|
12/18/05
Happy Holidays! We have had a busy summer and fall
getting the Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation started.
Our 501(c)(3) application has been filed to give us
charity status in the eyes of the IRS, and we’re
patiently awaiting official approval.
We had a great time with our first show September 29,
2005 at Ferguson Hall of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts
Center. Paul Brown, smooth jazz’s premier producer,
showed us his smooth guitar work in “The City,”
backed by Allon Sams and Friends, featuring saxophonist
Gene Cannon. Saxophonist Euge Groove then “Got
‘Em Going” with his group, featuring Randy
Jacobs on guitar and Michael Egizi on keys. It was a
night “That Just Felt Right!” Many thanks
to everyone who helped us make our first show a success!
Our second show brought the Rippingtons, featuring
Russ Freeman, to Ferguson Hall on November 2, 2005.
Opened by Allon Sams, we were thoroughly entertained
all evening. The Ripps joined us at the VIP dinner,
making it really special for our guests (and for the
Ripps, too!). Eric Marienthal displayed his world-class
talents on sax and treated us to a taste of his new
solo CD, “Got You Covered.” Russ featured
material from the new CD “Wild Card,” and
also provided us with favorites from 19 years of the
Ripps and his solo CD. Thanks to Russ, Eric, Kim, Bill,
Scott, and Dave for another awesome Ripps show!
We recently attended the Clearwater Jazz Festival,
the Dave Koz and Friends Holiday concert, and the Peter
White Christmas show. Look for reviews and photos soon.
We will be attending the Eric Darius New Years Eve
Gala at the Hyatt Regency Tampa and hope to see you
there.
Our next Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation event is in
the planning stages and we are tentatively scheduled
for Friday, March 31, 2006 at Ferguson Hall (so mark
your calendar!). We are very excited about the artists
we hope to bring but it’s still a secret. Hint:
another producer/guitarist and another great saxophonist!
We hope to have things confirmed by New Years, so check
back soon!
Best wishes from Mark and Cathy for a safe and happy
holiday season!
|
