For Allison Thomas, Saturday’s Jazz in the Grass event at La’Chea Place in Fruitland Park was a literal dream come true.
After seeing a crowd of people gathered under a cluster of trees to listen to jazz during the event, Thomas said she feels she was successfully able to recreate the intimate experience inspired by a recent dream.
“I had a dream that we hosted a jazz event here and it was so real, I said we have to do it,” said Thomas, owner of La’Chea Place. “I also make a lot of crafts. I have so much stuff in my office that I felt it was perfect to invite other craft vendors to come set up during the event. We have a lot of creativity in the community and I wanted to share that. I’m really enjoying myself and loving that we did this.”
As the season of summer kicks into high gear, surrounding communities are hosting a handful of jazz and R&B events to get people out of the house. Upcoming outdoor concerts include the Art of Slow Jam on June 20 and the Jazz in Venetian Gardens on June 27.
Jazz in the Grass was one such event. It included guests browsing craft vendors such as Royle Style Creation and Gammie’s Glam, indulging in food offered by Triple “D” Express and watching children burn off energy in bounce houses in the Kid Zone. Live entertainment included trombonist Djuan Graham and DJ Samp da Champ.
For Graham, Jazz in the Grass offered a way to get back to his roots and connect with the community. He had taken a 40-year break from playing the trombone, which he had picked up in sixth grade.
“I’m attempting to reconnect with my childhood love of music,” said Graham, who explained the event was the first experimental show for him and Sampson.
Art of Slow Jam
The Art of Slow Jam will feature live music from Phenix The Band and a curated playlist from Fresh Force DJs during the R&B party.
The event, from 6 to 11 p.m June 20 at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, follows the theme of Miami Chic Fashion. Event planners, Distinguish’d Gentlemen, said they aim to bring sophisticated energy to Ocala with the musical event that will include hors d’oeuvres paired with premium cocktails and a full-service bar.
“We do a lot of traveling out of town to attend high-end events like this,” said Michael Follins, an event organizer with the Distinguish’d Gentlemen. “We’ve been to Atlanta, Miami, Jacksonville and more, so we just wanted to bring something like this to Ocala. Being at The Appleton Museum with the R&B music will create an experience you don’t get often in Ocala.”
Tickets for the event, which cost $39.19, have been selling fast, Follins said, and he warns the event will likely sell out. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite, https://shorturl.at/LIo4r.
Jazz in Venetian Gardens
The City of Leesburg is hosting its third annual Jazz in Venetian Gardens event from 7 to 10 p.m. June 27 at the Venetian Gardens, 1 Dozier Court, Leesburg.
The Tru-Fusion Band featuring saxophonist Marlon Boone will provide an evening of entertainment during the event that is part of the city’s REC’N Saturdays.
“The atmosphere is going to be amazing.” said Marcus Niblack, recreation manager for the City of Leesburg. “This gives a more mature crowd a great activity to participate in with good food and some live quality music.”
With more than 300 people in attendance, Niblack said, “Last year’s event was absolutely phenomenal,” and anyone who didn’t buy tickets for the Jazz in Venetian Gardens event in 2024 or 2025 really missed out.
Tickets are on sale now and cost $15 for general seating, $25 for reserved seating and $150 for tables up to six people.
For more information, or to purchase a ticket or a table, visit leesburgflorida.gov or call 352-728-9885.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
