Testone to Kick Off Coastal Jazz Association’s Monthly Concert Series

Elise Testone Charleston-based performer Elise Testone will hold sway as the Coastal Jazz Association of Savannah kicks off its new location for the monthly concert series on November 22.

According to Larry Dane-Kellogg, who organizes the monthly events, “It’s really quite simple. We just outgrew the current location” (The Historic District Sheraton Four Points). "We had a good run while there and they were very accomodating, but every month we were growing by leaps and bounds. Eventually we got to the point were we were sending people home that couldn’t be seated. The Westin offers us a much bigger venue.” Mr. Dane-Kellogg added: “This is a move that is good for us and also is good for the Westin.”

The Westin has had a “jazz history” for many years. "Bassist, Ben Tucker has been doing the Sunday morning brunch for a long time,” said Mr. Dane- Kellogg. “One Sunday a month CJA will be carrying that jazz tradition into the late afternoon and evening hours.”

The move will mean an extra five minute drive for many in Savannah, but the scheduled monthly events should be well-worth the additional few minutes. “We will be overlooking the Savannah River and the beautiful Savannah Skyline. And we are very happy that we are kicking off our new location with Charleston based singer, Elise Testone." Testone, 26, was born to sing.

When Testone was in first grade, her classmates pressured her into taking a solo in their farm song class performance. "I'd waddle up to the mic and sing this bluesy 'cock-a-doodle-do-do-do,'" she says. "I've still got the video."

Although Testone sings a few originals here and there, most of her numbers are jazz standards or modern pieces by acts like Erykah Badu and Soulive. The heartfelt emphasis she puts into every note, jumping effortlessly between octaves, truly makes every word her own.

Testone can be found Thursdays at Fish restaurant on King Street in Charleston, South Carolina. She also plays regularly with Emotive and The Freeloaders, and in Columbia with Justin Smith and the Folk Hop-Band; each producing original music. “I cannot put limitations on my form of expression, so there will always be hints of other genres heard through my singing and I strongly affected by them all.”

The event takes place on Sunday, November 22nd at 5 p.m. at The Westin Savannah Harbor -on Hutchinson Island.

The event is free for Coastal Jazz Association members and $10 for nonmembers.

Join CJA and admission is FREE. Parking is free.

For more info call: 912.675-5419