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Family fun & excitement colour Jazz on the Hill's final night

The John Pierce Quintet entertained jazz enthusiasts as they braved the threat of rain to enjoy an exciting night of music at the hill on St Mary’s School grounds in Virgin Gorda on April 27, 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Ronnie Laws on the saxaphone during the final night of Jazz on the Hill. Photo: VINO
Ronnie Laws on the saxaphone during the final night of Jazz on the Hill. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Paloma Helm, Owner of the Dove Restaurant in Tortola, was on her first visit to the event and felt the atmosphere was amazing. Photo: VINO
Paloma Helm, Owner of the Dove Restaurant in Tortola, was on her first visit to the event and felt the atmosphere was amazing. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Laura J. Fox, Principal of St Mary’s and member of the fundraising committee, stated that there were initially some worries about the weather but her confidence grew as the weather cleared up and the crowd continued to build. Photo: VINO
Laura J. Fox, Principal of St Mary’s and member of the fundraising committee, stated that there were initially some worries about the weather but her confidence grew as the weather cleared up and the crowd continued to build. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
Scenes from the final night of Jazz on the Hill 2013. Photo: VINO
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda , VI – Jazz enthusiasts braved the threat of rain to enjoy an exciting night of music at the hill on St Mary’s School grounds in Virgin Gorda last evening, April 27, 2013.

Persons turned out in their numbers to witness the Annual Jazz on the Hill festival, now in its eighth year. Performers included The John Pierce Quintet, Ronnie Laws and Michelle Henderson.

Performing pieces such as 'This Happy Madness' by Frank Sinatra, The John Pierce Quintet started the show off with a variety of Jazz staples, providing smooth flavour for those in the audience during a set that lasted for over an hour.

The group, comprised of Professors from the Berkeley School of Music in Boston, has performed in the past with such greats as Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight and the Pipps and the Four Tops among others.

Persons took up positions all around the grounds in chairs, blankets, or simply sat on the grass as they witnessed the melody on the stage covered by a moonlit filled night sky. Some were also seen gravitating to the stage to dance or get a closer look at the artistes as they took pictures and absorbed the sounds of the instruments.

The Ronnie Laws band came next with a 90-minute set followed by Henderson who also entertained patrons of the event.

Laura J. Fox, Principal of St Mary’s and member of the fundraising committee, stated that there were initially some worries about the weather but her confidence grew as the weather cleared up and the crowd continued to build.

“I think the committee took a bit of a different twist this year,” she said, “a few years ago we began doing a two-night series as opposed to one when we originally started. This year we made big change in terms of the Saturday night event in that we took the corporate dining out of the Saturday night and we moved it into the restaurant and that facilitated a really nice evening [on Friday] night, I think patrons were very much pleased with the result of the dining.”

Part of the reason for the shift, she explained, was logistics especially in relation to weather and staffing. “By moving [the dinner] to the restaurant of the parents who have always done the corporate tables for us.”

There were numerous families out with children in support of the event and all appeared to be having a grand time.

Commenting on the importance of having children exposed to various cultures and aspects of music such as Jazz, Ms Fox said, “One thing that we do is that we have our early childhood centre as well as elementary school and one of the key things of our pillars is music; our children all receive music on a daily basis, from age 1-12 when they leave us.”

According to the Principal, “Jazz on the Hill represents an excellent exposure, not only to our own students, but also to all children in the BVI and beyond. We very much feel that it’s an essential part of development and we like to expose them to as many things as possible.”

Paloma Helm, Owner of the Dove Restaurant in Tortola, said of her first visit to the event, “I think the atmosphere is amazing and I think it’s such a wonderful, different fundraiser. To be able to come out and eat and drink and enjoy great live music is really fabulous.”

Principal Fox said the event started out as a one night concert series and has built a lot over the years. In selecting the bands, the Principal said an attempt was made to find a nice mixture, noting the variety that jazz music offered. The committee also tried to find groups from all around that offered different kinds of music.

The first night featured Jeremy Vanterpool, which she said allowed for a focus on wonderful local talent. “He blew the house off at Coco Maya,” she said of Vanterpool’s performance. The committee also recruited Michelle Henderson from Dominica who was classed as an ‘up and coming’ artiste within the Caribbean region.

Last evening’s fundraising event featured lots of food and beverages on sale and all proceeds from the event will go towards the St Mary’s School. Principal Fox felt that the event was well promoted and she was grateful for the many sponsors that came on board in support to make it a success.

The school is now in its tenth year and currently has a population of 75 students, which is its largest yet.

8 Responses to “Family fun & excitement colour Jazz on the Hill's final night”

  • Patriot (28/04/2013, 09:21) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    oh what a night what a night what a saturday night!
    • virgin gorda (28/04/2013, 15:27) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      it was a wonderful night indeed
      • ccc (28/04/2013, 16:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        oh yes it was!!!! and the weather hold up thanks to the gods
        • @ ccc (29/04/2013, 03:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          Well put!!! Nothing else need to said or added to your comment. You hit the nail right on top of the head.

  • ire (28/04/2013, 09:55) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    the best pic of the night was that of the moon. Great shot VINO
  • facts man (28/04/2013, 17:50) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    great event 100 thumbs up to the organizers
  • Best ever (28/04/2013, 21:51) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    I have been attending Jazz on the Hill from its inception, and last night was one of the BEST.The atmosphere there gets better and better. Ladies,gentlemen,to those of you who missed it, don't your dare miss next year. I know it will be bigger and better. What a night. A big shout out to the Committee, fantastic job.


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