Bringing the Jazz Festival Vibe to Myrtle Beach

As I prepare to put down roots in Myrtle Beach, I’ve been reflecting on the kinds of musical experiences that have had the greatest impact on me—both personally and professionally. At the top of that list are jazz festivals. There’s something deeply invigorating about being part of an event where musicians, listeners, and local businesses come together to celebrate one of America’s greatest art forms.

Although I haven’t performed at the Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival yet, I’m very much looking forward to opportunities like that in the future. I recently had the honor of participating in the Geneva Jazz Festival in New York for two consecutive years, and it was a powerful reminder of just how meaningful regional jazz festivals can be—whether you’re on stage, in the audience, or simply soaking in the energy of the community.

Let me share a bit about that experience—and why I think it’s so relevant to what’s happening in Myrtle Beach and other musically rich regions around the country.

A Festival with a Rich Legacy

The Geneva Jazz Festival is more than just a series of performances—it’s a community-driven celebration of jazz’s deep cultural roots. Founded by trumpeter Janelle Bradshaw and guitarist Michael “Gonzo” Gonzalez, the festival is a labor of love powered by a passion for jazz and a desire to connect people through music.

Bradshaw and Gonzalez made a thoughtful decision to dedicate the festival to Scott LaFaro, the legendary jazz bassist who hailed from Geneva. Known for his revolutionary work with the Bill Evans Trio, LaFaro’s influence continues to ripple through the jazz world, and his legacy lends the festival a sense of depth and authenticity that’s hard to replicate.

It’s this kind of local-meets-global musical homage that gives regional festivals their power—and I see similar potential in places like Myrtle Beach, where jazz history, tourism, and community pride intersect.

Diverse Performances Across Unique Venues

One of the things that makes the Geneva Jazz Festival so special is its commitment to spreading jazz throughout the entire town. Rather than sticking to one central stage, the festival activates a range of local venues—restaurants, breweries, galleries, outdoor spaces—each adding its own character to the musical experience.

My own performances have taken place at a variety of these venues:

Year One: I performed with flautist Michele Gordon as part of our Matrix Duo at Brewery Ardennes, an elegant Belgian-inspired brewery set against a scenic landscape. We played some of my original music, including “Mambo Delicioso” from my album What Are the Odds? You can catch a clip of that performance here.
Later that same year, I joined a late-night jam session featuring the incredible saxophonist Paul DeLoria and guitarist Bobbie Henrie. That spontaneous connection led to another gig with Paul’s quartet at the Rochester Science Center—a reminder of how jazz festivals often lead to long-lasting collaborations.
Year Two: The organizers requested that I bring a saxophonist into the fold, so I teamed up with John Viavattine, a powerhouse musician from Rochester. We performed at Big Alice Brewing, and the vibe was electric. We even opened the large bay window beside the stage so the crowd on the patio could enjoy the music. One of the crowd favorites was our high-energy rendition of “All of Me”, which you can watch here.

These moments are what make festivals unforgettable—not just the performances themselves, but the relationships, discoveries, and unexpected musical adventures that spring up in between.

What I Learned From These Experiences

saxophonist and guitarist performing at Geneva Jazz Festival Playing multiple times at the Geneva Jazz Festival has helped solidify a few key takeaways that I think apply anywhere jazz is thriving—including in places like Myrtle Beach:

1. Jazz Lives Where Community Thrives

Geneva reminded me that jazz doesn’t just belong to big cities or iconic clubs. It lives and breathes in smaller towns, outdoor pavilions, historic inns, and locally-owned breweries. The same is true of Myrtle Beach and its surrounding areas, where community-centered events and passionate local musicians are shaping a rich musical culture.

2. Great Music Happens in Unexpected Pairings

Whether it was performing with Michele in a duo format, jamming late-night with musicians I’d just met, or forming a new group to fit a particular venue’s request—each experience pushed me to listen more deeply, play more responsively, and stay open to surprise. That’s the beauty of jazz. It thrives on the unplanned and the unrehearsed. It’s an art of the moment.

3. People Crave Personal Connection

Every time a guest came up after a set to ask about a particular song, request a tune, or share how much they enjoyed the energy, it reaffirmed something I’ve always believed: live jazz connects on a deeply human level. It doesn’t need backing tracks or flashy effects—just honest expression and good musical conversation. That’s the kind of atmosphere I aim to bring to every performance, whether it’s at a wedding, winery, corporate event, or festival.

Looking Ahead to Myrtle Beach

Now that I’m in the process of relocating to the Grand Strand region, I’m excited to bring everything I’ve learned from festivals like Geneva to new settings along the coast.

While Myrtle Beach may be best known for its oceanfront boardwalks and bustling tourist scene, it’s also a growing hub for live music, including jazz. The Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival, held annually in the fall, has begun attracting a wider mix of artists, listeners, and local sponsors who want to see the genre flourish here. There are also jazz brunches, intimate performance venues, and a strong base of musicians eager to collaborate.

I may not have performed in the Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival yet, but I’m excited for the possibility. With the momentum of my recent festival experiences and a catalog of original music, jazz standards, and creative arrangements, I’m ready to contribute to Myrtle Beach’s growing jazz tapestry in any way I can.

Why This Matters for You

If you’re reading this as a couple planning your wedding, a venue owner, or a corporate event planner—you might be wondering how this all ties into your needs. Here’s how:

Jazz makes events memorable. Whether it’s a breezy guitar duo for a cocktail hour, an elegant trio for a dinner party, or an upbeat full band for a corporate gala, live jazz adds texture and elegance to any gathering.

And beyond the sound itself, what matters most is the experience—the ability to read a room, keep volume appropriate, take requests, engage the crowd, and create a natural, flowing atmosphere. These are skills I’ve honed at festivals like Geneva, and I bring them into every event I play.

Let’s Connect

If you’re in Myrtle Beach or nearby and looking for live music for a special event—or if you’re involved in the local jazz community and want to collaborate—I’d love to hear from you.

Book a free music consultation here
Or just send me a message through my contact page

Whether it’s the next jazz brunch, wedding celebration, or city-wide festival, I’m excited to bring heartfelt, high-level jazz performance to new stages across Myrtle Beach and beyond. Book a free music consultation with me or simply write to me on the contact page.