Jazz 'N' Blue Festival In Simsbury To Benefit Autism

Ed Tankus, owner and president of the Internet station Blue Plate Radio, is organizing the first Jazz 'N' Blue Festival in Simsbury. (Courtesy of Keith McDonald / August 12, 2014)

By JESSICA MOORE, jesmoore@courant.com
The Hartford Courant
11:11 a.m. EDT, August 12, 2014
SIMSBURY — Ed Tankus, owner of president of Blue Plate Radio, has teamed with Autism Speaks to organize the first Jazz 'N' Blue Festival at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Tankus said he was inspired to hold an event at the Simsbury theater after seeing West Hartford musician Doug Jones perform there.

"I loved the facility … it's a beautiful stage, beautiful sound," Tankus said.

He said the Branford-based Internet jazz station has been looking for an opportunity to sponsor a large-scale event. "It's the first large jazz festival that we're holding," he said.

The one-day event, which starts at 4 p.m., will feature a combination of local artists and an internationally known band.

Jones, who will be the first performer, just released his second single, called "Almost Summer." Tankus described the multi-instrumentalist as a great harmonica player who also plays multiple saxophones and flute.

read more: http://www.courant.com/community/simsbury/hc-fx-person-0814-20140807,0,7172114.story