This festival would be a wonderful weekend getaway to the North Georgia Mountains.
The Artists
Rhythm Jets
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. Perfectly complementing their instrumental prowess is the sultry, powerful Kenyan born vocalist Mercy Myra, who adds touches of exotic soul to two tracks. Your heartbeat will pick up major VELOCITY listening to them.
Kharisma Jazzmatic Funk
A 10 piece jazz funk band, was originally formed seven 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.
Cadillac Jones
Cadillac Jones started in 2000, in a basement in Atlanta. The band cut its teeth performing at at clubs all over town, and graduated to touring venues around the Southeast. Now, after nearly 20 years and five albums, the band has evolved into a multi-headed funk/jazz collective with its own voice and sense of purpose. Their music is steeped in the classics like James Brown, Herbie Hancock and the Blackbyrds, spiced with influences ranging from 60’s organ grooves to 70’s arena funk, with the occasional 80’s inspired breakbeats mixed in for good measure. All this is tied together with one common thread: make sure the audience leaves with their minds relaxed and their eardrums tickled.