Celebrating the Beauty and Depth of Jazz with Rhapsody in Blue, Latin Rhythms, Local Talent, and the Great American Songbook
The second day of the Northwest Jazz Festival in Lewiston was nothing short of extraordinary, with a lineup that brilliantly showcased the diversity and depth of jazz. Elliot Sneider’s stunning rendition of Rhapsody in Blue was a highlight, blending classical with jazz spontaneity. The Harmonia Vocal Jazz Ensemble impressed with their harmonies, while Wendell Rivera Latin Jazz energized the festival with infectious rhythms that had the crowd dancing.
Vocal powerhouses DeeAnn DiMeo, Janice Mitchell, and Ann Mitchell brought soul and beauty to their performances. Inventive jazz was abundant as attendees enjoyed Jonathan Hughes, Donny Frauenhofer, John Bacon, Wes Lewis, and Wazmoolitan, who delivered exceptional jazz that exemplified the local talent thriving in the region. Guitar enthusiasts were treated to the excellence of Stu Weissman, Walt Sopicki, Dave Hill, and Stephen Guerra, all of whom displayed mastery.
The evening culminated on the main stage with three spectacular performances by the Jazz at the Ballroom performing group. This ensemble of internationally acclaimed jazz artists, including Konrad Paskudzki, Champian Fulton, Adrian Cunningham, Wyatt Michael, Robert Edwards, Vanessa Perea, Dylan Shamat, Kevin Congleton, and Olivia Chindamo, elevated the night into a grand celebration of the Great American Songbook. Their renditions of timeless classics brought the music alive in a way that honored the tradition while showcasing the future of jazz.
The second day was a truly unforgettable experience, embodying the spirit of jazz and the beauty of the Great American Songbook.
