New Harmony Blues Festival begins to gear up again

By Lois Mittino Gray

Jenefer Duane flew dozens of hours from New Zealand to get to New Harmony in time for the kickoff event for this season’s New Harmony Jazz Festival. It was the Utopian Jazz Brunch Club, held last Sunday at Say’s Restaurant. She whooshed in just hours before the Sideman Trio from Evansville performed their afternoon music gig for about 50 people at the local eatery.

The festival’s founder, she enjoyed the talented trio, made up of Pat Moore on drums, Jon Hyneman on electric upright bass, and Bob Green on saxophone, keyboards, and. They have been together for six years playing all around the Tri-State. They delivered jazz with deep grooves, and the kind of chemistry that comes from years of shared playing. Diners enjoyed their brunch meal while listening to the likes of “Have Mercy on Me,” “Take the A Train,” “Moon Dance,” “Girl from Ipanema,” “Route 66,” “St. James Infirmary” and even “I’m In with the In Crowd.” Green sang on several songs, including his favorite as the grand finale, “Wonderful World.”

Duane was delighted that this first event of the season was so well-received. She is going to try to offer a music event every month or so this year leading up to the VIP Festival Kickoff on Labor Day weekend. The actual three-day festival, now in its third year, will be held on the usual first weekend in November on November 5-6-7.

Next on the docket this year is a special appearance on Sunday, April 12 of English Blues Diva, Bex Marshall from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. She is returning to New Harmony to do a solo concert after she wowed the audience, together with her band, at the festival last November. Bex is in the United States to do a concert at the National Blues Museum in St. Louis and was happy to come back here to see friend Jenefer and perform again.

“Bex will also be at Say’s Restaurant since this year, we are working in collaboration with them. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. I would go online and get tickets soon if you are interested. Tickets are $40.00 per person,” Jenefer Duane said. “Last Sunday’s menu was established ahead of time, but this one is just order what you like off the menu.”

As the summer progresses, Jenefer will advertise other venues and offerings. She encourages interested persons to leave their contact information and follow her announcements on her website: newharmonybluesfestival .org. and her Facebook page. “We already have a thousand followers,” she said excitedly, as she is wholeheartedly devoted to making this personal passion project of hers grow.

The “major investor” would like to see it grow as a vehicle to use more local groups and singers, feature more women who play blues, and involve more children in enjoying and playing blues music. She invites anyone with questions or suggestions to contact her through the website.