Yeah, we know the heat’s horrible just now. Here’s a way to wash it away though: savor some cool jazz in the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Come Aug. 10 – 12, more than 30 jazz artists from throughout the planet will descend on historic Richmond for the third annual Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont.
Friday, Aug. 10th is set aside for purely local talent, as Hometown at the Hipp holds sway at the historic Hippodrome Theater. Hear the likes of Lonnie Liston Smith perform. Then it’s on to the hundred-acre enclave at Maymont for the main attraction. Among the jazz luminaries: Ravi Coltrane, Dave Koz, Bebe Winans, Kim Waters and Keiko Matsui on Saturday the 11th. Among the performers Sunday the 12th are George Benson, The Whispers, Anhayla, Najee and Poncho Sanchez.
And what’s jazz without food and drink? Not as nearly sweet. Along with the performances come wine tastings featuring award-winning vintages from St. Michelle Winery. Pair a couple of selections with some great cuisine cooked up by nationally-known chefs.
Tickets for Hometown at the Hipp are but $20. A weekend pass at Maymont will run you $90.
Here’s a way to bundle the deal. The Clarion Hotel Richmond Central offers a package that includes a night’s stay, a couple of tickets to the festival on the day of your choice and complimentary continental breakfast for two. The Jefferson Hotel’s per-night deal of $169 gets you two festival tickets for the day your choosing, free transportation to and from Maymont (a real bonus when you consider the traffic), breakfast for two and valet parking at the hotel. The package sells for $265.
Richmond is blessed by good air service to sanely-sized, unhassled airport.
(Image: anadelmann)
