Swaying bodies, smiling faces and clapping hands filled The Wilcox on Saturday during the Joye of Jazz festival, presented by Joye in Aiken.
Many attendees said the music is a delight, with several returning year after year to soak in the unique talent the organization is able to bring to the city.
Joye of Aiken began Friday night with the King of Instruments at St. John’s Methodist Church. The concert featured Paul Jacobs, a Grammy award-winning organist based in New York.
Joye of Jazz attendees clap following Charles Turner’s performance Saturday at The Willcox. (Alexandra Koch/Staff)
Around 400 people attended the performance, shattering expectations for both Joye in Aiken and Jacobs.
“It exceeded all of our expectations, particularly after a tumultuous pandemic,” Jacobs said. “It shows how much people need music in their lives; the gift of music is the best salve our spirits can experience.”
Jacobs said the pandemic was a challenging period for music makers.
“It was exhilarating to be in front of such a large live audience,” he said.
The world-renowned musician said it was an honor to share his work with the Aiken community.
“I’m astonished at the breadth and scope of the offerings of Joye in Aiken,” Jacobs said. “To have the music of Bach and Haydn one evening, followed by brilliant jazz musicians the next morning, is impressive. Clearly Aiken is brimming with music lovers.”
On Saturday morning, Joye in Aiken presented The Joye of Jazz, a day-long mini jazz festival at The Wilcox on Colleton Avenue.
“It’s one of our most popular events,” said Janice Jennings, Joye in Aiken executive director. “Normally The Joye of Jazz is sold out – it has been every year, which I think speaks to the quality of performers we bring. We’re fortunate, and I think it’s unusual that we can bring that level of talent to a small town like Aiken.”
The festival featured artists who have performed in Jazz at Lincoln Center – including Charles Turner, a Brooklyn-based composer and vocalist.
Charles Turner performs at The Willcox as part of the Joye of Jazz festival Saturday. (Alexandra Koch/Staff)
“It’s been wonderful time,” Turner said. “The weather has been better than in New York City, so we appreciate that – and everyone’s been super kind. We’re so happy to be here.”
Curtis Nowosad, a drummer in Turner’s band, echoed the sentiment.
“From the minute we got here, all of the hosts were super gracious and generous,” Nowosad said. “The venue and crew has been amazing – we don’t normally get to make this kind of music this early in the morning.”
The Lovestruck Balladeers followed Turner’s performance Saturday afternoon and the day of music was closed out by headliner and two-time Grammy-nominated trumpeter, Alphonso Horne, and the Gotham Kings.
“Alfonso has been to the festival many times and he’s one of our most popular performers,” Jennings said.
Audience members and Joye in Aiken sponsors, Marilyn Brown and Paul Silva, said they come to the festival every year.
“The festival is invigorating,” Brown said. “All of the performers are very talented and so full of energy.”
The duo said they started with just going to a few events and have progressively gotten more involved after seeing the level of talent.
Audience members gave Charles Turner a standing ovation Saturday after his performance at The Willcox as part of the Joye of Jazz festival. (Alexandra Koch/Staff)
“We’re here for the whole day,” Silva said. “Any of the sessions for the rest of the week we’re here.”
On Tuesday, Joye in Aiken will host BODYTRAFFIC, a contemporary dance company based out of Los Angeles, at the Amentum Center for Performing Arts.Â
“We’ll keep showing up like a bad penny,” Brown said.
