Alexandria prepares for Jazz on the River
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Downtown Alexandria invites visitors to come enjoy the fun tomorrow, April 19, at Jazz on the River. Presented by the Arna Bontemps African American Museum, the event is designed to bring jazz to audiences outside the New Orleans area and to showcase the art form that influenced Arna Bontemps and other artists of his era — the Harlem Renaissance and the Jazz Age.
Visitors are invited to the free concert from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Alexandria Amphitheatre on the banks of the Red River. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic basket. Special seating for tables of 10 will be available for a reservation of $200 to help offset the concert’s cost.
This year Jazz on the River will be a tribute to legendary Louisiana jazz artist and teacher Alvin Batiste. It’s also a salute to New Orleans’ recovery and to New Orleanians who are now residing in Alexandria and central Louisiana.
The program will feature jazz violinist Michael Ward, a native of San Antonio who studied at Southern University with Batiste. Ward has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Lionel Hampton, Ronnie Laws and Al Hurt.
Joining Ward on stage will be William Grimes, professor of jazz studies at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. A virtuoso jazz bassist, Grimes has worked with jazz legends such as Joe Pass, Bobby Shew, Terrance Blanchard and Bill Dobbins. His numerous recordings include an album, Dream Dancing, featuring his own trio, and a duo album with pianist Willis Delony titled Civilized Conversations. Grimes also is considered a leading pops orchestra arranger with more than 100 scores to his credit.
Also performing will be the Bontempian Big Band, a 16- to 20-piece jazz ensemble made up of central Louisiana high school students who participate in a jazz residency under the direction of music educator Wilmer Christophe.
The Arna Bontemps African American Museum and Cultural Arts Center, 1327 Third St., focuses on the life and times of Bontemps, noted author, poet, scholar and librarian. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Friday and 10 am.-2 p.m., Saturday.
For more information on Alexandria and area attractions, go to http://www.louisianafromhere.com.
Music and Market
Opelousas continues its Music and Market series tonight, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at the Farmer’s Market Pavilion on the grounds of the Opelousas Tourist Center between Vine and Landry streets.
Featured performer will be Grammy-nominated Geno Delafose and French Rockin’ Boogie. Music begins at 6 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. In addition, local farmers will offer fresh produce. Snap beans are this week’s featured vegetable. Samples of dishes made with snap beans will be available. For details, contact the City of Opelousas Tourism Office, (337) 948-5227.
