Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival off and rocking

Opening night of the 32nd Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival was a sold-out affair Oct. 14 at Cape Henlopen High School. Legendary band Blood, Sweat & Tears with opening act Vincent Ingala kicked off the festival.

Maysa Leak, who grew up in Baltimore, was named 2021 Artist of the Year for the festival, and Fred Dawson, who lives in the Wilmington area, was honored as 2021 Producer of the Year.

Beebe Healthcare Foundation President Tom Protack thanked Dover Downs Hotel and Casino for its sponsorship of opening night, allowing for a percentage of ticket sales to go to the foundation. He announced that Blood, Sweat & Tears will return to Delaware and perform at Dover Downs Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022, to benefit the foundation.

The 2021 version of Blood, Sweat & Tears played their own music as well some of the band’s iconic hits, including “And When I Die,” “Spinning Wheel,” “God Bless the Child” and “Hi-De-Ho.” Since 1967, nearly 60 different musicians have performed with the band. Taking the stage to perform was bassist Jim Fielder, one of the founding members of the band.

Leak is well known for her solo work as well as performances with the British band Incognito in this country and the United Kingdom. She recorded her first solo album in 1995 after performing with music icon Stevie Wonder. She has appeared at the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Fest for the past 10 years.

Dawson has been a longtime supporter of the jazz fest, both as leader of the band Club Phred and a major fundraiser. He is a writer, musician, businessman, speaker and community leader who was recognized by the Delaware Senate for his distinguished service to his community, state and nation. He ranks among the top wealth management advisors in the state, and is president and founding partner of Bassett, Dawson and Foy Inc. in Wilmington.

See the official 2021 Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival program, produced by Cape Gazette, at capegazette.com/center/2021-rehoboth-beach-jazz-festival/226733.