Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Press release here:
The Asheville Downtown Association’s Jazz After Five kicks off on Friday, January 22 from 5-8pm. This year, the event will move to Pack Place.
Also new this year is the addition of Biltmore and WCQS as sponsors. Not only will Biltmore wines be featured at Jazz After Five, but Biltmore will also give away two sets of annual passes to the estate at each Jazz After Five event. WCQS is the main media sponsor for Jazz and will receive half of the money raised from wristband sales. Like many public radio stations, WCQS is experiencing a critical need for additional funding due to the challenging economy.
On tap to perform is Asheville’s own Vertigo Jazz Project. VJP bridges the gap between multiple genres of music such as funk, Latin, rock, jam, classical, world and county while always maintaining a distinctively recognizable element of jazz.
“We’re excited to bring back Jazz After Five and feel like the new venue will allow the crowd to get more involved in the music, but more importantly, the move is a direct result of the needs of downtown businesses affected by the Pack Square Park construction,” said Asheville Downtown Association President Byron Greiner.
Local beer, Biltmore wine and signature martinis will be available for purchase as well as food from downtown restaurants.
Jazz After Five is set for Fridays, February 19 and March 12, and is presented by Biltmore, Pack Place and the Asheville Downtown Association. The ADA is a membership organization dedicated to being the voice of downtown. For more information, visit ashevilledowntown.org or call (828) 251-9973.
Went to check out the event tonight. I have to say I think it was a terrible move to put it inside Pack Place. The gray lifeless walls just drained the energy out of the room, even though the band was great. Then again, it’s hard to compete with the inside of the Grove Arcade. Everyone just seemed uncomfortable and they had about 12 folding chairs spread out around the entire downstairs for people to sit. All of them were full. It just lacked the excitement that it used to have. Sadly, I doubt I’ll ever go back, unless it moves back to the Grove Arcade or outside.
I’m looking forward to experiencing the event in its new location!