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Vita Muir, the festival’s founder and director, said about the change, “After 21 years, a cocktail party was a little stale and out of step with the more casual entertainments younger people seem to be looking for. Anyway” she remarked, “Who doesn’t like breakfast?!”
Odeen’s BBQ of Ridgefield, a favorite vendor at past fests, stepped up to cater the event. They are preparing a selection of scrambled eggs, Andouille sausage, thick cut bacon, grits, blackened corn and collard greens, fruits and more. “Adult” beverages, provided by Vandoren Paris and North Coast Brewing Co., include reserve wines from Vandoren’s vineyards in the South of France and Brother Thelonious Ale, winner of the 2015 European Beer Star award. On the music end of things, New Orleans own favorite saxophonist “Big Chief”Donald Harrison will lead a band of top students and young pros from Litchfield Jazz Camp in his Big Easy arrangements.
The brunch and silent auction will support the not-for-profit Litchfield Jazz Camp’s need-based scholarships. Auction items include premium passes to Disney World, Hartford Stage tickets, a cheesemaking class by Kim Thorne at Goshen’s Thorncrest Farm (the place that serves up those amazing chocolates), jewelry and works by renowned artists Robert Crawford and Danielle Mailer, and more. There will also be a drawing for a Holland America Cruise for two valued at up to $4000. “Each summer,” Muir says, “up to a quarter of Litchfield Jazz Campers receive support. In a typical year the bill can reach $100K.”
The brunch is followed by the Sunday concerts. Featured artists include Avery Sharpe, Matt Wilson, Emmet Cohen, Jimmy Heath, Don Braden and the Litchfield Jazz Orchestra, the Curtis Brothers, Donald Harrison and many more. The full fest lineup is at www.litchfieldjazzfest.com.
Tickets for the Scat & Scramble Jazz Brunch are available online at LJF2016.eventbrite.com. For information call 860-361-6285.