CHRISTIANSTED — Trumpet master Eddie Russell and his band will invoke the spirit and sounds of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and several other jazz greats, past and present, at a special Black History Month edition of Jazz in the Park this Friday.
Themed “A Musical Journey through Black History,” the concert will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, inside the bandstand on the lawn of Fort Christiansvaern. This event is free and open to the entire community, and parking will be available in the National Park Service parking lot, which will remain open until 8 p.m.
“Many people take for granted how Afro-American music and culture has influenced the world,” Russell said. “From slave work songs, to jazz and swing, to rock and roll, all the way up to the pop and rap of today — including the music of the entire Caribbean and South America – it’s all the result of African influence on world culture.”
“I’m inviting listeners to take the musical journey with me this Friday,” Russell added.
The concert will also feature a youth showcase performance by Golden Voices, a talented high school A Capella group directed by Central High School music teacher Sacha Alexander.
The entire event is aimed at raising awareness and community support for Crucian Kids Rock! – a free afterschool music program for at-risk youth.
Crucian Kids Rock! and Jazz in the Park – Christiansted are initiatives of Community Music Inc.
