Jazzy Lineup for HP Concert Series

September 25, 2006  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on September 2006 A variety of entertainment is on tap for the upcoming market with a number of concerts and themed events sponsored by the High Point Market Authority.

The nightly “Stars Under The Stars” event series at Showplace kicks off in sizzling style Monday evening, Oct. 16, with multi-Grammy and Emmy-Award-winning Latin jazz musician Arturo Sandoval. A protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie, Sandoval is one of the world’s most revered guardians of jazz trumpet and flugel horn, renowned for his ability to burn through an Afro-Cuban groove as proficiently as he tears up a bebop tune, soars over a Mozart concerto and soothes with a luscious ballad.

Born in a small town in the outskirts of Havana Cuba, Sandoval’s life story was recently immortalized in the HBO movie, “For Love or Country,” starring Andy Garcia. A tenured professor at Florida International University, he has performed and recorded with the best and brightest of modern music and his virtuosic playing can be heard on recordings featuring stars as diverse as Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keyes, Rod Stewart, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.

Tuesday night, the jazz track changes to a NASCAR track for a “Night with Childress Vineyards” featuring The Rolling Thunder Speedway, NASCAR show car, contemporary bluegrass artists The Carter Brothers and a complimentary barbeque buffet.

“A Southern Style Evening” is the theme for Wednesday night, with North Carolina native and world-renowned jazz and blues artist Melva Houston, and a complimentary buffet with a distinctly Southern flavor.

Thursday night, high-energy dance band and market-goer favorite, The Cookie Band, takes the main stage, and Friday, it’s dinner and music with Wally West and his Jazz Quartet. Skeeter Brandon & The Prime Rib Blues Band wrap up the week-long party under the tent on Saturday night. All “Stars Under the Stars” concerts take place in the Showplace Parking area across from the transportation terminal and doors open nightly at 7 p.m.

New this market, the success of the “Stars Under the Stars” series has led the High Point Market Authority to sponsor another series of centrally located entertainment events called “Concerts in the Courtyard.”

“Concerts in the Courtyard” will take place each night at the Suites at Market Square and Market Square, where local breweries Liberty Steakhouse, Natty Green’s and Foothills Brewing Company will be serving up their seasonal specialties to the funky sounds of the Sol Creech Band on Wednesday, Oct. 18, the beach music of The Embers on Thursday, Oct. 19, Cravin’ Melon and Athenaeum on Friday, Oct. 20, and the Cookie Band on Saturday, Oct. 21. Food and beverages will be served each night at 6 p.m. with bands taking the stage at 7 p.m.

“We’re continually working to improve the quality of events here at market,” said Brian Casey, president of the Market Authority. “With ‘Stars Under the Stars,’ and ‘Concerts in the Courtyard,’ we’ve planned two event series that pair an eclectic mix of musical styles with exciting menus, and staged them in two locations that are easily accessible for all. We think these events are the perfect way to wind up a productive day of business in High Point and we’re looking forward to relaxing with our guests, welcoming new people and catching up with old friends this fall.”