Sept. 9, 2006 – Latin jazz saxophonist Luis Rodriguez will appear center stage at this month's Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted from 6 -8 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 15, in the Fort Frederik Beach Park. Joining him on stage will be an ensemble of Latin jazz musicians who have also made their indelible marks on the genre: Luis Raul Ramirez on guitar, Efrain Martinez on drums, Ramon Vazquez on bass and Paoli Mejias on congas.
In honor and commemoration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and the VI-PR Friendship Month, the September Sunset Jazz is dedicated to the Virgin Islands' wonderful diversity and applauding the contributions of the Latin culture of the V.I.
Saxophonist and composer, Rodriguez is a native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico and has shared the stage with great jazz musicians, such as Giovanni Hidalgo, Victor Mendoza, and David Sanchez, among others. He has performed internationally in France, Spain and Mexico. Currently, he is part of the faculty of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, as well as the founder of the Puerto Rico Jazz Composers' Collective and the Puerto Rico Jazz Education series.
The event is sponsored by The Federiksted Economic Development Association Inc., which is joined in its efforts by FirstBank VI, Sand Castle on the Beach Hotel, WTJX/Channel 12, the Virgin Islands' local PBS station. Every month WTJX tapes Sunset Jazz, which airs on Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted concerts are free, begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m., allowing concertgoers the opportunity to enjoy the Frederiksted nightlife and restaurants after the show. The Friday, September 15th Sunset Jazz is a family affair. Those attending are encouraged to take along folding chairs or blankets for seating. FEDA will have its drink concession going, with proceeds helping to offset the costs of the concert, so please be cool: No Coolers!
For more information, contact Sunset Jazz producer Bridget Cox-Dawson at 277-0692 or e-mail sunset_jazz@hotmail.com
