Port City swings with jazz festival

Now in its 38th year, the North Carolina Jazz Festival brings an esteemed lineup of jazz musicians to Wilmington Feb. 1-3.

Founded by Dr. Harry Van Velsor, a local dermatologist and jazz lover, the Festival carries out its mission of preserving the traditional American art form of jazz by bringing world-class musicians together in Wilmington for the purpose of entertainment with live jazz performances. Free workshops for students are also provided.

This year’s lineup includes Mangroove, Jonathan Russell, Dion Tucker, Nicki Parrott Trio, Conal Fowkes, Cynthia Sayer, Ed Polcer, Rossano Sportiello, Chuck Redd, Nate Najar and Adrian Cunningham.

– Glenn Gillen, APR, S&A Communications