Thu 9/10-Sat 9/12
The Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival returns for three days of concerts at several venues in downtown Akron. On Thursday evening, September 10, at 7:30pm, Blue Jazz+ will host a concert featuring the University of Akron jazz group led by Sam Ross; versatile sax player Nathan-Paul who has performed with many jazz, soul and R&B groups, most notably his own band the Admirables; and a jam session led by jazz sax player Chris Coles.
On Friday September 11 at 5:30pm at the Akron Main Library, the Sam Blakeslee Large Group and Chris Coles presents: Dave Morgan’s Way of the Sly Man featuring Jack Schantz will play, followed by an 8pm concert at Blu Jazz+ with Rachel Osherow & the Hangout (8pm) and Resolve (9:30)
Starting Saturday morning at 10:45am at the CPLA Stage @ The Water Wheel, the Ellet High School Jazz Group, the Open Tone Group, the Nate Yingling Trio featuring Steve Kortyka, and soul singer Esther Fit perform. Music starts at 1pm at the Akron Art Museum with the noted University of Akron steel drum group, Liz Bullock, Aaron Smith’s Project 6, and Akron reggae veterans Umojah Nation.
The evening offers two opportunities. At Blue Jazz+ Helen Welch and friends will perform a set of pop/jazz standards at 7:30, followed by vocalist Vanessa Rubin and the Cliff Barnes Organ Trio. For those who want to see a national star, smooth jaz sax player Gerald Albright will be at Lock 3, with soul/jazz flute player Althea Rene kicking things off at 7pm.
Go HERE for more information and tickets.