15th Annual East Coast Jazz Fest in Rockville MD - Presidents' Day

[makpjazz57]

The FMJS 15th Annual East Coast Jazz Festival is being held this year from February 16-20 (Presidents' Day weekend). As in previous years, all events are at the Double Tree Hotel on Rockville Pike in Rockville, MD.

This year's main stage performers include: Ernie Andrews, David Fathead Newman, Frank Morgan, Russell Malone, Ron Elliston, Ronnie Wells, Buck Hill, Rebecca Parris, Giacomo Gates, George Mesterhazy, Junior Mance, James King, Vanessa Rubin, Steve Novosel, Ron Kearns, Dick Morgan, Paul Carr, Harold Mann, Sue Matthews, U.S. Army Blues Band, Brooks Tegler's Big Band, Marlene Ross, many others. On Sunday evening February 19, there will be a special musical tribute to the D.C. area's own Keter Betts, who passed away in 2005. This tribute will feature Buck Hill, Junior Mance, Steve Novosel, Harold Mann, James King and Tommy Cecil.

The East Coast Jazz Festival directly benefits the Fish Middleton Jazz Scholarship Fund (FMJS), a non-profit organization created in memory of Elmore "Fish" Middleton. FMJS' programs continue to assist in the educational and artistic development of Jazz artists, promote Jazz education and performance and offer a wider base for the presentation of "straight ahead" Jazz in the Greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area.

I'm going to add my two cents once again and say one of the most rewarding benefits of attending this festival is getting to hear the young "up and coming" jazz musicians from area junior high and high schools. During the daytime hours, each day of the festival, you can walk by the atrium and hear some incredible young musicians, dancers, etc. The main focus is on jazz groups of all sizes (trios, quartets, big bands, etc.) to showcase the children who benefit from the proceeds of the festival. All events take place at the Doubletree Hotel and one of the nice "extras" is that some wonderful area vendors with unique clothing and jewelry are featured on the hotel's main floor. The atmosphere is somewhat similar to a jazz cruise in that while the jazz concerts and workshops are at specific times and in specific rooms, it is a very relaxed atmosphere with some serious jazz fans having a great time.

Just added - a special celebration of the life of one of the D.C. area's finest drummers, Mike Smith, who passed away recently. Here's the info on this free offering from the ECJF. Joe LaBarbera, a long-time supporter of the ECJF and friend of Mike's will be the very special guest:

We are having a "Celebration of Mike Smith's Life" on Thursday, February 16 at 10 p.m. Mike's best friend, Terry Plumeri (bass), along with David Goldblatt (piano), and Joe LaBarbera (drums) will be featured. It is free and open to the public.

My final two cents - if you live in the area and can lend a hand, the festival folks are always looking for volunteers. You can reach one of the folks running the festival at the same number I've listed below (for ticket info).

For ticket information you can call 301-933-1822 or visit the East Coast Jazz Festival's website at http://www.fmjseastcoastjazz.com

Thanks,

Marla