Take ride on 'smooth, funky side' of town

The southern part of Charleston County is set to celebrate Labor Day with the St. Paul's Music Festival, a first-of-its-kind event that looks to become an annual affair.

The event came out of the head and heart of Curtis Inabinett Jr., a Ravenel town councilman, businessman and musician.

The all-day affair is designed to offer many types of music: gospel, modern jazz, R&B, Dixieland and contemporary jazz. It's sponsored by the towns of Ravenel and Hollywood and Charleston County Council.

"The idea had been floating in my head for years," Inabinett said. "Then, I got a gut feeling to go ahead and do it now."

He said he had the epiphany to share his thoughts while in a Ravenel council meeting in June. "I just belted it out," he said. "I looked at everybody's face and they just lit up. It was like they were waiting for this — folks in the audience also. After that, I talked to the Ravenel, Meggett and Hollywood mayors. All three were in favor of supporting the venture, then I got a call a week later from Meggett saying they couldn't participate."

Scheduled to perform (in order of appearance) are: the Sam Dennis Gospel Singers; S2, a Georgia band that interacts with the children in the audience and plays a combination of pop-music forms; River City Dixieland Jazz Band, a local group of retired Navy musicians that plays New Orleans-style parade music; the Soul Sensations, an R&B band led by James Jenkins; Bradford Station, a local blues group featuring for this show harmonica master Juke Joint Johnny; the Lonnie Hamilton All Stars, featuring George Kenny, John Tecklenburg, Frank Cothran and Brian Reed; and headliner Curtis Inabinett and A Touch of Class, including guest Myrtle Beach percussionist Javier Vega.

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Curtis Inabinett Jr. is known for his expressive style.

Festival emcees are DJ Jazzy J, host of a popular Sunday smooth jazz radio show on WMGL-107.3 FM, and Frankie "The Big Bopper" Green, producer and host of WMGL's All the Blues You Can Use Saturday program. The Big Bopper is a legend in Lowcountry radio, having been on the air for more than 30 years.

Inabinett's band comprises three main members, keyboardist Larry Ford, drummer James Dixon and bassist Jeffrey Holt. Among them they have worked with luminaries such as B.B. King, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, The Drifters, The Temptations and James Brown. They also work with Inabinett, a saxophonist, on Thursdays at Ladson's Pilot Lounge & Bistro.

Many of the musicians are looking forward to playing the festival. Inabinett said as many as eight revolving members of his band may play the gig.

"I'm attracted to it because it's new and it'll include some good, straight-ahead jazz," said John Tecklenburg, a pianist in the All Stars. "Also, the southern part of the county is generally, in my opinion, underserved in having an opportunity to enjoy a good music outing, so I'm excited to be a part of it."

Inabinett sees his target area as a significant portion of the former St. Paul's Parish: "Red Top on back to Edisto Island and the Colleton County line."

Hamilton, also a saxophonist, has worked with Inabinett before, including two benefit performances for Lowcountry Aid to Africa and the MOJA Arts Festival. "We both play basically the same kind of music, but he has his feel and I have mine," Hamilton said. "For instance, we both play (Cannonball Adderley's) "Mercy, Mercy," but I have my style and he has his."

Tecklenburg said, "Our group will be good, old-fashioned, straight-ahead stuff. Curtis is smooth and funkier, which is a little more fashionable these days, but I enjoy playing both styles. Curtis is down the smooth, funky side."

Coolers are not permitted. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. No pets allowed. Tables and chairs will be made available for senior citizens and the physically challenged.