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All sessions feature our Musical Host Raphael Semmes
Featuring Dale Morris with special guest Latongja Garner
For the month of July (which is arguably the HOTTEST) we thought it would be a good idea to bring in one of the COOLEST Cats on the jazz scene to the Jazz Spot. We have good reason(s) to make that assessment because we're talking about Dale Morris. Not only is Dale one of the finest bassists you will ever hear, he's also the host of "Latin Jazz" on the jazz giant WJSU 88.5 FM. You can't get much cooler than that.
What makes him even cooler is he's also bringing one of the finest jazz vocalists in the Metro with him! Latongya Garner is a seasoned session vocalist at Malaco records as well as a versatile stylist singing, blues, gospel and R&B but... wait until you hear her swinging singing on Saturday!
Fusion host Raphael Semmes says, "I've known Dale since he was a kid and was impressed the day I met him. In those days he was a tenor sax player and had his own very funky band. Years later we reconnected in Jackson and he had switched to bass. He's an extremely talented musician and a dear friend."
When Dale isn't performing music live he's playing it on WJSU 88.5 FM where he is the host of his "Latin Jazz" show as well as the chief engineer for the station. Jackson native Latongya Garner is a musician, music educator and director of the JSU Vocal Jazz Ensemble at Jackson State. She's also an applied voice instructor and owner of Garner Music Academy, where she virtually teaches voice and piano to children and adults. That takes care of her week, but on Sundays you can find her at Bakers Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as Minister of Music and pianist. You may wonder with all of this, how did she wind up singing and loving Jazz? Well, she auditioned for a part in the musical "Bubbling Brown Sugar" and was cast, of course, as Ella!
This is gonna be another good one folks, so come early and get a seat! On such a hot day you've got some great options here with our authentic Italian gelato and our award winning coffee... maybe make it an ICED coffee!
Held Saturday, April 5, 2025
Despite a threatening weather forecast and winds gusting to 40 mph, we had another incredible turnout for the jazz festival! Our headliner Grace Kelly was a huge hit, with many guests buying her albums and begging us to book her again!
Thank you to everyone who helped make it another success!
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