Berlin Jazz, Blues Bash Returns With New Acts, Offerings

BERLIN – The Berlin Chamber of Commerce and WESM 91.3 FM are once again proud to present the 5th Annual Berlin Jazz & Blues Bash, to be held in downtown Berlin Saturday, May 5, from noon-8 p.m.

Non-stop Jazz and Blues music will be heard all day in Berlin, featuring six acts on two stages, artwork for sale by local artists, selected food vendors, amazing restaurants, shops and galleries. New this year is a Beer and Wine tent to heighten the festival’s atmosphere.

“The Berlin Jazz & Blues Bash is another one of Berlin’s exciting, free, family events,” Joel Todd said. “We will be presenting six different acts this year guaranteed to have people dancing in the streets. In addition, the event offers plenty of food and specialty vendors. Never to be overlooked are the downtown shops which regularly make Berlin a travel destination.”

The event kicks off with the Joe Baione Quartet, an energetic vibes performer followed by Mike Flaherty’s Dixieland Direct Jazz Band at 1 p.m.

Eastern shore native Chris English will take the stage at 2:30 p.m. followed by acoustic blues phenomena Tom Larsen.

At 5 p.m., world respected jazz players of Project Natale infuse the old and new Jazz styles to create a sonification of their own.

The headliner this year is the Daryl Davis Band with special guest Margot Resto, sponsored by Joe Wilson of Merrill Lynch.

The Daryl Davis Band has played with Elvis Presley’s Jordanaires, Chuck Berry, The Legendary Blues Band, Hubert Sumlin, Percy Sledge, and many others. Daryl’s CDs American Roots and Alternate Routes, received rave reviews from leading Blues magazines, winning several WAMA (Washington Area Music Association) Awards for Best Artist in the Roots and Blues categories. They will take the stage at 6 p.m.

In addition to presenting sponsors, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and WESM 91.3 FM, sponsors include Joe Wilson of Merrill Lynch, Bank of Ocean City, Victorian Charm, Design Resources, Casino at Ocean Downs, Get R Done Cleaning Services, The Globe, Plim Plaza Hotel, Shore Life, Bayside Gazette, The Dispatch, First Shore Federal, Donaway Furniture, Delmarva Power, ABC Printers and the Town of Berlin.

The Jazz & Blues Bash is free to the public. Limited seating will be provided at each music stage. Lawn chairs are recommended. No outside food or alcohol is permitted in the festival area.

Entertainment Schedule
Noon-1 p.m.: Joe Baione Quartet
1-2:30 p.m.: Dixieland Direct Jazz Band
2:30-3:30 p.m.: Chris English
4-5 p.m.: Tom Larsen Band
5-6 p.m.: Project Natale
6-8 p.m.: The Daryl Davis Band with special guest Margot Resto