A Night of Stars, an Evening of Jazz and a Fabulous Kickoff

The first full weekend of the Natchez Festival of Music will shine with A Night of Stars and An Evening of Jazz, two exciting events with tremendous appeal. The lovely Plantation Performance will complete a great beginning for the 19^th

Season of the Natchez Festival of Music.

For Night of Stars on Friday, May 8, at 8:00 p.m. at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, the stars of The Fantasticks will perform some of their favorite selections. Bill Lewis, who has been a most beloved performer many times for the Natchez Festival of Music, will direct this event.

Mr. Lewis has said, “This is a very exciting cast with young performers. We will be presenting all of the cast members of The Fantasticks in solo performances.

"You already know some from past seasons, such as Dan Pettit, David Schnell, Will Earl Spanheimer, and Corey Trahan; and some will become new favorites, such as Kyle Hancock, Jocelyne O’Toole, Bill Overton, and Ashlyn Rust.

"There will be selections from opera, musical theatre, concert songs, and vaudeville. Please come experience these exciting young talents, as we are very excited to present them.”

The outstanding talent showcased in this special event is a very special treat that everyone will enjoy.

An Evening of Jazz on Saturday, May 9, at 8:00 p.m. at The Columns of Natchez spotlights two exceedingly popular artists from New York -- Frank Ponzio on piano and vocalist Annie Kozuch.

Frank Ponzio, jazz pianist, composer, music director, educator, and vocal coach, has written for TV commercials, plays, and films, as well as for radio and TV commercials for Kmart, Exxon, Campbell Soups, and Dunkin’ Donuts, among others. He has performed with people such as Ben Vereen, Phil Donahue for his 25^th anniversary TV show, Nancy LaMott at Madison Square Gardens, and Baby Jane Dexter in cabaret venues in New York City. His venues have included Trinity Church, the Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, Birdland, and New York Town Hall.

Annie Kozuch has appeared in numerous plays, on television, and in such venues as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Tokyo City Symphony Orchestra, among others. Her highly successful solo show, Diva’s Lament – an evening of jazz, standards, boleros, and bossa nova highlights her versatility. Raised in Mexico City, she performs in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

What a great evening is in store for Natchez with these two fantastic artists, who are backed by local performers Terry Trovato on percussion and Louis DeVries as bassist.

This year’s first Plantation Performance will take place on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 at Magnolia Hall, featuring Susan Ruggiero, with Danilo Mezzadri on flute and Elizabeth Moak on piano. Susan was a lovely vocalist in last year’s Festival and sang at the Musical Tribute for Dr. David Blackburn in October. This will be a beautiful ending for a great weekend of music!

What a way to begin the Festival!

*Photo by Elodie Pritchartt