More Smooth JazzFest Links...
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The All New Smooth Jazzfest Blog
We are Blogging Backstage
The 10th Annual Smooth Jazzfest kicks of this Friday, June 13th and continues through Sunday evening. In addition to our on air coverage, live webcast, and photo gallery you can now read the Smooth Jazzfest 2008 Blog! Check back frequently for behind the scenes photos and commentary all weekend long!
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Sunday Evening
It's a wonderful Father'sDay. Bring Dad on down to Southfield to enjoy the music, food and fun. Right now, as I type, the soothing sounds of Take 6 fill the air. The crowd is not only enjoying the music but also a wide variety of activities here at Smooth JazzFest. There is still time to get in on the action. Come on down, and taste a Sweet Georgia Brown turkey leg, get a massage and pick up a T-shirt or tote bag commemorating the 10th Annual Smooth JazzFest.
There is still plenty to come; chart topping saxophonist Mindi Abair is waiting in the wings to take the stage followed by the legendary Ohio Players. Happy Father's Day from everyone behind the scenes here at the 10th Annual V98.7 Smooth JazzFest.
Audrey Z.
-V98.7 Media Crew
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Day 3!
Sandy Kovach - Sunday 3:08pm- Backstage Smooth Jazzfest
It's Sunday and we're all a little mellow back at the broadcast/video/tech booth. It's been such an awesome weekend, my favorite moment was last night watching Kenny serenade the winning couple on stage and then present them with his sax. I could go on and on about how impressed I am not only (and obviously!) with his playing--but with his extraordinary graciousness with his fans. His tour manager and everyone involved in his organization was just awesome! And what a great band he had with him. He told the audience most had been with him for twenty years. It's so cool to see such a great guy be such a success! Well, Aubrey is heading to the stage to introduce Jimmy Sommers--it should be awesome!. Earlier Aubrey told me about the great church service he attended this monring--and sorry to say I slept in. Good thing Take 6 will be performing later so we can have a little" church". I also can't wait to see Mindi Abair and the Ohio Players later...hope you can come! Happy Fathers Day to all the dads....xxoo Sandy
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Fantastic Day!!
Dave Scott - Digital Team - 8:45pm Saturday- Backstage
It has been a fantastic day here at Smooth Jazzfest. Our own Alexander Zonjic just concluded his performance surrounded by an incredible ensemble that included Marion Meadows, Bobby Lyle, and the Motor City Horns. Anticipation fills the air as final preparations are being made for tonight’s headliner, Kenny G.
My job here at Smooth Jazz Fest is to keep our digital content flowing. We have posted lots of interviews with the performers and our computers have been in high demand amongst the V98.7 air staff anxious to post blogs.
 I did however engage in one ethical breach in allowing a few fine people from an apartment on the 12th floor of the 5000 Town Center building across the street access back stage. In return they allowed me take this picture
from their unique vantage point. Hopefully this will not turn out to be a career altering decision on my part. So enjoy the picture and we hope to see you here tomorrow!
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The Word is Out
Tim Bowman has announced the imminent release of his yet unnamed CD featuring Najee, Kirk Whalm and Jeff Lorber! Listen for it soon...and look for another number one hit from this fabulous guitarist!! Tim is on stage now after a fabulous set from Kimmie Horne. Still room for you...Bobby Caldwell.
Hi, this is George Moore. Just a little while ago, I had the pleasure of bringing Tim Bowman on stage here at the 10th Annual SmoothJazz Fest!! We are ALL so happy for Tim's success. He truly represents not only Southwest Detroit and the area well, but he is such a P-R-O! Know what I'm sayin'? We are ALL looking forward to just OUTTA -SIGHT show tonight, and the rest of the weekend. We will be out among you in tghe crown to catch the'Smoothness' of the event! See you then!! Peace!*
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Perfect Weather
Dave Scott - Smooth Jazz Digital Team - Backstage - Saturday 10:30am
The Weather is perfect. The first people to arrive on 'The Green" at the Southfield Civic Center early this morning.....the Kenny G. Crew. Kenny G could pull of tonight’s performance at Smooth Jazzfest solo on stage with just his sax, but don't look for that.  His crew and trucks have arrived and you would think based on the number of roadies and all the gear this was a Kiss Concert. I talked with Bruce Higinbotham (aka "Higgy) who has been on the road with Kenny G for six years and is responsible for tonight’s light show. Based on our conversation expect a fantastic show with all the trimmings.
The weather is perfect, the grounds are a bit moist but in fantastic shape, and we are counting down the hours until the gates open. We hope you will join us. When you arrive look for our video crew and be sure to smile as you may end up on the Smooth Jazzfest video page.
Check back often for updates from our on air personalities and others backstage.
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WOW--great show...and breaking news..
Sandy Kovach - Backstage- Smooth Jazzfest 10:15pm Friday
It's turned out to be such a fun evening!! As I write, I'm being just blown away by Gutiars and Saxes...Gerald Albright is talking about his new cd and now he's playing one of the songs on it! Earlier, he jumped on stage with AWB and joined in on pick up the Pieces. WOW! I asked him if it was planned, he said no...he just jumped up. He said any sax player worth anything knows that song...but nothing could quite equal that! Gerald rocks! I also ran into someone from last year's tour...maybe you heard of him...Tim Bowman (he'll be here tomorrow!)...and I got some great news from him. I'm not sure I can spill it...but perhaps he'll let you know tomorrow....Until then xxoo...Sandy
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The Rain has stopped
Backstage Smooth Jazzfest 7:22pm
Good news. The rain has stopped and there is still time for you to rush on out and see AWB...the Average White Band.
Want to see what Freddy V from AWB has to say...just check out our video page. Click Here
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Let's Get This Party Started!
It's Here! Our 10th annual V98.7 Smooth Jazz Fest! Everyone is so excited! I've talked to people who are coming for the first and for the tenth time!! This year will prove to be incredible...stay tuned for videos, photos and other cool "behind the scenes" stuff! Plus, if you come out--we might just interview you! George Moore and I will be headed out into the crowd to hang out and see what you guys are doing. Jon and I will have artrist interviews...what would you like to know about Kenny G? Why don't you email Jon and let him know! Just over an hour until gates open--let's get this party started!! XXX000...Sandy
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Great weather has arrived!
From Sandy Kovach - Backstage - Smooth Jazzfest 7:00pm Friday
Well, it was a rainy start to our Smooth Jazz Fest...despite that Randy Scott gave us a smokin' set! Now the skies have cleared and we're groovin' with AWB! Looking forward to "Guitars and Saxes"...everyone is talking about Jessy J--ok, mostly the guys are...but actually, this lady has some serious chops and I can't wait to hear her play. And Gerald Albright, Peter White, Jeff Lorber and Jeff Golub...a slice of smooth jazz heaven! If you're not here tonight...please come tomorrow...the weather will be awesome and the line up even better I'll blog again soon! xxoo Sandy
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Welcome to Day 1
Welcome to the Smooth Jazzfest Blog, Day one. Set up is complete. We have a fantastic line up of artists and all we need is you. You can bet we will all be keeping a close eye on the weather today but don't let that keep you from joining us for the fun tonight. We have an outstanding line up that includes the Average White Band. Talk about high school flashabacks!
We are looking forward to seeing you this weekend in Southfield. Keep an eye on the web site for updates from backstage. Right now not much going on back here other then hooking up all the wires and testing the electronics for our Internet coverage.
We hope to have a number of people post here this weekend so stop back often. Also be sure to check out our photos and videos. I just posted a few pictures of what the site looked like during set up. You can see them by clicking here.
We look forward to seeing you this weekend at Smooth Jazz Fest.
Posted by: Dave Scott - CBS Radio Digital Team - daveb.scott@cbsradio.com
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