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From NorwalkPlus.com Local
The star-studded line up included Sherry Winston, Damon Grant, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream and culminated with a set by percussionist Roy Haynes and his band. This year, a second stage was added which brought the down time between sets to a minimum and allowed organizers to keep guests engaged throughout the afternoon and evening. The festival kicked off around noon and before long the crowd was more than double that of last year’s inaugural event and included both local as well as Connecticut and New York residents. An area right in front of stage one offered beach chair seating for VIP ticket holders, which cost $75 and included a goody bag, vouchers for food at vendors stands at the event and the beach chair itself. Regular tickets were available for advance purchase at a price of $25 and $35 at the door. Most festival goers came prepared with beach chairs and picking blankets and made a great use of the lawn at Veterans Memorial Park, while enjoying the smooth sounds coming from the stages. Saxophonist Kirk Whalum surprised everyone when he decided to get off the stage and play his sax among the crowd, using the radio microphone, attached to his instrument. Many people went to take a picture with him, while he continued playing the saxophone. After dawn, the cool breeze from the water dropped the temperature considerably, but that didn’t deter a considerable amount of people to stay until the last note, played by the famous jazz percussionist Ray Haynes. The 83-year-old Haynes worked the drums with the energy of someone a quarter of his age. Incidentally, Roy Haynes plays a guest classic Jazz DJ in the new release of the popular among the new generation videogame Grand Theft Auto IV. © Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com |
