The Truth Staff
The Glass City JazzFest returned this summer for the fifth year and, as promised, it was bigger and better than ever.
The weekend opened with a new site for the event, the Toledo Zoo Amphitheater, on Friday, August 14, at 6 p.m. with a lineup of featured performers: Lindsey Webster, Bob Valdwin and Mike Williams.
Williams is a sax plyer known for his smooth jazz sound; Baldwin is a pianist who has released more than 30 albums of contemporary jazz and R&B in his three-decade career; Webster is a vocalist who has emerged as one of contemporary jazz’s most distinctive voices.
On Saturday, the event moved to the Glass City Metropark with featured performers: Chris Standring, Kandace Springs, MINAS, Johnny O’Neal, Yuko Mabuchi and Michon Young. As usual, admission was free at the Metropark.
Young, a Detroit-based vocalist is recognized for her smooth blend of jazz, R&B and soul; Mabuchi, a Japanese-born pianist uses her electrifying technique to construct innovative arrangements and dynamic fusion of jazz, classical and contemporary influences; O’Neal, a master pianist, vocalist and composer is widely regarded as one of the premier interpreters of the jazz tradition; MINAS is a husband and wife duo who combine Brazilian rhythms with contemporary jazz and world music influences; Springs, a Nashville-born singer, songwriter and pianist is renowned for her soulful blend of jazz, R&B and pop; Standring a British guitarist is know for his signature blend of jazz, funk and soul.
Later, on Saturday night, there was a post-festival Jazz Jam at the Assembly American Brasserie in the Downtown Hilton Hotel.
