RSSA Case of the Blues and All That Jazz
ON Magazine
Javier Garcia
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For Saturday's A Case of the Blues and All That Jazz, put away the Hawaiian wear and bust out your best Havana shirt and dust off those dancing shoes.
Headlining the popular event at Sarg Hubbard Park on the Greenway is Miami Latin music sensation Javier García.
Born in Madrid to an Irish mother and a Cuban father, García's last album, "13," showcases his energetic blend of Latin-pop, calypso, salsa, reggae, funk, tropical rhythms and hip-hop. Think a modern, faster, sexier Buena Vista Social Club.
"It's fast and upbeat -- go take a couple of quick salsa lessons," laughs Al Brown, executive director for the Yakima Greenway Foundation, which organizes the annual summer bash along with the Junior League of Yakima.
The bill also features the return of sultry Portland singer-songwriter Stephanie Schneiderman, who was here in 2004, and local R&B favorite Wayman Chapman, who played A Case of the Blues back in 2002.
And although things will certainly be heating up on stage, folks can cool down with libations from nearly 30 wineries and more than 10 microbreweries, or sip on a slushy margarita. (A Case of the Blues is strictly 21 and older.) There will also be plenty of food booths, a port bar and a cigar tent.
Also returning is the 20-by-16-foot inflatable screen to provide a closer look at the musicians -- weather permitting.
"The wind last year almost did us in on the Jumbotron," remembers Brown. "(The screen) won't take a lot of wind. ... Fortunately, the wind died down before the headliner."
Celebrating its 16th year, organizers expect 4,000 people to turn out for this highly anticipated summer event, which has become a popular site for local high school reunions -- Brown says five high schools will be reuniting at Saturday's festival, as well as accounting alumni from Central Washington University.
"Hey, how boring can accountants be if they want to have their reunion at A Case of the Blues?" chuckles Brown. "This dispels that myth."
Proceeds from A Case of the Blues are divided between the Junior League of Yakima, which uses its share for scholarships and on local programs for women and children, and the Yakima Greenway Foundation, which receives no taxpayer money to maintain its parks, playgrounds and 10 miles of trails.
"It's the major fundraiser for both organizations," says Brown. "And it stays local."
If you go
WHAT: 16th annual A Case of the Blues and All That Jazz.
WHO: Javier García, Stephanie Schneiderman and Wayman Chapman.
WHEN: 3-11 p.m. Saturday.
WHERE: Sarg Hubbard Park on the Yakima Greenway.
HOW MUCH: Tickets cost $40 in advance and $45 at the gate and are available through www.yakimagreenway.org or the Yakima Greenway Foundation, 453-8280. This is a 21-and-older event.
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