been a voice in the area since he was six years old, from soloist in church to recording artist, radio personality to lead singer in award-winning bands. Kerry teams with Lenny Marcus in a great musical adventure to provide jazz from across the ages: Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Sinatra to Lenny’s original compositions. Lenny Marcus compliments Kerry with his level of excellence. Lenny is a highly trained, award-winning jazz pianist, flutist and vocalist, featured in NPR’s “All that Jazz and All Songs Considered.”
Returning recently from providing music for TV programs, David Oakes brings a classical guitar background, featured performer, and author status to the Jazz Fest. Bill Hoffman plays all kinds of jazz, since his days of playing with the Rhythm Makers from Lexington to lending his talents to Jazz Swing and Steel Drum bands. Jonny Garr, Henry Hancock, Jerry Margolis, and Brett Reynolds round out the Quintet.
Judi Jackson, described as an Ella Fitzgerald clone, has learned her trade from Cyrus Pace, Wynton Marsalis, and Hoppie Vaughn of the Music Lab and Jefferson Center. Joining her at the fest are Willis Greenstreet and Alex Bingham, both talented guitar and sax artists. Judi will release her first CD at the Kirk Avenue Music Hall on May 25, with part of the proceeds going to support the Music Lab.
Grown Locally, Inc. is sponsoring the event, with part of the proceeds donated to the organization. Grown Locally, Inc., supports locally grown products and talent.
For more information: Call (540)798-7645, visit www.blueridgevineyard.com or www.facebook.com/blueridgevineyard. Blue Ridge Vineyard, 1027 Shiloh Drive, Eagle Rock, VA 24085