FAMU alumnus helps plan Tallahassee’s first Jazz and Blues Festival

Scott Barnhart has been cultivating relationships since his days in the Marching 100. The two- time Grammy winner, esteemed leader of the world-renown Count Basie Orchestra, and former Marching 100 trumpeter has teamed up with a group of talented individuals to plan the Florida Jazz & Blues Festival, taking place September 23-25, 2016 at Cascades Park. Barnhart serves as artistic director.

Barnhart, the festival planning team, and Gary Anton of the Bradfordville Blues Club have assembled an award-winning lineup of artists from all parts of the world. Having played trumpet all over the world, Barnhart said he knew there was a certain formula to follow when planning an event of this scale.

“I had a four-tiered bracket setup. I contacted international, national, regionally and locally known artists so that we had all fans of these genres covered. Groups with a mixture of every kind of band you can think of – big band, male vocalist, female vocalist, modern jazz quintet or trio… you name it, will be at this festival,” Barnhart said.

Festival committee member Jon D. Brown gave a similar response.

“In the grand tradition of world-renowned jazz and blues festivals, the inaugural Florida Jazz and Blues Festival is bringing world-class, Grammy award-winning artists, high-octane blues, lift-your-feet jazz, and some of the best international, national, regional and local Jazz and blues artists in the world.”

The festival is open to music lovers of all ages. Attendees can expect to witness great musical collaborations and philanthropic shows of appreciation with donors giving away more than $10,000 in scholarships.

“This is the first festival that I know of that is giving money back to the community,” Barnhart said. “I am really happy that Sam Beler of the UNITY Music Foundation is flying here from California to give away scholarships and I hope this inspires other philanthropists to donate to next year’s festival,” Barnhart said. “We’ve already given away $6,000 to Florida State University and FAMU students. We are also presenting music scholarships at Shanks and Fairview Middle Schools for instruments,” he added.

Robert Griffin, FAMU jazz band director, and Shelby Chipman, director of bands, presented four of Beler’s scholarships to deserving FAMU band members last week. Chipman said the band is grateful for Beler and Barnhart’s dedication to students.

“We are very happy for this blessing. It would never have been possible without Scotty’s connection to and love for FAMU. Sam Beler’s selflessness is something to be admired. We are going to honor him as a special guest at future football games and are looking forward to future collaborations.”

The music begins on Friday, Sept. 23 at 6:30 p.m. and continues on Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://fljazzandblues.com/