Friday, August 17, 2018

Celebs Talk Music At Long Beach Jazz Fest


By Darlene Donloe

The 31st Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival (LBJF) took place last weekend (Aug. 10-12) – boasting an impressive lineup that included Jonathan Butler, Maysa, Kim Waters, Marion Meadows, Marcus Miller, Poncho Sanchez, Everette Harp, Chante Moore, Doc Powell, Nick Colionne, Eric Roberson, Nick Smith, Stanley Clarke, Randy Crawford, Kirk Whalum, Keiko Matsui, David Benoit, Marc Antoine, Brian Simpson, and Jazmin Ghent.

A fan favorite, the festival has become a summer tradition for the thousands who attend the three-day event –located at Rainbow Lagoon on the back side of the Long Beach Convention Center on Shoreline Drive.

I caught up with some of the artists and asked the question – What does music do for you?

Eric Roberson
ERIC ROBERSON (singer) – It’s my best friend. It’s everything. As I become successful, I realize I listen to it when I’m heartbroken I listened to it when I fell in love.  I grew up enjoying Stevie Wonder and a Tribe Called Quest. I also listened to Commissioned. When I listened to Commissioned, the music punched me in the chest.


Marc Antoine and David Benoit
MARC ANTOINE – (guitarist/composer) – Simply put - music feeds my soul.

DAVID BENOIT – (pianist/composer) – Music!  I could live without it, but it would be very tough

Nick Smith

NICK SMITH (pianist) – It inspires me. It inspired me to be better. It challenges me. It’s easy to become repetitive. I don’t want to fall into that. There are no limitations in music.


Nick Colionne


NICK COLIONNE (jazz guitarist) – Music soothes my soul. It makes me happy. God gave me a gift. I love it when the fans have a good time. Fans are very important.

Everette Harp
EVERETTE HARP (saxophonist) – Music allows me to breathe. It’s who I am. It’s not all I do, but it makes me very happy.

The LBJF offers more than music. There is a vendor pavilion that offers a variety of freshly prepared foods and beverages plus unique clothing, art, and accessories. There is also a second stage in the pavilion that features experts sharing knowledge about health and wellness. The festival is under the direction of Kimberly Benoit, president of Rainbow Promotions. #lbjazzfest







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