Bella Sera Sunset Jazz Festival Arrives March 16-17

Jekyll Island, GA - March winds will reverberate with the sound and rhythm of jazz as Jekyll Island hosts the 2nd Annual Bella Sera Sunset Jazz Festival, March 16-17, 2007. Among the featured performers: Joey Somerville, Marcus Johnson, Eric Essix, Janita, King City Trio and Marc Dickman Jazz Quintet.

The music will guide visitors on a journey through sound. To entrance the senses of smell and taste, Bella Sera will also feature wine symposiums, hosted by United Distributors. The educational seminars will compliment the soulful sounds of the jazz, mixing high to low notes.

“I can't think of better way to enjoy jazz music than with the beautiful marsh and sunset as a backdrop," adds Eric Garvey senior director of marketing for Jekyll Island. “With this year's line-up, and the addition of our wine tasting event, the second annual Sunset Jazz Festival is set to be a big hit."

Bella Sera, which translates into “beautiful evening," will feature two nights of music. Friday, March 16th visitors will watch the sunset at the historic Jekyll Island Wharf outside the Rah Bar as the King City Jazz Trio entertains.

On Saturday, March 17th, the Festival moves to the Historic Landmark District. Music will start to fill the air at 11:00AM with wine sessions mingled throughout the day. There is no charge to attend the festival itself, but there will be a $12 per person fee to participate in each wine session. Guests can choose to participate in all three wine features for $30 per person. Wine participants must be ages 21 or older, and show valid identification. Proceeds will go to the Jekyll Island Foundation and benefit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. Bella Sera is sponsored by Coca-Cola, Macy's, Latitude 31 and the Rah Bar, Red Bug Motors and United Distributors. For more information on Bella Sera, please visit www.jekyllisland.com/bellasera.

About the Artists
Joey Somerville: Unlike most trumpet players, the basis of Somerville's musical essence lies in the Baptist church. He would judge the caliber of his playing by the number of people he could 'get happy' in the congregation. Today, Somerville makes listeners happy with a harmonious mix of be-bop jazz with the soul and melodic fire of the Baptist church, sprinkled with beats and grooves drawn from Atlanta's R&B and Hip-Hop sounds

Eric Essex: The Beatles were a first influence in Essex's musical life. Essex taught himself to play by listening to LP's by Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5 and Al Green. His smooth jazz is sure to entertain.

Marcus Johnson: An accomplished jazz pianist, Marcus Johnson's presence is elegant, from his attire to the sheer elegance of his music: a tasty blend of contemporary Jazz styling and hip-hop rhythms.

Janita: Starting her career at the age of 13, Janita had multiple hits and received two Grammy Awards in her home country of Finland before turning 17. Janita's inspired and passionate vocals and strong stage presence draw in concert goers. Says Billboard Magazine, “Sensual, musical mosaic, should be hits..."

King City Jazz: Vocalist Betsy Shelander and King City Jazz take a familiar set of words-and-music and turn it into a fresh batch of adventurous listening. Whether you like the blues, salsa or swing - such familiar tunes as “Ain't Misbehaving," “The Girl From Ipanema," “Route 66" and “Satin Doll" - will make you want to dance.

Marc Dickman: An Associate Professor of jazz studies and low brass at the University of North Florida, Dickman conducts the Jazz Ensemble and tuba/euphonium choir. A founding member of the Modern Jazz Tuba Project, Dickman has two critically acclaimed releases; Live From the Bottom Line, and Favorite Things.

About Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island is a barrier island on Georgia's coast - midway between Jacksonville FL and Savannah GA. Accessible by car just minutes from I-95, Jekyll Island offers a variety of amenities, including 10 miles of beach, four golf courses, a 250-acre Historic Landmark District, water park, tennis center, an array of lodging options including hotels, cottages and campgrounds. Owned by the State of Georgia, and managed by the Jekyll Island State Park Authority, Jekyll Island has had development limited to just 35 percent of its available land area. This unique aspect of Jekyll Island serves to preserve the critical barrier island ecosystem, as well as provides guests with a unique escape from the crowds and complications of other beach resort destinations. Please visit www.jekyllisland.com for more information or call 1-877-4JEKYLL.

About the Jekyll Island Foundation
The Jekyll Island Foundation is a tax exempt, public, non-profit that offers participatory opportunities in planned giving, private donation, legislative education, corporate support, and philanthropic foundation support. The Foundation serves to raise, receive, manage and disburse funds for the stewardship of the historic and natural resources of Jekyll Island. This stewardship includes preservation and improvement of historic sites, conservation of the undeveloped portion of the island and development and improvement of amenities for visitors to the island. The Jekyll Island Foundation's current project is a major capital campaign to help fund the construction of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Activities include the Georgia Sea Turtle Center “Walkway to Wonder" program, where personalized bricks can be purchased for $50 and placed permanently in the walkway outside the Center. For additional information on the Jekyll Island Foundation or to learn more about the “Walkway to Wonder" commemorative brick program, please visit www.JekyllIslandFoundation.org or call (912) 635-4402. The Foundation office is located in Villa Ospo at 381 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, Ga., 31527.