13th Annual Big Band Bash Benefit Gala Set for February 8th

The Amelia Island Jazz Festival is pleased to announce that its 13th annual BIG BAND BASH will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, 7:00 – 10:00 PM, in the Main Ballroom at the Courtyard by Marriott, 2700-2 Atlantic Avenue in Fernandina Beach. In addition to music from the Dynamic Les DeMerle 15-Piece Jazz Orchestra, with vocalist Bonnie Eisele, the popular dinner dance benefit gala will offer a lavish gourmet meal and silent auction as well.

DeMerle, AIJF’s Artistic Director, said attendees will “indulge in an unforgettable evening filled with love, soulful melodies, and the timeless allure of great music! Dance to the captivating rhythms of Big Band Classics by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, along with hits by my old boss, Harry James plus many more. We’ll be playing sweet and swingin’ arrangements and, with Valentine’s Day around the corner, romantic tunes as well. I’m proud to be presenting some of the finest jazz musicians in the world,” added DeMerle.

Veteran members of the DeMerle Orchestra include, in addition to Eisele, such accomplished players and outstanding soloists as multi-instrumentalist Bill Prince, saxes, Clarence Hines, trombone, Doug Matthews, piano, Dennis Marks, bass, and DeMerle on drums. “We’ve prepared some new musical treats, plus we’ll be announcing this year’s AIJF Scholarship Winner and headliners for this year’s Amelia Island Jazz Festival which will take place in Fernandina Beach Sept. 28 to Oct. 5, 2025. Come early for cocktails to meet and greet the musicians from 6:30 PM to 7 PM.”

Admission will include a sumptuous, romantic dinner to celebrate the occasion, and an exquisite silent auction will feature “very beautiful and exciting items to bid on, all donated to the festival from businesses in our community.” One of the festival’s key sponsors, the Park West Gallery, has donated some of its paintings to be part of the silent auction, and a live auction which will take place during the first intermission.

The AIJF’s BIG BAND BASH, is the festival’s primary fundraiser in support of its Scholarship Awards program. “We now have several scholars in colleges all over the country,” said DeMerle, “and our goal is to keep this critical American art form alive in Northeast Florida. To quote Wynton Marsalis: ‘The Amelia Island Jazz Festival is the real deal because it entertains and educates at the highest level. Keep up your great presentations and keep swingin'!’”

Tickets for the Big Band Bash are priced at $150 per person, and the proceeds will benefit the Amelia Island Jazz Festival Scholarship Program. Tables of 8 and 10 seats are available for businesses and groups. For online ticket purchases and further information, please visit the festival website: www.ameliaislandjazzfestival.com.

Tickets can also be purchased at The UPS Store, 1417 Sadler Road, in the Island Walk Shopping Center in Fernandina Beach. You may contact the Festival Hotline at (904) 504-4772 or at email address: info@ameliaislandjazzfestival.com.