Jazz concert draws big Sunday crowd in Avondale

A large crowd turned out at the amphitheatre in Avondale Park on Sunday, June 2, to take in a free jazz concert — the next event in the annual Jazz in the Park series sponsored by Magic City Smooth Jazz.

The crowd included at least 350 or 400 people when the event began a little after 6 p.m. with a set by Collins “Bo” Berry, a popular Birmingham trumpet player.

Berry was also an original member of The Commodores — a hit-making R&B act in the 1970s — and is a member of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, according to Bernard Lockhart, founder and executive director of Magic City Smooth Jazz.

Adam Hawley, a Los Angeles guitarist known for a groove-oriented approach to contemporary jazz and R&B, was also scheduled to appear.

“Our mission is very simple — to expose as many people as possible to various styles of jazz music,” Lockhart said.

There were also several food vendors at the event serving burgers, hot dogs, popcorn and other summertime favorites.

Jefferson County Commissioner Lashunda Scales, who represents District 1, sponsored the event, according to Lockhart. And Scales told attendees she will sponsor several more concerts in her district this season.

“The point is about helping us enjoy the community where we live,” Scales said. “I am absolutely an advocate for that. It makes no sense at all if we have to travel 10 or 15 miles outside of where we live in order to enjoy it.”

Thanks to this support, Lockhart said Jazz in the Park will be able to visit some new locations this year, including Miles College and Minor High School.

“It’s a way for us to continue to build our community through jazz music,” he said.

Jazz in the Park is in the midst of its 10th season and will continue through Oct. 13 with free concerts in Birmingham and other Alabama cities.

The events typically blend Alabama musicians with nationally-known artists and help expose audiences in the state to the “talent and musicianship” of their own homegrown jazz players, Lockhart told Iron City Ink recently.

The Green Light Band and Ves Marable will appear at East Lake Park on Father’s Day, June 16, from 6-9 p.m.

For a complete schedule, go to magiccitysmoothjazz.com.