Keeping Jazz Alive

by Sarah Teach

Even if you haven’t “got rhythm” like the Gershwin brothers, you can still have a blast enjoying live jazz!  Marrying the bayou flair of New Orleans with the polished panache of this island results in the very first Nantucket Jazz Festival, a match made in either Nirvana or Nantucket (which some may argue are the same place anyway).  Fortunately, you don’t have to twist anyone’s arm to come out to this beautiful paradise, and that includes world-class musicians.  Headlining the Festival is the legendary David “Happy” Williams Trio, which consists of Happy himself on bass, Willie Jones III on drums, and David Hazeltine at the piano.  Another notable jazz name you’ll hear is Rio Clemente, who tickles the ivories to the tune of getting dubbed “The Bishop of Jazz.”  Tapping into some local talent, the Festival offers an opening act that you may recognize from venues all over the island. Nantucket’s own Jake Vohs Trio will share a stage with musicians who are no strangers to Carnegie Hall!

It’s a feat to handle featuring famous musicians without losing the easygoing air that’s so integral to the heart of jazz.  As it turns out, the idea for a jazz festival on Nantucket began in the minds of eight year-round islanders who are, simply put, “just passionate about jazz.”  About four years ago, Robert Bilodeau, Len Germinara, Tina Hoskins-Burney, Bill and Renee Oliver, Paul Conners, Jack Reindel, and Neville Richen formed the Nantucket Jazz Company, and they haven’t stopped boogieing since.  Upholding the Festival’s theme of “Keeping Music Alive 30 Miles Out” is the promise that the proceeds benefit the Nantucket Jazz Company’s efforts to bring musical events and jazz education to the island.  As these eight islanders continue working to foster a love for and an awareness of jazz on Nantucket, they keep their long-term mission in mind: to eventually stage a weekend-long Jazz Festival.

Tickets are $25 (those under 12 are admitted free), available at the African Meeting House, Nantucket Bookworks, The Bean, and The Tennis Loft. On August 27 at 7 p.m., the Nantucket Jazz Festival will be held at the First Congregational Church at 62 Centre Street.