This year was an exceptional treat for the 25th annual Long Branch Jazz & Blues Festival. For starters we had perfect weather leading up to and including the festival, followed by a great lineup of member bands, topped off with SaRon Crenshaw who spends more time playing in Europe, than stateside, putting on a spellbinding show with a wonderful fireworks display during the finale. A terrific group of volunteers, under the guidance of our board members on site, kept the day moving smoothly. In addition, an array of food trucks kept the hungry festival goers satisfied and the crafters gave those strolling the promenade a large assortment of goods to purchase. Our Kids Zone delighted the younger set with face painting and drawing.
The Jo Wymer Band started the day off with a great set, after she opened the event with a heartfelt version of the “National Anthem.”
Next up was the CMJ Jazz Band whose smooth sound was highlighted by the ad lib rhyming of Coo Moe Ghee’s son G Shaw, which captivated the audience.
The Shadetree Mechanics showed why they were the JSJBF International Blues Competition representatives in Memphis this past January with a set that had them dancing in the aisles.
Somerset County’s James Popik and Supernova entertained the crowd with their horn based jazz, peppered with his signature guitar.
Mikey Junior, and his Bucks County PA band, are no strangers to the Jersey Shore, and with his unmistakable harmonica and vocals coupled with the twin guitar attack of Matt Daniels and Zack Lees, took the festival level.
What can I say about SaRon Crenshaw that hasn’t been said before. His stellar playing and showmanship backed by an all-star group, put together by Long Branch’s own Jeff Levine on keyboards, left the crowd wanting for more.
Even Mayor John Pallone and his lovely wife Svetlana, who were just returning from a trip to Canada, and made the last act, were full of superlatives when we spoke.
This Jazz & Blues Festival will be one tough festival to top.
Check out links from prior year Jazz & Blues Festivals.