A popular pianist, a new young singer, and a smooth jazz band will perform at the first Light the Darkness Music Festival on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Pensacola, 9888 Pensacola Blvd. from 2 PM until 8 PM.
Pianist Chris Saunders will open the festival at 2 p.m. Originally from Wales, Saunders has played for years in the U.S, and around the world, often in New Orleans and Nashville. His resume includes a stint with famous New Orleans trumpeter Al Hirt, and a tour through Australia with Chuck Berry, and his repertoire covers Dixieland jazz, rock, and a range of pop and cabaret styles.
“Chris is an engaging talker and entertainer,” said Thom Botsford, one of the organizers of the festival.
At 4 p.m. the six-piece Infusion band will take the stage. The group, together now for about 10 years, specializes in the jazz-pop-rock fusion of the 1970s and ‘80s.
Vocalist Resia Williams will add popular classics like “Smooth Operator,” “What’s Goin’ On,” It’s Too Late,” and “Let’s Stay Together.”
Infusion pianist and singer Danny Grundhoefer, will lead “Lowdown,” “Peg,” and “Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?” Other members of Infusion are Jim Armstrong, guitar; Botsford, tenor sax; Walt Kattner, bass; and Jack Wolverton, drums.
Singer Tori Lucia will conclude the festival with a performance at 7 p.m. Tori is a student from Pensacola, FL, who has spent the past few years exploring many facets of her musical interest. Beyond singing, she is also a violinist, and plays piano and guitar recreationally. Recently, she released an album, “Tori Lucia & the Nitty Gritties”, with her band of the same name. This year, they have performed their original music at local venues and music festivals. Additionally, Tori has participated in the local Jazz Pensacola student competition for the past two years and takes voice with Ms. Sewell Griffith.
There will be other short performances by select UUCP choir members, and some surprise art and music activities.
“We have hosted some fabulous music in past years, and this time we’re putting it all together into one fabulous afternoon and evening with something for everyone,” said Laura Keith King, President of the UUCP Board.
A donation of $15 is suggested for admission, $5 for students. Refreshments, including beer and wine, will be available at no charge and free child care will be provided.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Pensacola is located at 9888 Pensacola Boulevard (Rt. 29) in Pensacola. The congregation has been recently designated as a “Welcoming Congregation”, which means they strive for inclusion and for creating a space that honors every part of everyone’s identity, background, and experience. Unitarian Universalism has a rich history and is a living movement, based in love and service, drawing inspiration from many sources including the wisdom of the world’s faith traditions, nature, science, and contemporary thought. Services are held on Sundays at 10:00 AM and everyone is welcome regardless of gender, race, or beliefs. For more information visit their website https://uupensacola.org.
