The Bonita Springs Concert Band will present its next concert Sunday, April 23 at 2 p.m. at Riverside Park in Downtown Old Bonita Springs.
Performing with the band will be guest vocalist James Jones, who will sing “Moondance” by Van Morrison and “Don’t Worry ‘Bout a Thing’ by Stevie Wonder.
At the age of 12, James knew he wanted to be a singer after seeing the Fabulous James Brown perform at the “Famous Apollo Theater. He was 15 years old when he formed his first show band in his hometown of Stamford, Ct. The band traveled between Boston and New York City regularly. When James turned 18, he left the road to pursue an acting career by joining The Sunrise Street Theater company in Stamford, and Negro Assemble Company of Harlem, co-founder the Great Cecily Tyson.
Although still very young, he landed a job at the University of Connecticut, Stamford Branch as a part-time drama instructor. The dean of Stamford Branch noticing his talents presented James with a two-year scholarship to attend the School of Music & Fine Arts. James was told by Ms. Cecily Tyson, to leave the company and to pursue his college degree.
During his junior year, he switched majors to attain his bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Over the past 30 years, James has established himself as a vocalist and is still performing at least 3 to 4 times weekly. He has had the fortunate opportunities to work with Kool & The Gang, Johnathan Butler, Joe Williams, George Duke, Marcus Miller, Marion Meadows, and many others. James moved from Atlanta to Fort Myers, where he is a licensed clinical psychologist.
Members are under the direction of Gary Smith who retired after 24 years as conductor of the University of Illinois Marching Illini Band and Symphonic Band. This is the 9th season that Gary has led the band.
Become a “Friend of the Band.” Find out more at www.bonitaspringsconcertband.org. The concert will also be available streamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bonitaspringsconcertband
Bring your family and friends with a lawn chair April 23 at 2 p.m. to Riverside Park, Old Bonita.
