By Darrel Wheeler, Contributing Writer, and Voice & Viewpoint Staff
For the twelfth year in a row, San Diego’s own MANDATE Records and MANDATE Project Impact held the Jazz at the Creek jazz festival at the Market Creek Plaza outdoor amphitheater. For two days straight this past Labor Day weekend from 2 PM to 7 PM, the love of jazz music was shared amongst members of the community as artists graced the stage with their musical talents.
The two-day event was hosted by 92.5 on-air personality Kelly Cole and DJ John Phillps. Featured on Saturday were jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum and friends along with artists Kevin Flournoy who appeared with Rebecca Jade, Shannon Pearson and Lamont Dozier, Jr., and Darryl Williams & B. Thompson who rocked the stage with swag and professionalism. Sunday featured Guitar Superstar Norman Brown as well as the Lao Tizer Band performing with Karen Briggs & Eric Marienthal, and Aretha Scruggs who all worked their jazz magic.
“This was my first time coming here for a concert. I’ve been hearing a lot about it,” jazz enthusiast Tee Edward Hall shared. “I finally made it. I had to see Norman Brown. Norm didn’t disappoint and I can say it was a cool jazz experience.”
Sponsors of the event included Wells Fargo, MANDATE Project Impact, GOD Radio 1, The City of San Diego, and The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint amongst others.
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This article has been edited for online purposes. The full article will be available in this week’s newspaper issue. Visit your closest newspaper stand to get full community event updates.
