The Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend
A No Nonsense Look
For many years I imagined the concept of great jazz artists, amazing jazz concerts, wonderful food & atmosphere, all at a world class destination. Although the Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation (FSJF) and BMG presented two superb cruises with Russ Freeman & the Rippingtons in 2009 and 2011, my mind was still stuck on the “cruise on land” weekend concept.
My jazz partner Cathy Powers (FSJF) and I have spent quite a bit of time researching the jazz weekend concept. We learned that several others were offering similar events so we made certain our jazz weekend would stand above the rest, both in quality of artistry and value.
The Artists: Cathy and I both wanted great artists with a solid smooth jazz history that would feel at home mingling with the patrons we all cherish so much. After much thought and discussion, we decided on Mindi Abair, Rick Braun, Nick Colionne, Jackiem Joyner and Peter White. Five of the top stars in smooth jazz, each with their own distinct sound and unique personality, all of whom enjoy the company of their fans.
The Location and Venue: These were no-brainers for me – after 21 years of promoting smooth jazz in Brevard, there was only one place I wanted this jazz weekend to happen – in Brevard! We chose the Crowne Plaza for many reasons: A) The Crowne (formerly the Holiday Inn) and I have a huge history. From the mid 90’s to 2006, BJS promoted such well know names as Crag Chaquico, Spyro Gyra, Dotsero, Kim Waters, Nelson Rangell, Greg Karukas, Steve Reid, Jeff Kashiwa, Chuck Loeb and many others. B) Both Cathy & I love the Crowne’s service, world-class menu, oceanfront location, and the beautiful oceanfront deck. We felt comfortable that our cherished patrons would be treated to world class service with a friendly, genuine home town style. Thus, the Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne Oceanfront was born.
A message to our local jazz patrons:
Ever since we announced the jazz weekend, many of our local supporters have indicated that they don’t need hotel rooms, and some have hinted that the weekend package was pricey.
If you know me at all, you know that I pride myself in giving our patrons real value for their hard earned dollars.
Let me address the first concern: “We don’t need hotel rooms.”
On both Friday and Saturday nights, our patrons will experience three intimate concerts limited to less than 320 guests. On Friday it’ll be Mindi and Peter, separately and together for almost three hours of music. After a short break, Nick will host the after party concert and perform for over an hour with the other artists stopping by. On Saturday, the same will apply for Jackiem and Rick, with Mindi, Peter, and Nick joining for a grand finale, and with Nick hosting another different after party concert. Individual tickets for six separate concerts would total quite a bit of money.
Evening Dining: Our package offers two first class 3-course dinners with desserts, coffee and tea, at a quality not found in everyday restaurants.
Saturday and Sunday Brunches: After incredible nights of music and fun, wake up to Atlantic sunrises and come enjoy delicious brunches with all five artists Saturday and Sunday!
After party/late night Hors d’oeuvres: provided for midnight dining while Nick Colionne and the band jams out.
The down side to traveling back & forth: it’s getting in the car at 1 am on Friday night, and driving home down A1A to get up the next morning, get dressed to come back for Saturday brunch. Go home after brunch, change for Saturday dinner, concerts and after party. Go home at 1 am Saturday night, and come back again on Sunday morning for Sunday Brunch. And at an average of $3.45 a gallon for gas, and the time and hassle of the back & forth, you will appreciate having your own hotel room to relax in between all the activities.
But here’s what you’ll really be missing: the family atmosphere, walking down the beach with your sweetheart or friends, making new friends who share our love for the music, and hanging out with our artists and musicians at the hotel pool. The saying hello to Nick at the oceanfront deck, or sitting down for an informal chat with Peter or Rick at the bar. You’ll miss changing in your own hotel room, not rushing to get to dinner, and sitting around the pool Saturday morning with Roland and your friends sipping on a Mimosa or bloody Mary. The option of enjoying the opportunity to participate in a Saturday afternoon excursion with the artists. Not staying at the Crowne means missing out on the complete experience! That is PRICELESS!!
Imagine yourself on a weekend cruise, without getting seasick!
If all that won’t motivate you, then here is something that will – for a limited time, we can offer our Brevard county residents only all those wonderful amenities, including a standard hotel room for two nights for 2 persons, for only $499 per person including all taxes and gratuities based on double occupancy. That is an incredible value for an unforgettable weekend! This is a limited time offer for Brevard county residents. Call me personally at 321-783-9004 to book your package. I will be requesting proof of your local address.
Help us create yearly jazz memories at our home – support the Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend and join us at the beach!
As always, thank you for your support and friendship. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming shows!
-Roland
Feel free to email me with your thoughts and comments. I always enjoy hearing from you.