Now-October 17th
$75 off of a 2 night stay
$150 off a 3 night stay
Must book directly by calling 904-261-0511
*Does not apply to previously booked reservations
Amelia Island Jazz Festival is back for its 15th year! It all began by Les DeMerle and his wife Bonnie Eisele who had a long time dream of creating a diversified jazz festival on Amelia Island. The festival now attracts major Jazz artists from across the country. They now have a program led by DeMerle called “Jazz in the schools” to motivate students to pursue Jazz as a musical endeavor. This features workshops led by master musicians for grade school, middle school, and high school students. Since 2009 the festivals educational programs culminate in the Amelia Island Jazz Scholarship which is awarded on an annual basis to a graduating high school senior. The scholarship is used toward college expenses necessary to earn a major or minor in music in the area of the jazz performance or a related area. This year’s scholarship winner, saxophonist David Trulio will be preforming at the Festival.
^Les DeMerle & Bonnie Eisele^
Listed below are the events by date;
Jazz In The Park Kick-off
Sunday October 7th – 2:00 P.M. Amelia Park
Free community concert at Amelia Park with the Florida State University Ensemble 1, directed by Leon Anderson and featuring the FSU Jazz Faculty. Gilberts Underground Kitchen will be selling barbeque and beverages. There will also be Amelia Island Jazz Festival merchandise.
Jazz Festival Sponsor Party
Monday, October 8th – 7:00-9:00 P.M. Horizons Restaurant {5472 First Coast Hwy}
A very special evening of jazz hosted by Les DeMerle (drums) and Bonnie Eisele (vocals), plus guests. Sponsor info
Wine Tasting & Jazz at Amelia Island Wine Company
Tuesday, October 9th – 6:00-8:00 P.M. Amelia Wine Company {4924 First Coast Highway},
is hosting a special Jazz and Wine Tasting event featuring six unique wines with a pairing of jazz for each taste. The performance presents multi-instrumentalist Dr. Bill Prince (trumpet, clarinet, saxophone and flute) with Doug Matthews (piano) and Les DeMerle (drums).
Swing Night at Sandbar & Kitchen
Wednesday, October 10th – 7:00 P.M. Sandbar & Kitchen {2910 Atlantic Avenue}
will have a very special concert and dance featuring The Dynamic Le DeMerle Little Big Band with Bonnie Eisele (Vocals), Steve Strawley (trumpet), Clarence Hines (trombone), Al Waters (saxophone), Doug Matthews ( piano), Ernie Ealum (bass) and Les DeMerle (drums). Swing dance developed in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s and its music features a strong groove and rhythmic innovations. Perfect music to dance the night away! Food and beverages will be available for sale.
Hot Latin Jazz Night Swing Night at Sandbar and Kitchen
Thursday, October 11th – 7:00 P.M. Sandbar & Kitchen {2910 Atlantic Avenue}
El Nino & The Latin Jazz Knights bring you a night of Hot Latin Jazz. They make it a point to keep everyone dancing and the toes tapping! Food and beverages will be available for sale.
Headline Henry Johnson at Fernandina Beach Golf Club
Friday, October 12th – 7:00 P.M. Fernandina Beach Golf Club {2800 Bill Melton Road}
The Great jazz guitarist/vocalist Henry Johnson will be headlining the show. The evening also features Les DeMerle Quartet with Mike Levine (piano), Dennis Marks (bass), and Bonnie Eisele (Vocals). Friday night ticket holders are also invited to join the musicians for a late night jam at Dizzy’s Din, upstairs at Sliders Beach Bar & Grill {1998 South Fletcher Avenue} Starting at 10 P.M.
*Late Nite Jams are held both Friday and Saturday night after the headliner’s concerts and feature the music of David Trulio of Ormond Beach, the AIJF 2018 scholarships winner, along with numerous specials guests. “We always look forward to the Late Nite Jams where anything can happen, and it does” say DeMerle.
Headliner Requinte Trio at Fernandina Beach Golf Club
Saturday, October 13th – 7:00 P.M. Fernandina Beach Golf Club {2800 Bill Melton Road}
Enjoy contemporary Brazilian jazz at its finest with headliner Brazilian jazz project Requinte Trio featuring John diMartino (pianist/arranger), Nanny Assis (percussionist/singer/guitarist), Janis Siegel (lead singer and 9-time Grammy Award winner with the Manhattan Transfer). Stop by Dizzy’s Din for another Late Nite Jam*!
Sunday Jazz Brunch at Horizons Restaurant
Sunday, October 14th –11:00 A.M. OR 1:00 P.M. Horizons Restaurant {5472 First Coast Hwy}
The grand finale of the 2018 Jazz Festival is the popular Nawlin’s Dixieland Jazz Brunch offerinf a special Jazz Festival menu featuring the Spare Rib Six Dixieland All-Stars. Musicians include JB Scott (trumpet), Dr. Bill Prince (clarinet), Dave Steinmeyer (trombone), Mike Levine (Piano), Dennis Marks (bass), Les DeMerle (drums) and Bonnie Eisele (vocals). Chef Courtney’s special Jazz Festival New Orleans menu and the vibe of the music make this a real part celebration.