LB Jazz Fest - Day 2

I was unable to make it to opening night of the LB Jazz Festival. I heard that Los Playeros de Long Beach put on a great show. Aerial Acoustics was kind enough to donate a copy of their CD to our collection - so we will all have the chance to check out their music in a week or two. The drums and pipa duo of Matt Wilson and Min Xiao-Fen closed the show.
I would love to hear from people that were there.

New to this year's shows is the creative sillouettes that serve as a backdrop for the performers. Liz Goldstein from the library's Youth Services Dept. and Michael Simon, Long Beach audiovisual librarian deserve a round of applause for their efforts.

I was able to attend most of the Day 2 offerings. Sorry I missed Jim Lampi's opening set. The Bryan Carrott group, featuring Matt Wilson on drums, Dean Brown on guitar, and with Steve Adelson on the Chapman Stick sitting in, covered a lot of musical ground including tunes by Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, and John Coltrane.

The Debbie Knapper Band closed out the evening in grand style. A blend of funk and soul had almost everyone in the near capacity crowd clapping hands, tapping toes, and shaking their walkers. What a talented group - keyboardist, Danny Keane did a great job covering an Al Green tune. Ms. Knapper sang a few tunes as well. The incredible stage presence, of lead singer, Perrita Kitson made this a memorable set. She demonstrated a powerful voice with incredible range as well as the ability to get the audience totally involved in the set. This group, rounded out by Ainsley Taylor on drums and Shawn Whitley on bass does play in the area - so make sure you get out to see them - you won't be disappointed.

And there is still two more days to go!!