Apr 8-11: Jewel of the Ridge Jazz Festival

Polk State College’s Jewel of the Ridge Jazz Festival, an event just two years old but well on its way to becoming a Polk County favorite, will return April 8-11.

Scheduled performers include Omar Sosa, a Cuban-born composer, pianist and bandleader whose career includes performances around the world, multiple Grammy nominations and the 2003 Smithsonian Associates Lifetime Achievement Award.

Also sharing their talents for the event will be Larry Coryell, a pioneer in the jazz-rock genre who has been strumming the guitar since he was just 4; Victoria de Lissovoy, a local jazz pianist and vocalist; Charlie “Topp” Hines, a Berklee College of Music-trained trumpeter who holds a place in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame; Randy Corinthian, a saxophonist who has shared the stage with jazz greats such as Ellis Marsalis; and The New Orleans Nighthawks, an ensemble comprised of veteran jazz performers.

Jazz ensembles from Polk State College and the Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts will add fresh sounds to the weekend.

Performances will take place at the Polk State Lake Wales Arts Center and Polk State JD Alexander Center, as well as Pinewood at Bok Tower Gardens and Lake Wailes Park.

• Wednesday, April 8, 12:30pm @ Polk State JD Alexander Center.
  Presented by Polk State College & Lake Wales Arts Council.
  The New Orleans Nighthawks

• Thursday, April 9, 12:30pm @ Polk State JD Alexander Center.
  Presented by Polk State College & Lake Wales Arts Council.
  Jazz Artist TBD

• Thursday, April 9, 7:00pm @ Bok Tower Gardens.
  Presented by Polk State College, Lake Wales Arts Council & Bok Tower Gardens.
  Moonlight at Bok Gardens: Omar Sosa, Latin Jazz musician

• Friday, April 10, Noon @ Polk State JD Alexander Center.
  Presented by Polk State College & Lake Wales Arts Council.
  Larry Coryell (solo)

• Friday, April 10, 6:00pm & 7:30pm @ The Center in Updike Hall.
  Presented by Polk State College & Lake Wales Arts Council.
  Omar Sosa’s Quarteto Afro Cuban Latin Jazz Band

• Saturday, April 11 @ Lake Wailes Park.
  Presented by Polk State College & Lake Wales Arts Council.

3:00pm – PSC Jazz Ensemble

4:00pm – Harrison School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble

5:15pm – Victoria de Lissovoy & Charlie “Topp” Hines

7:00pm – The Larry Coryell Trio

Call 863-298-6883 or email LWAC@polk.edu for more information.