Duck’s Jazz Fest another success

Despite a lousy weather forecast, Duck’s sixth annual Jazz Festival went off without a hitch, and both the music and turnout were a big hit.

“We estimate over 5,000 (came) throughout the day, coming and going to see the different artists,” said the town’s public information officer Kathy McCullough-Testa. “I liked that the event appealed to all ages and families, from toddlers to a 100-year-old woman who attended with her daughter and granddaughter.”

Besides wonderful music, there were three Duck eateries providing food: Aqua Restaurant, Dockside ‘N Duck Seafood Market, and Sooey’s BBQ & Rib Shack.

“We had the most ever sponsors, 30, which provided donations of money and in-kind items including housing, food, and tents,” McCullough-Testa said.

The event kicked off at 11 a.m. with Emme St. James & Her Jazz Gentlemen from Richmond, Virginia. St. James is best known for her unique jazz styling and memorable stage presence, and combines her classical training with the influences of Doris Day and Peggy Lee.

She has performed from New Orleans to New England, including at The Martha Washington Hotel, The Jefferson Hotel, and Keswick Hall in Virginia.

The group has recently debuted their “Sultry and Swingin’ Cabaret Show” at John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Fla, which features music inspired by the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.

The Fuzz Band from Hampton, Va. took the stage at 12:15 p.m. This was their third time performing at Duck’s Jazz Fest. They cheered and warmed up the crowd while the sky turned darker and the rain drizzled.

Kathy McCullough-Testa said that members of the Fuzz Band came in early and worked with members of the First Flight Jazz Band and made several pre-Jazz Festival appearances throughout Town.

The Fuzz Band fuses soul, jazz, classical music, hip-hop, and rock. Comprised of classically-trained instrumentalists, as well as accomplished jazz musicians, The Fuzz Band was named the Best New Contemporary Jazz Band in 2005 at The Capital Music Festival.

Their albums, “Collision,” “Without Boundaries,” and “Change” showcase their exceptional talent and range. The Fuzz Band has performed with Grammy award-winning artists such as Alicia Keys, Outkast, and Lauryn Hill.

They have been on three USO tours to perform for the troops overseas in several countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkey, Portugal, and Kuwait.

Paula Atherton from New York is a singer, songwriter, and woodwind player. She has emerged as a major player on the contemporary jazz and pop music scene.

Her 2009 album, “Groove with Me” is a sensational collection featuring 11 of Atherton’s original compositions, plus one well chosen cover, with the perfect blend of instrumental and vocal cuts.

A number of artists appear on her album. Duck Jazz Veteran Chieli Inucci is featured on guitar on the track “Block Party.” Her recently released CD, “Enjoy the Ride” has been listed as chartbound by Smoothjazz.com.

Atherton has opened for many well-known jazz artists such as Chuck Loeb and Patti Austin, and has appeared on several television programs including the “Today” show and “Good Morning America.”

The most popular band was saved for last, The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman.

The Grammy–nominated Rippingtons has been entertaining audiences all over the world for more than 25 years.

Since forming in 1986, The Rippingtons, led by guitarist Russ Freeman, have created a wide fan base of all ages. Several of their albums and songs have been named after exotic places, inspired by their travels. These include, “Tourist in Paradise,” “Weekend in Monaco,” and “Live Across America.”

A number of their works have appeared on the Billboard Charts’ Top Jazz Albums and Top Jazz Songs, has also been played on The Weather Channel’s “Local on the 8′s” forecast segments.

They have performed at venues and festivals throughout the United States, South America, Europe, and Asia. Their newest album, “Built to Last,” was just released and already is #4 on the Smoothjazz.com, Top 50 and #10 on the Billboard Top 20 Smooth Jazz Charts.

2012 Duck Jazz Fest sponsors:
Baritone Sponsor: Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

Tenor Sponsors: Carolina Designs Realty, Inc., The Sanderling Resort & Spa, Scarborough Faire Shopping Village, Sun Realty, Village Realty, and The Waterfront Shops.

Alto Sponsors: Access Design, Atlantic Realty, BB&T, Beach Realty & Construction/Kitty Hawk Rentals, Brindley Beach Vacations & Sales, The Coast, Corolla Classic Vacations, The Cottage Shop and Kellogg Supply Company, Dockside ’N Duck Seafood Market, Dominion North Carolina Power, Duck Community and Business Alliance, Homes & Land of the Outer Banks, North Beach Sun, Ocean Atlantic Rentals, PNC Bank, Resort Realty Vacation Rentals & Sales,The Roadside Bar & Grill, SAGA Construction, Seaside Vacations and Coldwell Banker Seaside Realty, Southern Shores Realty, Steve Alterman Photography, Super WINGS, and Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.

“Next year, Jazz Fest will be Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013.  It is always the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, and next year’s headliner will be announced soon,” McCullough-Testa said.

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