Wilmington’s Clifford Brown Jazz Festival Year-Round: February 2021

Music lover? Missing that festival lifestyle?

Cityfest, Inc. has taken the virtual world by storm with a year-round concert series honoring Wilmington’s famed Clifford Brown Jazz Fest. This new series pays tribute to the festival, with a night of music from the comfort of your home.

It features musicians from all over the world each month, leading up to the 34^th annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival set to take place in downtown Wilmington June 2021.

In February, the concert series continues with a night of love songs answering the question “How Do You Sing Love?” The concert premieres Friday, February 19^th with performances by Maya Belardo [facebook.com], Nadjah Nicole [nadjahnicole.com], Sharon Sable [sharonsablemusic.com], V. Shayne Frederick [vshayne.com], Darnell Miller [facebook.com], and Gus Mercante [augustinemercante.com].

Enjoy classic tunes such as “Save Your Love for Me” by Buddy Johnson, “Dream” by Johnny Mercer, and original compositions by the artists. The evening’s event will also feature love poems by Langston Hughes and Ntozake Shange performed by spoken word artist Kamysha Martin. Musical accompaniment will be provided by The Clifford Brown Year-Round house band with Jeff Knoettner on piano, Douglas Mapp on bass, percussionist Jonathan Whitney, and special guest Gerald Chavis on trumpet.

“There are very few things that express ‘love’ as effectively and emotionally as poetry set to music – in other words, a song,” says Tina Betz, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “No matter what language or musical style, a love song is understood by the heart.”

The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. Virtual viewing tickets are Pay-What-You-Wish with a $10 suggested donation. The performance link will be available for repeat viewing through Monday, March 1, 2021.

For tickets visit www.cityfestwilm.com/events.

Proceeds support programs like the Clifford Brown Year-Round Series as well as others produced by Cityfest, Inc., such as the Urban Artist Exchange and the Arts Work Summer Youth Program.

Be sure to check back soon for the next installment in the series!