Tee is a longtime member of the Wilmington INBassadors, helping to support and promote Wilmington's wealth of arts, businesses, causes and events.
*This post can also be found on the new blog site at INWILMINGTONDE.COM.
Warm weather, a light breeze and a clear sky were the perfect accompaniment to this week’s Shipyard Summer Concert at Dravo Plaza on the Wilmington Riverfront. For this, the sixth week of the eight-week series, the theme was Latin music, and the musical guests definitely brought hot rhythmic grooves. Karen Rodriguez Latin Jazz Ensemble is a quartet that delivers a unique yet authentic sound with keyboard, bass and percussion. The lead singer, Karen Rodriguez, is passionate and expressive as she brings the music to life through her smooth vocals. In addition to Latin jazz, the group also performs Salsa, Cha Cha, Bossa Nova, Samba, Mambo, Tango, Rumba and Cuban music, as well as the sweet and romantic Bolero. The set included fun, upbeat songs like "Marie LaVeaux," and "Pa Gozar," which means “to have fun." It wasn’t long before concertgoers left their seats to dance Salsa, Bachata, and Cha Cha to the music. Karen then slowed things down with the jazzy "Autumn Leaves" and "Adoro," which is a sweet ballad about love. The group also performed some cover hits: "Body & Soul" by Esperanza Spalding, "Peel Me a Grape" by Diana Krall, "It’s Too Late" by Carole King and "Killing Me Softly" by Roberta Flack — all of which were beautifully performed by Rodriguez. After this, it was time to get up and dance some more, as they played Salsa, Samba and Brazilian music. The children in the audience especially had fun dancing to a song about pollo ("chicken" in Spanish). Bailar!
Many came out for the concert and to enjoy a warm evening on the bustling Riverfront. People of different ages and backgrounds were brought together by the music, and they danced together to the rhythm. It was a peaceful gathering, which added to the beautiful evening in Wilmington.
Be sure to catch the last two weeks of the Shipyard Summer Concert Series, which will include reggae music by Jah Works on August 21 and New Orleans jazz with the Barbone Street Band on August 28.
See www.riverfrontwilm.com.