FYCDP gears up for Jazz Festival

Friday, August 25, 2006

The third annual Family Youth and Community Development Program Jazz Concert promises a full afternoon of bop, blue, ballads, and bossas as four bands contribute to Greencastle's Labor Day weekend festivities on Sunday, Sept. 3.

Gates at the FYCDP center, 605 Crown St., Greencastle, open at 2:30 p.m. with performances beginning at 3 p.m. The building is located across from Ridpath School.

"This year's event will be bigger and better," FYCDP Director DeWayne Norris said. "We have added a covered eating area, improved our sound system and a professional DJ -- former Greencastle resident and professional disc jockey Greg Pierce -- will be the Master of Ceremonies.

"Greg is coming all the way from California to participate."

Norris said a silent auction and raffle will take place at the event as well. Featured items for the auction include autographed items from NBA superstar LeBron James, and a golf package including airfare and a one-week stay at a beach-front condo on Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Fla.

Norris said there will also be art from DePauw University graduate Bing Davis and pottery from Scott Cooper's Pottery Barn, in addition to golf club sets, and more.

There will be four bands performing at the event.

The jazz quartet Convergence performs "straight up" jazz in the first set, featuring vocalist Sue Maginity, Michael Eaton on tenor saxophone and flute, and Steven Jones at the piano. The drummer is Jeff Franca and Harry Maginity plays bass.

At 4 p.m., the Sandy Williams Trio showcases contemporary stylings with excellent guitar-bass interplay between Williams and bassist Dave Murray. Art Reiner is the group's drummer.

At 5:15 p.m., Condition Blue, led by DePauw jazzman Randy Salman, conducts a class of "hard bop." Joining Salman on saxophone are trumpet player Jeff Helgesen, keyboardist Michael Stryker, bassist Paul Musser and drummer Jeff Magby.

The finale features Severn Records' recording artist Tad Robinson with his internationally acclaimed blues band performing at 6:30 p.m.

Joining Robinson (vocals and harmonica) are guitarist Paul Holdman, pianist Keven Anker, drummer Jamey Reid, and bassist Jeff Stone.

Robinson and Salman will perform a special "jam session" at the end of the final set.

Concert goers should bring lawn chairs or a blanket -- and a good appetite. Senior citizens of the South End Community will be serving barbeque chicken and rib dinners along with baked goods and desserts.

Adult admission is $10. Senior and student tickets cost $7 each. Children under 12 will be admitted free.

Call the FYCDP at 653-6467 for advance ticket sales, or plan to purchase tickets on the day of the event.

Proceeds from the concert will be used to continue and expand programs at the FYCDP center, benefiting Greencastle area youth and seniors.

In case of rain, the concert will be moved to the DePauw indoor tennis and track facility.

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