Brian Russo to kick off jazz weekend at 99 Sea Level Oct. 13

The smooth sounds of jazz will be blowing in Rehoboth Beach during their annual Jazz Festival, and while Rehoboth will always remain the hub of the action, Bethany Beach is beginning to bridge a gap between the two ocean towns. 99 Sea Level in Bethany Beach is bringing in Bryan Russo from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 13, to kick off the weekend, and bring the vibe across the inlet bridge.

With The Ocean Suites in Bethany being sold out for the weekend, lots of people will be in town to enjoy the festival. This year will be the first time 99 Sea Level is introducing jazz-centric acts. "Bethany has been joining in on the weekends that go in Rehoboth for a couple years. We do something during Sea Witch now, and it's a great echo across the county to all join in on what's going on," says Donna Serafini, director of operations for 99 Sea Level.

While they have regular happy hour acts, this is the first time Russo will be playing the location. "This is actually the first time I will be playing in Bethany Beach," Russo says. He lives in Berlin, Md., so for him, it feels like unexplored home turf. And the timing couldn't be better. Russo is on the brink of releasing a new album, the first in a modern day symphonic movement which will ultimately be four albums in total.

"This first album is heavily influenced by the vintage 1940s and 1950s, as well as New Orleans Jazz." He notes that he isn't minding any rules, either. "Modern music is limitless and without rules, so I'm taking advantage of that." Playing solo and breaking the box are two things Russo is known for, and with the energy of the weekend afoot, it should be a great show.

For more information, go to www.99sealevel.com or call 302-539-0299.