Jazz Night at the Alhambra Theatre and Dinning

On Thursday April 8^, 2010 the Alhambra Theatre and Dining presented a wonderful night of jazz highlighting three of Jacksonville's best jazz bands. The Alhambra is one of the oldest dinner theatres in the country opening its doors in 1967, and this evening was old school complete with local comedian Nick Harvey having the honor of being the night's master of ceremonies.

The Derryk Lawrence Project was the first band to perform. The Derryk Lawrence Project featured the vocals of Derryk Lawrence who according to his website made it to the 2009 America's Got Talent Finals in Miami. The Project featured a talented older gentleman on trumpet, a young talented guitarist and rhythm section highlighted by the gifted John Alessandrini II on bass.

The next band was The Fusion Band fronted by saxophone player Allana Southerland. The jazz is really smooth when the alluring Allana kicks off her shoes. The big man behind the drums is Allana's husband and he keeps a steady beat through out the set.

The final band of the evening was Isaac Byrd Jr. and the Judah Tribe. The band was lead by the smooth trumpet playing of Isaac Byrd Jr. However, the Judah Tribe featured the bass talents of Mike Norwood who has played sessions with The Fusion Band. The bands rhythm section is completed with percussionist Ryan Sinclair and drummer Jared Freeland. Rashard Lavender rounds out the bands sound on the keyboards. The band highlighted material to be featured on their upcoming debut album entitled Beginnings.

In between sets local comedian Nick Harvey entertained the crowd. His stand up routine varied from jokes, to funny stories, to poems, and songs. Nick's comedy kept the show going and the stage changes for the bands were completed quickly.

The evening was officially billed Eye's on Soul: "The Live Band Edition." The Alhambra Theatre provided an upscale and elegant setting. The local talent provided the entertainment and the music did not disappoint. The artist were among the best the Jacksonville area had to offer and the artists all had shared the stage with bigger names along their musical career. The artists performed well and the music was on par to what one would expect from regional or national talent. This was the Alhambra's first live music event since the new owners took over in December of 2009. The Theatre usually is home to Broadway style plays and musicals. However, more concerts could happen at the Alhambra especially if the evening's crowd was an indication of the support future events could draw.

Sources:

Derryk Lawrence Website

The Fusion Band Myspace page

Isaac Bryd Jr. Myspace Page