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JazzFest Goes On Jazz for a Hot Summer Night
By Beth Ramirez de Arellano
Splash! contributor
 | | Trumpeter/vocalist Paul Bruketa.
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Our area is famous for great jazz musicians and a great annual Jazz Festival.
But you won’t have to wait until next spring to enjoy jazz music - just plan on attending “JazzFest Goes On” on Saturday, August 20th, at Seville Quarter.
It’s a cool way to spend the evening after a hot time out on the beach.
With three rooms full of alternatives, and three hours of enjoyment, from 6
to 9 p.m., all at one low price of $15 in advance, $18 at the door, there has to be something to suit everyone.
Step into Apple Annie’s, and hear singer Holly Shelton alternate between Red-HotMamma jazz numbers, and the torch songs that break your heart - she does both equally well. Holly, a native of Memphis, performs nationwide, but we’re proud that she calls Pensacola home. She’ll be backed up by bassist ‘Dr. Bob’ Andrews, a native Pensacolian, and New Orleans
pianist Chris Saunders.
Just around the corner, in Lili Marlene’s, you’ll hear the sounds of a combo composed of pianist Bert Kimberl, sax man Randy Sherwood, and trumpeter and vocalist Paul Bruketa, along with Pat Cook, on bass, and Ted Johnson, drummer.
Wander down the hall when you get your groove on, because inside Phineas Phogg’s, with its great hardwood dance floor and lively club atmosphere, you’ll find Joe Occhipinti’s Big Band playing for listening and dancing. And, the Swing Kids, Occhipinti’s
group of talented
teen swing dancers,
will also be putting on an exhibition.
The event raises advance money for next April’s annual event, and helps keep awareness up, but it also gives jazz fans a ‘shot in the arm’ for the long hot summer, said Norman Vickers, the Jazz Society’s volunteer executive director.
“Jazz is America’s music,” Vickers, often called “the Jazz Doc,” said.
 | | Swing dancers enjoy a previous JazzFest Goes On event
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“It arose in spite of being put down by classical musicians and others in the early 1900s. It’s now worldwide, and it’s been our American contribution to the music world’s melting pot.”
Student tickets with ID are only $5 each, making this an ideal family event, said Crystal Joy Albert, chairman of the event. Funds raised help insure the continuance of Jazz Fest, Albert, a jazz singer herself, said, “and it’s a fun way to enjoy America’s unique musical art form.”
When the gang gets hungry, plan to purchase appetizers or a meal from the menu in the Palace Oyster Bar. If you like, you can take your food and move around the complex to enjoy the entertainment. Of course, beverage service will be offered in every location.
To learn more about the Jazz Society, check out the website at www.jazzpensacola.
com or call 433-8382. Pat Cooke, left, and drummer Ted Johnson will
at JazzFest in Lili Marlene’s in Seville Quarter.
Joe Occhipinti in foreground of the saxophone section of his
big band.
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