Jazz, wine and a view – a classy celebration of music and friends – will take place this Saturday, January 21. After the successful event two weeks ago, jazz lovers will once again enjoy sweet sounds and smooth wine at the new rooftop lounge at the Commodore Suites from 8:00pm onwards.
This time, famous saxophone player Connis Vanterpool will be joined by Neville (Fatts) James on vocals and the trombone, Michael Wilson on the guitar, Chris Sergeant on the drums, Roger Jeremy on the bass and Anastacia Larmonie on the piano.
Connis is St. Maarten’s most famous saxophonist and will be hosting this musical evening. Graduating from Berklee College of Music, the talented musician started his music career in 1992. He interned at various studios such as Crescent Moon, South Beach Studios and International Sound in Miami, Florida, and currently plays at various public venues on St. Maarten as well as at private events.
Performing with him on Saturday is Neville (Fatts) James, who told the Out N About all about his busy career and passion for music.
Neville is a busy man. Not only is he a music teacher at the CIA and Montessori schools, but he is also a vegan cook who goes around the island delivering his food to happy and healthy customers. As if that was not enough, Neville is also the musical director for the National Youth Orchestra – so he also manages to schedule in orchestra rehearsals and classes. Last but not least, Neville is a master recording-engineer, helping many local artists record and master tunes in his Melody Recording Studio.
Though the musician teaches keyboard, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn and trombone; trombone is his main instrument. Neville arranges music for all the instruments in the orchestra and conduct group. Besides the orchestra, Neville also arranges all different genres of music. He is one of the main arrangers for the Calypsonians on the island and leader of the Calypso band, to which he introduced written music over 45 years ago when he first arrived at our shores.
Neville tells the Out N About that it was always his dream to see young people learning and playing all different types of instruments: “Now that is happening at the National Institute of the Arts (NIA), I know we are leaving behind young aspiring musicians to take our place when we pass on. Before, the only people you can find to play a wind instrument were all over 40.”
He adds: “I love singing and playing my trombone. Jazz is the type of music you can really express yourself with and show your performance skills.”
Neville is excited for the jazz event this Saturday, partly because the performing band has Anastacia Larmonie, known as the music ambassador of Sint Maarten who now resides in Holland; Connis Vanterpool; Wilky and a really fantastic group of musicians. “Saturday night promises to be a fantastic evening of music you can’t afford to miss – so come on out and enjoy life,” he concludes.
The Jazz, Wine and a View event with Connis & Friends will take place this Saturday, January 21, at the Commodore Suites above Market Garden in Simpson Bay. The doors open at 8:00pm and tickets cost $20. For tickets and more information, call +1 (721) 522-0518. See you there!
