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'Jazz in the Moonlight' Returns to St. John

Nov. 5, 2004 – On Saturday evening, Nov. 20, at 8 p.m., UBS in conjunction with Steve Simon Productions, proudly presents the "Jazz in the Moonlight" series' opening concert under the stars at The Westin Resort St. John.
The fourth season opener stars jazz trumpeter Eddie Russell and his band.
Known as "the heart and soul of Caribbean Jazz," Eddie Russell, a native Crucian, is one of the most well known and talented Jazz artists in the entire Caribbean, according to series organizer Steve Simon. Russell has played with such music legends as Wynton Marsalis, James Moody, Jimmy Garrison, Sam and Dave and the Mighty Sparrow.
Russell, who hails from a very musical family, began playing trumpet professionally at the age of 15 when he formed his first group, Eddie and the Playboys, in 1964. His daughter Diane Russell is a well known flautist and attorney on St. Croix, and his brother Ronald Russell is one of the top jazz guitarists in the Caribbean in addition to being a lawyer and a Virgin Islands senator, Simon said.
Russell's band includes his brother, along with Anysa Sharif, Fred Thomas, Renee Encarnacion, David Mckean and Mario Thomas.
Also appearing that night is jazz singing sensation Cat Bratton and her band, led by Sally Smith and including Jeff Minnieweather, Cliff Finch and Joe Ramsay.
Admission is $20 at the door, dress is island fancy and full beverage service and a light menu will be available all evening.
Round-trip ferry service from Red Hook, St. Thomas, to the Westin departs Red Hook at 7:15 p.m., returning to Red Hook at approximately 11 p.m. and will be $5 each way.
For more information please contact Steve Simon at stevesimon@jazzinthemoonlight.com or at 693-8120. Check out the series Web site at www.jazzinthemoonlight.com.
The series is supported by UBS, Grand Marnier, the V.I. Tourism Department and Cape Air.
Upcoming events include:
Steve Simon's New Year's Eve Party
Dec. 31 at the Westin St. John, doors open at 8:30 p.m.
Dancing, party favors, champagne toast and fireworks at midnight.
Dance to the sweet Jazz sounds of "Steve Simon and the Jazz Islanders" and then sit back and enjoy the "Diva of All Divas," Maryel Epps, as she brings her R&B inspired Jazz show to St. John.
The Valentine's Concert
Feb. 12 at the Westin St. John, doors open at 8 p.m.
Jazz organist Vince Seneri with special guest Grammy award-winning jazz legend Dave Valentin.
The Third Annual St. John Blues Festival
March 23-27
The big show in Coral Bay on Saturday, March 26, will showcase women in blues, starring Shemekia Copeland and Renee Austin.

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