Festival History:

The Jazz Festival is the brainchild of Raphael Semmes (a mainstay in the metro music scene for decades) and Tripp Douglas (owner of Fusion Coffeehouse). After three years of hosting top-notch live jazz sessions inside Fusion Coffeehouse, the crowds were easily overwhelming the small venue. So the logical next step was to take it "outside the box."

It took more than two years to get the event off the ground, but the big break came when Kerioth Corp. (developer of The Township at Colony Park) threw their weight behind it. And the event couldn't have happened without the support of the dozens of local sponsors.

The inaugural festival in 2008 was a huge success, with over 1,000 people enjoying jazz in the sun on May 30, 2008.

Despite rainy weather for the second festival, the 2009 event saw an even larger turnout – with a standing-room-only crowd crammed into the large indoor space provided by Kerioth Corp.

The 2010 Township Jazz Festival promises to be the best one yet. We hope to see you there!

 

 

 

 

The Township Jazz Festival
is pleased to announce
the 2010 Festival will be headlined
by the incomparable
MOSE ALLISON.

Mose is a multi-Grammy winner and a legend in the music industry. Known as "The William Faulkner of Jazz," he has enjoyed a long career as pianist, singer and songwriter. Beyond his reputation as an engaging and hip entertainer, there are few living musicians who have had such a strong influence on the development of other artists.

As one writer recently said: “Mose is now at the peak of his performing career. Although maybe this last statement is not quite true as he seems to continue to improve on perfection.”

Please visit Mose's website for his official bio.

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ALSO APPEARING:

Also featured at this year's event will be metro area jazz favorites LISA PALMER and the KNIGHT BRUCE GROUP, bassist/vocalist RAPHAEL SEMMES (voted "Best Jazz Musician" in this year's Jackson Free Press readers poll) and the "FUSION" ALL STARS, and back by popular demand, closing out the show... guitar virtuoso BARRY LEACH's soul-jazz group "THE VAMPS" a perennial crowd favorite.

STUDENT MUSICIANS PERFORMING:

In keeping with KERIOTH CORPORATION's support of education and youth in the arts, there will also be performances by the JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE (under the direction of Dr. Russell Thomas,Jr.) as well as the MADISON CENTRAL JAZZ BAND (under the direction of Terry Miller) and the JACKSON ACADEMY JAZZ BAND (under the direction of Bruce Carter).

Another "QUALITY OF LIFE" EVENT at THE TOWNSHIP from KERIOTH CORPORATION:

This "family-friendly" event will also feature a special staging area for student dance performances and activities and food and beverages will be available for purchase. The festival begins at 12 NOON and will be held RAIN or SHINE.There is no admission charge with "festival seating" and lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged.Parking is available and early arrival is suggested.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

For more details on the TOWNSHIP JAZZ FESTIVAL and information regarding sponsorship opportunities for this event contact KERIOTH CORPORATION at (601)-368-9950 or FUSION COFFEEHOUSE (601)-856-6001. For music information contact RAPHAEL SEMMES MUSIC: rsemmes@bellsouth.net

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MUSIC PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
on the "Fusion Coffeehouse Stage"

12 noon -12:45... JACKSON ACADEMY JAZZ BAND

1 pm - 1:45... MADISON CENTRAL JAZZ BAND

2 pm - 2:45... JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY JAZZ ENSEMBLE

3 pm - 3:45... RAPHAEL SEMMES & FUSION ALL STARS

4 pm - 4:45... LISA PALMER & THE KNIGHT BRUCE GROUP

5 pm - 6:00.. .MOSE ALLISON

6:15 pm- 7:00... THE VAMPS

*Times subject to change

 

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Here are some audio highlights from the 2009 festival:

Barry's Blues by The Fusion Coffeehouse All-Stars

Blue Drag by Swing de Paris

Rythm and Strings by Rhonda Richmond

Route 66 by The Knight Bruce Group with Jewel Bass

Samba 64 by The Vamps