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 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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