Summer Jazz Weekend is set for June 16-17, the latter date featuring the Morgantown Jazz Orchestra live at Bridgeport Conference Center.

 

This year’s Jazz at Charles Pointe event is one not to miss, said West Virginia Jazz Society President Eric Spelsberg.

 

“Jazz at Charles Pointe is about presenting music and dining in a sophisticated, upscale nightclub environment,” he said. “It will be the biggest physical performance we’ve ever presented with at least 18 jazz musicians on stage at one time.”

 

The Morgantown Jazz Orchestra is the premier big band of North Central West Virginia with many of the 16 musicians from the area. The band’s co-directors are Neil L. King and Mark Cappelini. Saxophonists are Rich Norwood, John Sullivan, Phyl Wyatt, Mike Roberts and Jared Simms. Playing trombone are Keith Jackson, Brian Plitnik, David Nuzum and Matt Kingsbury. Trumpet players are King, John Christian, Tom Simpson and Mike Staud. The band is rounded out by a rhythm section consisting of Cappelini, Greg Thurman and Tom Harrison.

 

Joining the MJO are special guests Robert Redd, Duke Ellington Orchestra Pianist Robert Redd and acclaimed big band vocalist, Sue Matthews.

 

The BCC ballroom will literally transform into an intimate “jazz club,” accommodating up to 200 guests, said Scott Duarte, general manager of Bridgeport Conference Center.

 

As the musical talent is second to none, the culinary offerings are also top-notch, Spelsberg said.

 

Guests will be seated at four-top tables and dining will feature a gourmet tapas and small plates buffet which will be offered in dining stations. On the menu, Duarte said, is Caprese Brochette, Seared Ahi Tuna, Lemon Pepper Aoli, Lump Crab Bloody Marys, Risotto Balls, Fontina and Parmasan, Asiago Souffle Potatoes, Gorgonzola Mac n Cheese, French Quarter Crostini, Brie and Tapenade, Cornmeal Crusted Oysters, Spicy Remoulade, Sicilian Chicken Wings, Cheese and Pepperoni Kebab, Coal Oven Roasted Porchetta Sliders, Three-Cheese Focaccia, Kalamata Olive Dip, Baby  Wedge Salad, Crisp Pancetta and Blue Cheese, Candy Apple Crisp, Vanilla Chantilly, Godiva Brownies and Lemoncello Bars with a full cash cocktail bar featuring select wines, artisan cocktails and craft beer.

 

Duarte said the presence of jazz events in our region have grown in big ways from our start with Jazz at Charles Pointe in January of 2010.

 

“What started as a couple shows in the banquet hall of a church in Weston grew into a five-band large-scale event at Bridgeport Conference Center that would become known as Jazz at Charles Pointe,” he said. “From our first show in Harrison County, the West Virginia Jazz Society was formed and began promoting events several times per year. With the help of the Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the Barbara Highland Fund for the Arts,  the West Virginia Jazz Society has since provided jazz programing and promotion for events in Clarksburg and Bridgeport  - and even expanding out into cities including Elkins, Weston and Morgantown, just to name a few.”

 

Immediately, organizers recognized an interest and started bringing top musicians from bigger cities to perform in North Central West Virginia.

 

“We also saw the feeling was mutual,” Duarte said. “The artists seemed to enjoy their visits as much as we enjoyed having them here.”

Also, many of the visiting musicians began volunteering their time to “give back” while in the area by holding instructional clinics. Local music students were paired with the professionals to hone their jazz skills.

 

“Bridgeport Conference Center has served as a venue central to traveling guests and musicians as an easily accessible facility with lodging, dining and entertainment - making it a destination site for top-shelf performers,” Duarte said.

 

Jazz at Charles Pointe runs 7:30-10:30 p.m. June 17. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 each. Reservations can be made at WVJazzSociety.com or by calling 304-517-9813. Package rates, including one night's lodging, are available. 

 

June 16 will feature an Uptown Jazz Stroll, showcasing six bands and more than two dozen jazz artists stationed at five different venues within a two-block area of Clarksburg. Each venue will offer food and drink specials and a full evening of music. Participating bands are Sue Matthews & Top Shelf Trio, the Josh Dunlevy Quartet, The Isaac Viars Sextet,The R & B Jazz Quintet, the Glenville State Jazz Combo and Reggie Watkins & The Cool Cats. See participating venues and more information at the West Virginia Jazz  Society Facebook page. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured top/cover is Mark Cappelini. Also pictured is Robert Redd.