Once again, the WV Jazz Society has created an event of epic proportions in downtown Clarksburg. Join us the evening of Friday, June 14, and hit all the venues or find an act you like and hang out for the evening. But, just GET HERE!
Featuring the return, by popular demand, of the young hipsters from Pittsburgh, Funky Fly Project. These teenagers will be making their fourth appearance on a WVJS stage and if you haven’t caught them yet do yourself a favor and get to Washington Square that night. Don’t be that person who, later in life, has to pretend that they saw a famous artist in a small venue in their hometown when they were young.
This year we are very pleased to make a jazz stroll return to the beautiful Waldomore and its classic Steinway Concert Grand Piano along with the WVU Jazz Ambassadors under the direction of Jared Sims, director of Jazz Studies at WVU.
We are also pleased to present the debut of the Chris McGraw band. Chris has been featured with many other WV Jazz Society acts over the years including local stalwarts, Decon Blues, but this time the recent graduate of WV Wesleyan puts his bass chops to use leading his own band. Chris will be taking the stage at Kelly’s Irish Pub.
Aquarium Lounge will see another debut for the Jazz Society, The Borders Quintet. Featuring legendary musicians from both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line (i.e. the PA/WV BORDER, get it?) including tenor saxman Mark Jackovic from Pittsburgh and trombonist Rick Lillard from Parkersburg. Mark and Rick will be backed by the crack rhythm section of Lars Swanson (bass), Anthony Ambroso (guitar), and Carter Freje (drums).
Finally, WVJS favorite Kurtis “Kid Kurtis” Richards will bring his tenor sax and bandmates Jacob Lutsey (drums), Devin Selmon (keys), and Charlie Engleka (guitar) to a venue TBD.