Nov. 13, 2006 – Jazz vocalist Rufus James will be appearing center stage at Sunset Jazz at 6 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 17, in Frederiksted.
Rufus James Jr., born in New York of Crucian parents, was encouraged from an early age to exercise his singing abilities. His mother, an accomplished singer in her own right, urged the young James to sing in church and school events, beginning a lifelong career. During a stint in the U.S. Air Force, he began singing professionally in the officers' clubs while stationed in South Korea. Returning back to civilian life, he became lead singer with a six-piece band and spent the next ten years performing throughout the New York City wedding and dance scene. Forming Rufus James & Company in 1980, he went on to entertain audiences with a mixture of jazz and R&B in all of the top clubs in Manhattan and the Tri-State area. James and wife relocated to St. Croix in 1990, where he continues to be a much sought after vocalist.
Joining James on stage will be Elvis Pedro on guitar, Marsvyn David on bass, Dimitri "Pikey" Copemann on saxophone, Don Moors on vibes, Loren Hughes on piano, Ken "Afra" Daley on drums and Charles Farrell on percussion.
Come west and enjoy memorable music, a wonderful display of setting sun and cooling Caribbean breezes. The concerts are free, begin at 6 p.m. and go for two hours. The Frederiksted Economic Development Association Inc. (FEDA) is the sponsor and host of its signature event Sunset Jazz in Frederiksted.
The Friday, Nov. 17th Sunset Jazz is, as always, a family affair and attendees are encouraged to bring along folding chairs or blankets for seating. FEDA will have its drink concession going, with proceeds helping to offset the costs of the concert, so please be cool: no coolers! It is joined in its efforts to present Sunset Jazz by FirstBank VI, and WTJX/Channel 12, the Virgin Islands' local PBS station, which assists every month through their taping of Sunset Jazz, which airs on Channel 12 Saturday nights at 8 p.m. As a reminder, WVIQ/Sunny 99.5 FM is the official radio station of Sunset Jazz, so be sure and tune in to stay up to date on all of the jazz happenings.
For more information, contact Sunset Jazz Executive Producer Bridget Cox-Dawson at 277-0692 or e-mail sunset_jazz@hotmail.com
