The annual Davis Jazz and Beat festival is a free intimate festival filled with poetry readings and painting improvisation set to the rhythm of live jazz. Hosted by the Cultural Action Committee, this is a unique opportunity for attendees to experience exclusive performances, a thorough collection of Beat art, and later meet firsthand with the world-renowned poets, jazz musicians, and painters of the Beat Generation. Money raised will benefit the Davis High School music programs. The Sixth Annual Davis Jazz & Beat Festival will be held Oct. 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. and Oct. 20 from noon until after midnight.
The first day of the festival will be at the John Natsoulas Gallery on 521 First Street. It will feature the Linda Blair Dance Company and legendary beat poet A.D. Winans. The evening will be followed by the a reading of the Jack Kerouac Poetry Contest winners, and the Tony Passarell Trio as accompaniment.
Saturday October 20, bands such as Instagon, Tim Stephenson’s Trio, Crazy 8’s, Tha Dirt Feeling, and many more will perform at the Armadillo Records Main Stage at Davis Commons and the John Natsoulas Gallery Stage. Performance painters Jonqui Albin, Nancy Ostrovsky and Myron Stephens will paint along with the live music. A children’s mural and craft tables will be set up for the public.
That evening the John Natsoulas Gallery will have a solo performance from renowned Jazz musician Roscoe Mitchell. Later performance painter Nancy Ostrovsky will paint along with Roscoe Mitchell and the Tony Passerell Trio. The evening will end with a rooftop party from 9-midnight with Midnight DJ Dr.Doktir and Garage Jazz Architects and Chikading.
More information can be found at www.natsoulas.com.
