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HomeNewsArchivesDave McKean Headlining June 18 Sunset Jazz Concert

Dave McKean Headlining June 18 Sunset Jazz Concert

June 15, 2004 – Friday's Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted concert will be the second at Fort Frederik Beach Park (while renovations are under way at Veterans Park), and Dave McKean and Friends are the featured artists.
Sunset Jazz concerts go from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The traditional sunset finale will come a little later than usual for this one, Friday being just three days short of the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year.
Drummer McKean says Friday's concertgoers "are in for a wonderful evening of incredible jazz and guaranteed fun!"
McKean, a member of two popular St. Croix music ensembles, Rhythmix and VI Art Ensemble, studied at the Army Navy School of Music in Norfolk, Va., and played in the Army band at Washington State University. He was staff percussionist at LA Golden West Studio and taught with the Tacoma Symphony's Youth Development Program.
He has worked with Soul Jazz greats saxophonist Hank Crawford and organist Jimmy Smith, serving as house drummer at Smith's club in Los Angeles. He first set foot on St. Croix in 1994 for the "Jazz in Paradise" festival — and a few days after arriving was gigging with the St. Thomas All Stars steelband at Pier 69.
Along with memorable music and a scenic setting, the monthly concerts, held the third Friday of the month year-round, have the additional appeal of being free.
They're presented by the not-for-profit Frederiksted Economic Development Association, which operates a cash bar to help defray concert expenses, while the also not-for-profit group Hispanos Unidos sells food. Seating is on the terra firma, so taking along folding chairs or blankets is a good idea.
Last month's first event at the temporary Fort Frederik Beach Park venue, "even with the rescheduled date due to rain, ended up being wonderful," Sunset Jazz publicist Bridget Cox-Dawson says. "We received a terrific response from our concertgoers, saw new faces, and even Mother Nature really showed off with a fantastic sunset! Of course, Stan Joines and the Central High School Jazz Combo delivered! The music was great. And it is just so much fun to see so many people come to Frederiksted to enjoy the event."
Looking ahead, should you want to mark your calendar now: On tap for the July 16 concert is jazz vocalist "Blackness" (Emogene Creese) and Friends.
For more information about the concert series, send an e-mail to Sunset Jazz, or call 277-7874.

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