Thousands of jazz-lovers and sun-seekers from across the nation will soon descend upon Panama City Beach for a fun-filled weekend of smooth contemporary jazz at the 2011 ResortQuest Seabreeze Jazz Festival. Taking place April 13–17, this family-friendly festival is held at the Aaron Bessant Park, an open-air venue located directly across the street from the famous sugar-sand beaches and Gulf of Mexico.
Music lovers, families, and couples will gather to hear headliners George Benson and Boney James, as well as the outstanding lineup of more than two dozen artists slated to perform Thursday through Sunday. The musical performances kick off on Thursday night with special concerts by Roman Street, Boney James, and George Benson. Benson, a multi Grammy award winner and platinum selling artist, will perform songs from his recent release, Songs and Stories. The festivities continue on Friday with an afternoon CD signing at Borders at Pier Park with various artists, followed by concerts featuring Warren Hill, Marion Meadows, Paul Taylor and more. On Saturday, revelers can enjoy tunes from Dotsero, Cindy Bradley, Eric Darius, Norman Brown and other talented artists.
A not-to-be-missed annual favorite is the vibrant After Party Jam at oceanfront Reggae J's Island Grill on both Friday and Saturday nights, which keeps the fans grooving late into the night. Sunday also provides a full day of musical magic with performances by Jones and Company, Ken Ford, and a special "Guitars and Saxes" concert starring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Peter White, and Jeff Golub.
General admission ticket prices range from $80 for a one-day pass to $200 for access to all four days and are available for purchase at Borders in Pier Park. Spectators are invited to bring blankets or lawn chairs, though rental chairs are available.
For additional event information, visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com or www.seabreezejazzfestival.net.
Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay converge. Visit Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitpanamacitybeach.com.
The Polynesian-style oceanfront Holiday Inn Resort of Panama City Beach offers a "Bed & Breakfast for 2″ package, valid on April 10-July 31 stays. Packages include overnight accommodations, buffet breakfast for two each morning and kids day, play and eat free. Double occupancy room rates start at $209 per night.
This resort features two restaurants, a fitness center with a steam room and sauna, a waterfall pool, a kiddie pool, a secluded hot tub, indoor and outdoor game rooms, on-site shopping and a private walkway to "Beach Lover's Beach."
The Holiday Inn Resort offers family fun in a brand new water playground AQUALAND and the full array of activity programs such as seasonal, live entertainment by the pool deck, a nightly torch-lighting ceremony and activities for kids at the Splash Around Kids' Club.
For more, or to make a reservation, visit www.hipcbeach.com.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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