'Jazz on the Vine' - May 11-13

[Lois Gilbert]

Line-up announced for annual 'Jazz on the Vine' festival


The fifth annual "Jazz on the Vine" festival, scheduled for May 11-13 at The Osthoff in Elkhart Lake, has announced this year's line-up. It includes:


Peter White: This English guitarist learned his craft opening for artists such as Linda Ronstadt and Billy Joel, and writing and recording many songs with Al Stewart. White performed as a backup musician before finally starting to record his own music in 1990. Today, he has many successful CDs and a busy tour schedule.


Nick Colionne (guitar) is a touring pro who plays "jazz guitar on the funky side." As a solo artist, he plays in intimate clubs as well as at main stage concert venues. Working with artists such as The Impressions and Natalie Cole has taken him across the globe. As a songwriter he has been recorded by Paul Anka and Johnny Mathis.


Ray Parker Jr. (guitar, vocals) is best known for a successful career as a solo artist and as frontman for the group Raydio. He has expanded his talents to both film and television as an actor and composer.


Marion Meadows (saxophone) joined the band of jazz drummer Norman Connors early in his career and hit the airways in 1991 with "For Lovers Only." He performed over the years with Eartha Kitt, The Temptations, Michael Bolton and Angela Bofill and eventually signed with RCA Records to become a staple of the smooth jazz format.


Eric Darius (saxophone) took the contemporary jazz world by storm with his 2004 Narada jazz debut, "Night on the Town." This jazz prodigy tours extensively, performing at international jazz festivals. His release, "Just Getting Started," pairs Darius with one of his long-time musical inspirations, Brian Culbertson.


Gregg Karukas (keyboard), who early in his career performed with the likes of Patti Austin, Melissa Manchester and Sergio Mendes, is known for music that sounds romantic and uplifting. He often appears on jazz festival stages, touring with superstars such as Boney James, Rick Braun, Eric Marienthal and Larry Carlton. He was nominated as "Best Keyboardist" at the National Smooth Jazz Awards.


Slim Man and Bona Fide combine a mix of the vocals and bass playing of Tim Camponeschi (AKA Slim Man) and the funky music of Bona Fide. This combination has performed to acclaim at major jazz festivals and other touring engagements.


"Jazz on the Vine" also features wines from Chile, Australia, France, Germany, Greece, Spain and New Zealand, as well as from domestic wineries in California, Washington and Oregon.


Tickets are priced at $45 per person, plus tax, for Friday evening (May 11) and $65 per person, plus tax, for Saturday afternoon and evening (May 12). A two-day ticket is $105 per person, plus tax; limited preferred seating is available at $150 per person, plus tax.


A "Jazz Brunch" offered on Sunday (May 13) features live jazz entertainment and is priced at $24.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.


For more information, contact The Osthoff Resort, 101 Osthoff Ave., Elkhart Lake, WI 53020-0151, (920) 876-3366 or check the Jazz on the Vine Web site at jazz.osthoff.com.