WILLIAMSBURG — CultureFix is bringing back the Winter Blues Jazz Fest for its 12th year, featuring four days of live music hosted at William & Mary Alumni House Jan. 16-19.
According to the local nonprofit, the “overriding goal is to provide an enriching and entertaining weekend full of music and programs with options available to suit all tastes and budgets. “
The festival kicks off Friday, Jan. 16 at the Alumni House with Mixology & Music, a cocktail sampling curated by Copper Fox Distillery, including many local distilleries and featuring Latin Jazz Conspiracy at 6:30 p.m. That will be followed by a late-night event featuring Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience.
Saturday, Jan. 17 features a Jazz Workshop with local jazz artist Jae Sinnett at noon, free and open to the public. That will be followed by Jay Sinnett’s Zero to 60 Quartet at 2 p.m.
New this year, The Blues Bash will take place on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. with a double header featuring Tom Euler Band and Wayne Brooks. Wayne Brooks will be flying in from Chicago, according to CultureFix. Tickets include two drink tickets.
A new Big Band Brunch will take place on Sunday, Jan. 18 at 10:30 a.m. with a live music performance with Grooveburg, as well as a buffet brunch.
Afternoon entertainment will include John Emil Delta Blues at 2 p.m.
Rounding out Sunday evening will be a performance by the six-time Grammy Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama.
The festival concludes Monday, Jan. 19, with a Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event is free and open to the public at the William & Mary Alumni House at 10 am.
Winter Blues Jazz Fest is presented by CultureFix and sponsored by The City of Williamsburg, Loyalty Chevrolet & Cadillac and Virginia Commission for the Arts.
For more information and to purchase your tickets, go to winterbluesjazzfest.com. Follow @winterbluesjazzfestival and @culturefixva on social media for updates on the festival.
