New Orleans Legends at the 2019 AIJF
Two critically acclaimed New Orleans artists, highly regarded trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and sizzling trumpeter Jamil Sharif, will headline the 2019 Amelia Island Jazz Festival, October 6-13, in Fernandina Beach, FL.
A gifted musician and producer, Delfeayo Marsalis came to prominence alongside his famous siblings, Wynton (trumpet), Branford (sax) and Jason (drums) as a member of the Crescent City’s most illustrious jazz family. Marsalis is an adept improviser inspired by the swinging bop sounds of trombonist J.J. Johnson. He will appear on Saturday, October 12, 2019.
Jamil Sharif’s early passion for jazz was fueled by his training at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). This center is known for producing some of the world’s top musicians, including Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr., and Terence Blanchard. Sharif studied with such notables as family patriarch Ellis Marsalis, reed master Alvin Batiste, and Edward “Kidd” Jordan. In addition, he has served as musical coordinator for several motion pictures including “Ray”, which depicted the life of Ray Charles. Sharif will perform on Friday, October 11. Both Sharif and Marsalis will appear at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club on Bill Melton Road and will be backed by the Les DeMerle Jazz Quartet featuring sensational vocalist Bonnie Eisele.
Now in its 16th year, the AIJF will showcase a full week of jazz at various locations in Fernandina Beach, FL beginning on Sunday, October 6 in Amelia Park with its annual free concert presenting the UNF Jazz Ensemble 2, directed by Dennis Marks. Additional shows will include a Sponsor’s Party hosted by DeMerle and Eisele plus special guests, Monday at The Lakeside at Amelia Island, 649 Amelia Parkway; Tuesday’s Jazz and Wine Tasting at Story & Song Bookstore Bistro featuring multi instrumentalist Dr. Bill Prince, pianist Doug Matthews and DeMerle on drums; the popular Jump Jive and Wail show and dance with the Dynamic Les DeMerle Little Big Band at the Sandbar & Kitchen Wednesday; the traditional Latin Night featuring the fiery sounds and sensual vocals of Trio Caliente on Thursday October 11 also at the Sandbar & Kitchen, and a Sunday, October 13, Dixieland Jazz Brunch, with the Spare Rib Six plus Bonnie Eisele for two seatings at The Lakeside at Amelia Island. Late night Jam Sessions will follow the headliner concerts both evenings in Dizzy’s Den at Sliders Beach Bar and Grill (upstairs), 1998 S. Fletcher Avenue.
