by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — The smooth blaring of saxophones, raspy southern voices, and the gyrating steps of the local folk filled the air of Pass Christian, drawing in thousands to War Memorial Park on Sunday, May 25th, for the annually awaited Jazz in the Pass.
A record-breaking year! More than 4,000 people poured into the park as Pass Christian Public Affairs Representative Susan Putnam excitedly explained, “So we have record numbers this year. Last year, when we conducted an analysis through an organization, I can’t recall the name of the organization, but they provided us with satellite numbers. We had 4,000 people in and out last year. This year it is, clearly, way more saturated. I’m going to be conservative and say 6,000, some people are saying 8, but let’s just say that this is a record number for Jazz in the Pass.”
Chairman, Joe Piemas, exclaimed, “You can quote me on that too,” who has been a part of this event since 07, agrees that it is a record-breaking year, “We knew we were going to have a crowd like this, Rockin’ Dopsie is a big hit… I feel great, all the planning that we’ve done, this pulls it all together…We started planning in February.”
The immense dedication and planning were evident. The stage was beautifully set, with the Gulf of America providing a one-of-a-kind backdrop, accompanied by unique event merchandise, and a line of food and merchandise vendors that tempted all to open their wallets. Good food, fun items, and a free concert – what more could you want?
As attendee Willie Hill stated, as we observed the gyrating crowd, “It’s been bigger and bigger. One thing about the Pass is that everybody gets along.”
This became evident as people of every age, race, and gender came together on the dance floor, smiling and laughing. They even pulled this bystanding journalist in at one point.
Like the oaks of War Memorial Park, Pass Christian has deep cultural and musical roots, being home to the legendary saxophonist Captain John Handy, as well as Joe B. Jackson and the Watson Brothers Band.
Jazz in the Pass is more than just a good time; it is a celebration that honors Southern musicality and Gulf Coast musicians, most notably, the rhythm of the Pass.
What better way to do so than with a consistently impressive lineup? This year, Jake’s Jazz Trio featuring Karmilla Ali, Starz, and Rockin’ Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters shook the stage. Jake’s Jazz Trio and Karmilla Ali opened Jazz in The Pass with a bang, easing the crowd into their smooth jazz. A classic jazz act with a thumping bass, groovy keyboard, and pounding percussion, as Ali came in with her mesmerizing voice.
Starz came in covering classic songs and getting everyone on their feet. The trio was captivatingly good, one could not help but nod their head to the percussionist and pianist, and scream for the electric guitar solos.
The show ended with the renowned Rockin’ Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters. Dopsie Jr. said, “We’re gonna do it all today,” and they surely did. The group had three songs featured in the new Roadhouse movie and sang one, their cover of Etta James, for the star-struck crowd.
“I came to Mississippi this Sunday to do one thing, to do this,” said Dopsie, and we are so honored that he did. The group went above and beyond, not only playing zydeco music, but also the blues, because, as Dopsie said, “I can’t come to Mississippi without singing the blues.”
Pass Christian truly is a fun and accepting community. Everyone laughed and danced as a local firefighter requested the song “Strokin.”
Pass Christian has played a prominent role in the evolution of Southern music and has been acknowledged for such, formally recognized with a Mississippi Blues Trail marker, titled “Blues and Jazz in the Pass.”
Jazz in the Pass is just one notable way the city keeps its musical heartbeat thumping. The festival ensures that the rhythm of Pass Christian remains strong for generations to come.
The night ended as grandly as the day had begun, with a vast display of fireworks. See you next year!
(Photo by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
