July 13, 2003 – Regular attendees at the monthly Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted concerts know there's nothing quite like smooth, live music at the end of the day on Friday to ease away the stresses of a hard week's work.
That can be true even for the musicians — and this week, it may well be so for at least one of those on tap.
Friday's showcased group is The Caribbean Jazz Quartet, featuring Ronald Russell on guitar, Antoine Clarke on keyboards, Gary Zappa on bass and Jamaki Knight on drums.
And yes, that would be Senator Russell. Just because a January Jazz Vespers concert was billed as his "last appearance before taking his seat in the 25th Legislature" didn't mean he would cease performing as a musician upon becoming a senator.
With a Senate floor fight expected Tuesday on the $235 million bond-issue bill he helped to vote down in the Rules Committee last Friday and with Fiscal Year 2004 budget hearings beginning under subpoena on Thursday before the Finance Committee, on which he also serves, Russell may well be ready for some smooth and soothing jazz by the week's end.
Friday's concert and those held on the third Friday of each month are presented by the Frederiksted Economic Development Association. The two-hour program will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Veterans Park along the waterfront.
Sunset Jazz concerts are family oriented, and everyone is encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on the grass. Admission is free. As usual, FEDA will be operating a cash bar and Hispanos Unidos will have food available for purchase.
Concert-goers are encouraged to stay downtown to dine out and/or take in some of the Frederiksted night life.
Looking ahead at the Sunset Jazz calendar: The band Paradise, made up of musicians from St. Croix, St. Thomas and Tortola, will perform on Aug. 15. amd St. Croix's Rhythmix is booked for Sept. 19.
For more information, send an e-mail query to Sunset Jazz, or call 719-3672.
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