It’s been a long minute since I’ve sat down to provide a little insight into the Destin Smooth Jazz journey. I momentarily lost sight of the real reason for doing what we do. We’re here to let as many people as possible know about the great stars and rising stars of smooth jazz. I confess…
I was first introduced to the quartet, The Yellow Jackets while stationed in northern Japan in the late ’80s. One of my great friends, who has since transitioned, Elwood K. Tutt, turned me onto them, along with other great things in life. Today, 4 Sept 21, I had the pleasure of hearing the founding member…
We’ve wanted to get each of these saxophonists on the stage for the past two years. Each is a star in their own right, so we thought what a better way to celebrate Jazzy Ray’s birthday than with two of the hottest sax players on the Gulf Coast – Chris Godber and Jordan Chalden. They…
Tropical Storm Claudette required that we cancel our Juneteenth Jazz event, but Gino Rosaria will take the stage on July 30th at 8 pm. Doors open at 6 pm for you to purchase dinner and cocktails and the show begins at 8 pm. If you have not visited A Touch of Class, you are in…
Nearly three years ago, I embarked on a mission for the love of music, specifically Smooth Jazz. I looked around and realized I needed to travel hours or wait months to see a live show. Hopefully, in 2021, you and I can make a difference in sustained live Jazz entertainment in the Ft Walton Beach…
My favorite jazz tune growing up in Sumter, SC was organist Jimmy Smith’s High Heel Sneakers, which also tied with his Got My Mojo Working. I was turned on to Jimmy Smith after my father returned from his second trip to Viet Nam with a seven-inch reel-to-reel player. Jimmy Smith was one of the recorded…
We believe building a stronger community requires supporting and participating in the arts. Destin Smooth Jazz creates new Jazz collaborations and experiences with established and emerging stars for our community’s musical enjoyment and cultural enrichment. Juneteenth Jazz with Gino Rosaria is just one way to celebrate this historic occasion through music. This day is…
Three years ago, Destin Smooth Jazz realized that our local area had little to no live Smooth Jazz from April to September; we were in a Smooth Jazz desert. DSJ embarked on a journey in 2018 and launched our promotion company and held the first show on Memorial Day weekend 2019. Those of you who…
Two weeks ago, I made the 2 ½ hour drive to D’Iberville, MS to enjoy Satchmo’s first annual free jazz show. What a great investment of my time for such a great show. The line-up included Starz Live, Dee Lucas, Wake Campbell, Theresa Grayson, and Dean James. The compelling reason for the drive on a Sunday…
In 2019, I attended eight jazz events and have seen so many artists that I cannot even recall them all, but one thing is for sure, each event was a unique and rewarding experience. As 2019 draws to a close, Destin Smooth Jazz is planning an even bigger and better 2020. We are not just…