Jazz, jazz and mo jazz certainly sets the tone last weekend at Charlotte’s Mint Museum and the Township Auditorium in Columbia.
I attended the Gala event for YBM at the uptown Mint, which featured electric violinist Ken Ford. If you haven’t seen Ford, you are probably living under a rock. His energy ignites the crowd once he enters the room, leaving you speechless. He certainly lived up to my expectations.
I even took things up a notch and traveled down I-77 for the 2nd Annual Columbia Winter Jazz Fest. Featured artist were Maysa, Marion Meadows, Nick Colionne, Down to the Bone, Terence Young and vocalist Phil Perry. The show was fantabulous, and old school got their dance groove on during intermission with the band Leslie and Friends.
Last but not least was Sunday’s delightful, intimate brunch with sax man Kim Waters, who closed out the festival. I’m already keeping a lookout for next year’s lineup. Giddy like a schoolgirl all weekend long.
Now for my weekend picks.
FRIDAY
Buff Dillard ~ Enjoy live jazz with trombonist Buff Dillard, a premier artist offering some of the coolest and smoothest jazz around. You’ll be entertained and pleased with his unique talent and gift. He performs and produces music that he has coined as “BONEJAZZ.” No reservations necessary, and no cover charge. Time: 9 p.m. Blue Restaurant & Bar (206 N. College St.) More info: http://www.buffdillard.com/schedule.html
SATURDAY
Detroit 67 ~ Johnson C. Smith Theater program presents a powerful family drama set amid the protest and turmoil of Detroit’s 1967 urban uprising. Set to a rollicking Motown soundtrack, this play is a timely examination of social inequality, unrest and upheaval. Place: Arts Factory Black Box Theatre (1545 W. Trade St.) Cost: $5 Schedule: Thurs., Nov. 12, 7 p.m.; Fri., Nov. 13, 7 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 14, 7 p.m.; and Sun., Nov. 15, 2 p.m. More info: Call 704-378-1000.
SUNDAY
Rural Hill Oyster Roast ~ Enjoy perfectly seasoned oysters roasted on site by nationally recognized chef and award-winning author Dan Huntley, who specializes in bringing Southern food traditions such as pig pickings, oyster roasts, catfish frys, and Lowcountry shrimp boils to crowds around the region. There is no fee to come to the event, but you do need to purchase the oysters you want to eat in advance. Time: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. There is also a parking fee, so make sure to carpool. Historic Rural Hill (4431 Neck Rd., Huntersville). More info: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/rural-hill-oyster-roast-tickets-19099659596?aff=es2
For more Charlotte-area events, visit www.qcitymetro.com/events.
