Jack Marchbanks, WCBE Jazz Sunday Co-host, traveled to Cleveland this summer to once again participate in one of the most entertaining musical festivals in the world: the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) JazzFest. The festival was presented Thursday evening, June 28th, through Saturday evening, June 30th, in the beautiful theatres of Cleveland's Playhouse Square. In its 39th year, the Tri-C JazzFest was sponsored by KeyBank and boasted a stunning array of jazz legends, including opening night headliner National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater.
Jack did triple duty on Saturday, June 30th. He brought the young saxophone sensation Grace Kelly to the Allen Theatre stage. He then rushed to welcome Jose James, the crossover hip-hop/jazz artist, to the Tri-C Jazz Talk Tent. James is touring the United States and Europe with his tribute concert: "Lean on Me: Jose James Celebrates the Music of Bill Withers" and shared his reflections on the poignancy of Withers' music in today's polarized America. Next at the Jazz Talk Tent, Jack interviewed New Orleans-born trumpeter Terence Blanchard on "Jazz And Social Justice," a movement to which Blanchard is fervently committed. Grace Kelly, Terence Blanchard and Jose James all performed sizzling sets at the festival.
You can check out Jack's photos from the 2018 Tri-C JazzFest by logging onto the WCBE Jazz Sunday Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/wcbejazzsunday/?ref=br_rs
