They’re “Jazzing It Up” In Downtown Marianna

Jazz and Arts Festival Set for Saturday, February 27

Downtown Marianna, South of Lafayette on Caledonia Street will sound a lot like New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, as the spicy sounds of Jazz music, the smell of delicious food, “artsy” activities, and people milling around having a good time takes place all Saturday afternoon, February 27 from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

The idea was originated by Mystyie Richards, owner of Bistro Palms Restaurant on Caledonia Street back in October of 2009. She began to promote the idea of a downtown jazz festival to fellow members of the Main Street Marianna business group, along with Debi Menacof, owner of the “Outside the Lines” art studio. Part of this concept included creating an “arts district” inside the existing historical district of downtown Marianna. She enlisted the support of Charlotte Bruner, Director of Main Street Marianna, and soon the concept was moving towards being a reality.

They then formed a Festival Board to develop the project. This group calls itself the “Jazzy Girls”, which is quite appropriate. The “Jazzy Girls” are: Mystyie Richards, Debra Pelc Menacof, Charlotte Brunner, Pam Fuqua, Jeneane Brown, Betty Taylor, Michele Tabor Kimbrough, and Janice McLaulin. As this group developed ideas for the festival, the original idea quickly grew into a full fledged jazz-arts festival. An antique car show, food vendors, craft vendors, participation of local arts groups, an assortment of musicians, and other entertaining features combined to create a “real event”.

Jazz music will be provided by “Melvin Smokehouse”, “20 On Red”, “Anita Pizza’s Piano”, “Six Toe”, “Dennis Guy”, ‘ and “Danny & Dustin Worly”. The antique car show will include the Tallahassee “Street Rodders”, and “Fords of Florida”. An exciting array of food and craft vendors will set up their booths, and you can bet the patio at Bistro Palms will be full of people enjoying the afternoon.

Meanwhile, up at the old First National Bank of Marianna Building, the doors will be open and inside, the Artist Guild of North West Florida will be presenting painting demonstrations. Among these will be giant canvases on which attendees can paint in an area on the canvas purchased for only $1.00. These canvases will then be used as displays in available store fronts in downtown Marianna. A “sidewalk chalk-art” contest will be held which should be very interesting.

A “Taste of the Town” feature will enable attendees to sample a wide assortment of food from local restaurants and vendors, as well as a wine tasting attraction. A $15 pass ticket will allow you to participate.

It should be mentioned that all of this effort, and all of the revenues realized from the event, will be donated to the museum fund which has been created to eventually enable converting the historical old SunTrust Bank Building into the “Marianna Art, Culture, and History Museum”.

So, the event is for a very worthwhile purpose, and the slate of activities should create a fun, fun day for everyone….so come on out and get…”Jazzed Up”!