Berlin Jazz And Blues Bash Returns Saturday

BERLIN - The Berlin Chamber of Commerce will welcome back the 2nd Annual Berlin Jazz & Blues Bash to be held in downtown Berlin on May 9.

The live music will begin at 10 a.m. with music on the North Stage by the Stephen Decatur Middle School Jazz Band, under the direction of Peter Mundrick. At 11 a.m. the Stephen Decatur High School Jazz Combo, led by J.D. Foel, will perform on the South Stage. Both bands are sponsored by Robert K. McIntosh, P.A.

Appearing on the North Stage at 1 p.m. will be local favorite, Lower Case Blues. At 1:30 p.m., the UMES Jazz Band performs on the South Stage under the direction of Dr. John R. Lamkin II, Ph.D. Victorian Charm will once again sponsor the nationally-renowned Jazz band for an extended 90-minute program.

Tom Larsen brings his electric blues to Berlin on the North Stage at 2:30 p.m. This show is a prelude to Larsen's performance later that evening at The Globe, where he'll host a special 'Book Event' featuring a rare solo acoustic performance and readings from his new book, The Elusive One, which documents Larsen's 30 years in the Blues business. Wrapping up the night will be a set with songs from his new CD, My Paper's Low.

The bash comes to a close on the South Stage, in front of the newly remodeled Atlantic Hotel, with a band that would make Muddy Waters proud. From 3:30-5 p.m., Muskrat Sally performs a mix of Delta and early Chicago blues, rockabilly, ragtime and old time country.

'If you're a fan of the deepest down-home blues from the scratchiest old recordings you can find, then you'll love Muskrat Sally,' said the band's publicist.

Look for a variety of art vendors lining the streets around the downtown area, as well as delicious offerings from Flannery's and Various Delights food vendors. Attendees can browse around and grab a bite without missing a single jazz or blues note. Limited seating will be provided at each music stage, so lawn chairs are recommended. No outside food or alcohol is permitted in the festival area. Alcohol must be purchased and consumed on licensed restaurant property only.

Entertainment Line-Up

10-11 a.m.: North Stage-Stephen Decatur Middle School Jazz Band

11 a.m.-Noon: South Stage-Stephen Decatur High School Jazz Combo

Noon-1 p.m.: North-Lower Case Blues

1-2:30pm-: South Stage-U.M.E.S. Jazz Band (Sponsored by Victorian Charm)

2:30-3:30 p.m.: North Stage-Tom Larsen

3:30-5 p.m.: South Stage-Muskrat Sally

8-11 p.m.: The Globe-Tom Larsen Acoustic Duo and Book Event