The KSU Jazz Ensemble performs at the Legacy Gazebo Amphitheater.

Starlight, Star Bright: Gazebo Series Kicks Off

Sunday nights are for hot jazz licks, smooth blues melodies and finger-snappin’ pops favorites once again this summer. The 2004 Starlight Summer Concert Series at the Legacy Gazebo Amphitheater kicks off on May 2 with the big band sounds of the KSU Jazz Ensemble. And, this season promises all the variety and fun that Starlight fans have come to expect. With concerts almost every two weeks, Starlight will make those long summer evenings even more enjoyable.

Blue Note recording artist René Marie appears as the first Starlight Summer Highlight on June 6. Renowned for adding new dimensions to jazz standards, Marie also reveals the depth of her vocal talents with new songs about her own life. When she sings “Don’t Look At Me That Way,” the audience witnesses an intimate conversation between two lovers-to-be. Marie says she initially was reluctant to write and sing about herself, but she says “the words demanded to be heard.” Although her uniquely personal approach to her music leaves her “emotionally exhausted,” her audiences clamor to hear more and more.

The next Starlight Summer Highlight, legendary jazz saxophonist James Moody, brings his quartet to the Gazebo on August 15. This Savannah native began his career in 1946 in Dizzy Gillespie’s big band. A couple years later, he set the tone for many romantic couples with his signature song, “Moody's Mood for Love,” an improvisation of “I’m in the Mood for Love.” Since then, he has played with everyone from Elvis to Lou Rawls, and, in 1990, he and Gillespie won a Grammy nomination for “Get the Booty.”

Between the two Highlights, Starlight fans will be treated to performances by local favorites Andrew Black and the Believers and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra, as well as the now traditional Star Spangled Spectacular concert with fireworks by the Army Ground Forces Band on June 27.

All Starlight events begin at 8 p.m. at the Legacy Gazebo Amphitheatre. Admission is $5 at the gate; the Star Spangled Spectacular is free. Admission is always free for children ages 12 and younger. Table reservations are available for all shows.

For more details, including a full schedule and rain plans, click “Starlight 2004.”