Arts & Entertainment
'Jazz in July' Links New Rochelle to Sister City
The free festival continues Sunday at the Library Green from 1 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
The second annual New Rochelle Jazz Festival—Jazz in July—provided residents with the sweet sounds of local jazz acts and linked New Rochelle with its sister city La Rochelle, France, "through the universal language of music."
More than 100 people attended the jazz festival Saturday, which continues Sunday from 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
On Friday, the opening day, , including , , McKiernan's, and .
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Free concerts Saturday included performances by Avalanche, Grammy nominated musician and composer Bob Baldwin and Brian Carter, one of the founders of the jazz festival, performing with trumpeter Malo Mazurie, from La Rochelle, France.
Sunday's lineup includes Grammy nominated guitarist Gil Paris, Zach Lipton and amateur local acts.
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"They never really had anything like this," Carter said Saturday afternoon. "We eventually want this to be several days."
Carter, who grew up in New Rochelle, will travel to La Rochelle for their jazz fest in August. It will be his fourth trip to the sister city.
"They have a real deep appreciation for jazz and American music," he said.
New Rochelle was settled by the Huguenots—who fled La Rochelle, France, to avoid persecution—in 1688.
"We try to keep an ongoing relationship with La Rochelle," said Geri Kearns, who is a member of the New Rochelle Sister City Committee. "We share our resources and keep a connection going through music."
Ross May, one of the founders of Jazz in July, said that the festival will showcase local talent who have been overlooked in the past.
"In past shows in New Rochelle, they would fly in musicians from out of state, but we have some of the best artists here," he said.
Local trumpet player Courtney Johnson had a great response from the crowd.
"She is going to be a star," Carter said.
Johnson, 24, was raised in New Rochelle and graduated from New Rochelle High School. She has been playing the trumpet for 13 years.
"I am speechless," she said. "It is an honor and it feels great playing for my hometown."
Jennifer Toppin-Channer bobbed her head as the Josh Irving Quartet played. Her 7-month-old niece Aniyah rocked back and forth in her lap.
"It's my first time coming to this," she said. "It is very entertaining."
As the evening approached, Carter stood by the stage as he waited to perform.
"This city is great," he smiled.
