Can It Get Any Better?

 I know the past is the past but if you missed last year’s jazz festival you missed a real magical affair. There was diverse group of over 5000 jazz and music lovers who spent the day soaking up the sun and the sounds at our new location, Symphony Park at SouthPark mall.  No worries, though.  We are back in full force. But this go around we have a new title sponsor: You’ve probably heard of Bank of America 500 or Bank of America Stadium.  Well how about the Bank of America Sunset Jazz Festival!  That’s right! Bank of America has stepped up to the plate in a major way, especially during these turbulent times in our economy.  It is only fitting that a prominent institutional leader in this community, become a lead sponsor of a prominent event in this city. A huge thanks goes out to Glenda Gabriel, Cerita Battles and Sacquana Leathers for getting behind our vision of becoming one of the premiere events in this region all while giving back to the community. It doesn’t end there!  You’ll be hearing more about our on-going partnership with one of Charlotte’s outstanding corporate citizen.

This year we are extremely pleased to announce three additional new sponsors and contributors -Lance, Inc., WFAE 90.7 HD2 and Charlotte Traveler.  Our contributors include Bojangle’s, Charlotte Regional Realtors Association (CRRA), SouthPark, Professional Security Services (PSS), Bryant Park and the Urban League Young Professionals.    Returning sponsors include: Lowe’s Home Improvement, Alltel, The Charlotte Observer, WCNC, Radio One/Q92.7, CIAA, and Fitness TV.  Thanks to these corporate citizens we remain free to the public. So make sure you thank them personally at the jazz festival and tell them how much you appreciate their support of the community.

As always, this year’s line-up will include local legends. Bassist Ron Brendle will perform with his band the Freebop Funk-tet and flutist Michael Porter will perform with his group, Porterhouse.  Brendle and Porter are 2 outstanding jazz musicians who keep jazz alive and flowing in the Queen City. We also have a regional music legend, Sweet Dreams from Durham NC.  Sweet Dreams is no stranger to Charlotte and will perform with their full band.  Furthermore, we have an exciting group from Virginia called The Fuzz Band.  “The Fuzz” is an electrifying and entertaining band consisting of 8 members and will definitely put on a show you won’t forget.