This festival would be a wonderful weekend getaway to the North Georgia Mountains.
Fred Johnson
Starting at 3 pm
Fred Johnson has spent the past 25 years presenting international seminars on the power of creative expression as a tool for personal well being and healing. He is an accomplished vocalist and percussionist and is recognized internationally as one of the world’s greatest vocal jazz improvisers. He has performed on stage with or as the opening act for such musical greats as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Herbie Mann, Nat Adderly, Joe Zawinul, David Sanborn, Richard Elliot, Ramsey Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Patti La Belle, Patti Austin, George Benson, BB King and many others. As a student for 9 years of a master teacher from the West African natural healing indigenous music traditions, he brings to the contemporary world a fusion of ancient sound traditions coupled with 21st century science on the power of the vibration universe.
Rhythm Jets
Starting at 4:30 pm
The Rhythm Jets is a high energy jazz/world fusion rhythm and sax driven ensemble based in Atlanta, Rhythm Jets boast an action packed lineup – featuring sax, piano, B3, lap steel and electric guitars and steel drums – whose members have worked and/or performed with Earl Klugh, BoyzIIMen, Bob James, Stewart Copeland, Susan Tedeshi, Jeff Beck and Chuck Mangione. Led by visionary front man, alto and tenor saxophonist Vance Kelly, the band’s infectious and eclectic new EP VELOCITY is quickly picking up speed with a growing fan base and international radio airplay. Rhythm Jets artfully balances high octane jams with more romantic, dreamy tunes and tropical flavored whimsy. Your heartbeat will pick up major VELOCITY listening to them!
Part of their fiery magic comes from a distinctive island and world vibe, which infuses key tracks like the Reggae-tinged, first single, the Top 10 charting, “Chasing the Sun”, which received airplay on over 70 radio stations, the buoyant Latin-fusion jam “It’s A New World” and the balmy, tropical romance “Down By The Sea”, the album’s second single! With over 37,000 YouTube views, 225,000 EP streams and sold out live performances, Rhythm Jets hit a cruising altitude for the perfect soundtrack to an island destination, full of pulsating rhythms, edgy guitars, funky sax and glorious pop breezes.
Roman Street
Starting at 6 pm
Roman Street is comprised of brothers and guitarists Noah & Josh Thompson. They are internationally trained and specialize in improvisational fusion of Classical, Gypsy and Contemporary Jazz, Latin, and Nuevo Flamenco. A departure from the over-produced music that is out there today, they keep it simple—the beautifully organic sound of acoustic instruments played by talented people who love what they are doing. With fans in every corner of the globe, several Billboard Top25 songs, and a 5th studio album just released (Sept. 2016), Roman Street continues their quest to redefine contemporary jazz fusion.
Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk
Starting at 8 pm
A 10-piece jazz funk band, was originally formed ten years ago in the town of Ellijay located in the North Georgia mountains. Surrounded by southern rock, country, and blue grass bands, husband and wife team, Terry and Venae Ellis, brought together a group of talented musicians who were passionate about playing jazz, R&B, and funk music. At that time, Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk was officially born and after just a couple of years performing as a popular cover band mastering in a variety of genres ranging from Motown to Smooth Jazz to Classic Rock to Country and infusing their signature funky groove into every song, Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk developed a loyal and diverse fan base who frequently asked when Kharisma would be releasing their first album. In response, the work began in earnest about three years ago on original music for their debut CD project, “Eye Candy” tapping into artistic influences from such great musical greats as Nile Rodgers, Herbie Hancock, Sade, Jill Scott, Incognito, among others.
