Jazz, wine and a view – a perfect combination for a cosy December night. This Saturday, December 10, jazz lovers will enjoy sweet sounds and smooth wine at the new rooftop lounge at the Commodore Suites. Here, famous saxophone player Connis Vanterpool, talented singers Anastacia Larmonie and Essynce, drummer Chris Sargeant, bass player John Hannibal and sax player Connie Marshall will perform live from 8:00 to 11:00pm.
Connis is one of St. Maarten’s most talented musicians and will be hosting this musical evening. Graduating from Berklee College of Music, the saxophone player 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.
Playing with him on Saturday are some of the island’s most talented musicians.
Anastacia Larmonie
Better known as Stacie/Stacia, pianist and vocalist Anastacia Larmonie was born in Curaçao to musically inclined parents from St. Maarten. After studying music at the Brabants Conservatorium in Tilburg, Netherlands, and the well-respected Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, Larmonie has made a career of music, performing jazz and training children to master the piano and their voices.
In 2011, Anastacia was knighted in the Order of Oranje Nassau for her extensive work in Art and Music, for her contribution to the community and in particular to the Cultural and Educational development of St. Maarten/St. Martin.
The jazz artist is currently working on a musical project with Clara Reyes at the Department of Culture with traditional and contemporary sounds of St. Maarten/St. Martin. Anastacia has rearranged traditional sounds from the elders, while maintaining the original character of the piece.
Essynce
As a teenager, Essynce was part of the “Lollipops” vocal group directed and created by Anastasia Larmonie. Essynce had this to say about performing with her former teacher and mentor: “I am most honoured of all to be privileged to share the stage with my teacher/mentor and ambassador of music ‘Juffrouw’ Anastasia Larmonie – it is beyond my greatest of dreams. Her influence on ALL of us (artists) for generations has given us the foundation for our careers and life on a whole.”
In 1994, Essynce began her official musical journey with the Youth Waves Band, with whom she has completed various recordings and tours. In 2010, the singer embarked on her solo career by recording the song “One Wish” with Connis.
Essynce is currently working on a new song with Connis and has launched “Le Piano Noir” – a quaint Jazz Club in Philipsburg, where she performs on a regular basis. This coming year, we can expect new music and musical events both locally and in the neighbouring islands.
The Wine & Jazz Night with Connis & Friends will take place this Saturday, December 10, 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!
