Plus, the Beyu & C Grace have their normal schedules this week (except for AOCF at the Beyu Friday-Saturday.
OK, the Festival will have its share of straight-ahead jazz (go to their website for details).
Friday
Kidznotes (a youth band led by Al Strong) & the NCCU Student Combo at Central Park (for free!);
the NCCU Faculty Combo (Ira Wiggins, Al Strong, Brian Horton, & much, much more!) at the PSI Theater at the Durham Arts Center;
the NCCU Big Band at the Carolina Theatre; &
Kate McGarry & Keith Ganz at the Beyu.
Saturday
Ryan Hanseler, the Revive Big Band, & Brian Horton at Diamond View Park (get some fresh air too!);
the Clayton Brothers & the "Carolina Soul" tribute to NC-born musicians at the Carolina Theatre;
Lois Deloatch-Gomes & Shana Alexander at the Beyu; &
Al Strong at Motorco.
But, there are "jazz influenced" performers I recommend we take a flyer on:
Alice Smith at the Hayti Center on Friday. She has a jazz/blues singer's voice while doing neo-soulish tunes.
Singer Amiel Larrieux at Hayti & trumpeter Christian Scott at Motorco on Saturday both delightfully stretch jazz boundaries. Don't stay in your comfort zone!