March 21, 2018

AIJF Sets Requinte Trio and Henry Johnson as 2018 Headliners

The critically acclaimed Requinte Trio, featuring multiple Grammy winning vocalist Janis Siegel, a founding and longtime member of Manhattan Transfer, and veteran Chicago guitarist Henry Johnson will headline the 2018 Amelia Island Jazz Festival, October 7-14, it was announced this week by AIJF Artistic Director Les DeMerle.

A finely tuned Brazilian project, Requinte Trio also includes Nanny Assis (percussion, guitar, vocals) and John di Martino (piano). Its latest release, “Honey and Air”, has received worldwide praise, and the group maintains a notable international touring schedule accordingly. Requinte Trio will appear on Saturday, October 13.

Henry Johnson, a disciple of jazz guitar greats Wes Montgomery and George Benson, has accompanied and performed with dozens of luminaries including Ramsey Lewis, vocalist Joe Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, and Stanley Turrentine. His recording debut for MCA/Impulse!, “You’re The One,” topped Radio and Records’ Jazz Contemporary Chart for two months. Johnson’s latest release, “Organic”, for A440 Music, is a collaboration with legendary singer Nancy Wilson. He will be backed by the Les DeMerle trio for his concert on Friday, October 12. Both artists will appear on programs at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club on Bill Melton Road.

Now in its 15th year, the AIJF will present a full week of jazz at various locations in Fernandina Beach, FL beginning with its annual free concert with the FSU Jazz Ensemble 1 with Faculty in Amelia Park on Sunday, October 7. Additional shows will include a Sponsor’s Party, Monday at Horizons gourmet Restaurant, a Jazz and Wine Tasting event, Tuesday at the Amelia Wine Company, the popular Jump Jive and Wail show and dance with the Dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band at the Sandbar & Kitchen Wednesday, Latin Night with El Niño and the Latin Jazz Knights on Thursday October 11 also at the Sandbar & Kitchen, and a Sunday Dixieland jazz Brunch, featuring the Spare Rib Six for two seatings at Horizons Gourmet Restaurant. Late night Jam Sessions will follow the headliner concerts both evenings at Sliders.