Belfountain singer shines at blues and jazz festival

Marcia Barnes

Marcia Barnes and her "hunky" band took the crowd by storm Friday, June 1 at The Caledon Inn for the fifth annual Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival.

A full house of fans who attended had the privilege, for the first time, to dance the night away with the Belfountain singer and her live band: saxophone Luis Deniz from Cuba, percussion Luis Rey from Colombia, drums Tom Wolf from Canada and bass Joe Orlando from Italy. Missing this night was guitar player Steve Manning. The only complaints during this fabulous evening were heard when the music stopped. Fans wanted to keep on dancing.

Of course, this night of great joy was thanks to Larry Kurtz, artistic director of the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival, who had the courtesy to invite Barnes to participate in this year's big event. The night before, she also performed as a trio at the Best Western Hotel, Orangeville, for the Opening Night Gala.

Afterwards, Kurtz wrote: "Marcia Barnes is a captivating and talented performer. Once you have a taste of her sultry and spicy songs, you will want an extra serving. She is a musician to watch out for!"

During the festival, Barnes had the honour of meeting Bill King, a renowned pianist, composer, publisher, and driving force behind the Beaches International Jazz Festival in Toronto. After listening to her debut album, My Latin Roots, King complimented her in an e-mail by saying, "You are one talented woman." King has offered to help Barnes find the right situation to make a breakthrough as soon as she finishes recording her upcoming Latin/jazz album, This Is My Soul Talking.

In response to the incredible support from Barnes's fans at the Orangeville Blues and Jazz Festival - many of whom travelled great distances to see her - and to all her other fans, Out Of Control Entertainment is hosting a Live Dance Party at The Royal Ambassador Banquet and Conference Centre in Caledon East this Friday, June 22 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, please call The Royal Ambassador directly at 905-584-6868.

Courtesy of Out of Control Entertainment