Jazz on the Grazz rocks Water Avenue
Published 8:28 pm Friday, June 21, 2013
Rhythmic sounds of the trumpet, guitar and tambourine serenaded residents Friday as the city hosted its 2nd annual Jazz on the Grazz, held at Phoenix Park.
Selma City Councilwoman Susuan Keith, who organized the event alongside councilwoman Angela Benjamin, said the day offered the perfect atmosphere for community bonding and fellowship.
“We just wanted to host something that would bring everyone together and give them something fun to do on Water Avenue,” Keith said. “We had a similar event last year and it was such a success, so we knew we wanted to do it again this year.”
And although temperatures were high, residents came out by the many to enjoy the event. Kim Williams, owner of Secondhand Treasures on Citizen Parkway, came out with her father, Roosevelt Sanders, to cook food and sell jewelry.
“This has been awesome. We’re out here selling items from the store and my dad is cooking up some chicken and ribs,” Williams said. “It’s awesome to see everyone come together like this.”
Before residents enjoyed the groovy sounds of Selma, a band made up of local residents, the River City Singers danced through Phoenix Park in an impromptu music session.
“It’s a great day in Selma, we’re just out here having a great time,” said Joseph Webb, who plays trumpet for the Singers. “We need to absolutely have more events like this downtown.”
Nancy Ziccardy, who plays guitar for the Singers, agreed with Webb and said more events need to be held on Water Avenue, as they bring the community together.
“Even though it’s hot out here, we’re having a great time,” she said. “The setup is great and everyone is just having a great time.”
Several students from Concordia College made up the rest of the colorful band, the River City Singers.
After watching the many smiling faces and bands perform throughout the day, Keith said she and Benjamin definitely plan to host Jazz on the Grazz next year.
“This is a time to have fun and enjoy one another,” Keith said. “Next year it will just get bigger and better.”