Spring comes to Apopka through the iconic sounds of Peabo Bryson

Spring is a season when the land comes back to life. It's a time of renewal and rebirth. In Apopka, the first weekend of spring also means the smooth sound of jazz music fills the air.

The 3rd Annual Apopka Jazz Festival returned to the Amphitheater on Saturday.

Vendors from everywhere settled in early to set up for an evening under the stars, all 20+ minority-owned and operated, from the Paul Billings Promotions team in partnership with the festival operator, ZnL Productions, under the leadership of Zita Steglich-Ross, who put her heart and soul into every event detail since its inception, to essential vendors like sound and lighting crews.  

Some of the businesses that took part in this one-day musical extravaganza were Orlando-based like Gruz-ious Box Co, creators of gourmet style on-the-go charcuterie boxes; Big Nates BBQ; Wandering Goat Wood Fire Pizza, and highly coveted District Gastrobar Orlando to serve patrons who came from near and far.

Once inside, festival-goers were greeted with unity, community, great music, food, and a good time. 

Apopka City Commissioner Alexander H. Smith commenced the event with opening remarks.

Then it was time for Peabo!

Grammy award-winning artist and veteran ballad singer Peabo Bryson, known for his classy lead vocals and duets with legendary female recording artists like Roberta Flack, Regina Belle, and Celine Dion, graced the Apopka Amphitheatre centerstage, in a post-comeback appearance, since his 2019 interview with RollingStone magazine where he discussed suffering a heart attack, a new album, and his road to recovery. 

Other exhilarating pre-performances included Electric jazz violinist Ken Ford, Father-daughter duo Kim Waters, jazz saxophonist and Kayla Waters, the first female pianist and composer to reign at number one on the Billboard music charts for six consecutive weeks in 2020. 

But ZnL’s eye for detail and event excellence didn't go unnoticed. 

After Bryson’s heralding performance of iconic originals and popular cover tunes, a heartfelt tribute was made to the late Bobby Caldwell... Aka - music’s Blue-eyed soul brother. Caldwell passed away earlier this month.

Bryson and a backup singer performed Caldwell’s megahit song “What You Won’t Do for Love.”  During the final moments of Bryson’s performance, he handed out single roses to the women in the audience, recognizably loyal fans that have spanned generations over his entire career.

According to the festival’s mission statement, the objective is “to bring a warm, hospitable experience all the while giving back to youth programs that help to enrich their lives through music.” 

This became obvious during a stunning pre-performance by recording artist, saxophonist, author, and educator Naomi Joy – a beloved music teacher for Wolf Lake Elementary School in Apopka.

There’s a saying:

“Give me my flowers while I yet live so that I can see the beauty that they bring.” 

This was demonstrated during the festival. Conclusively and in alignment with Women’s History Month 2023, event organizers and performers paid homage to women around the world, within our respective communities, and belonging to families helping to facilitate positive change for a brighter tomorrow.  

Welcome to spring, Apopka!

Editor's Note: Patsy Whitely-Beckett, is the Creative Director of Spotlight Visit Apopka. The article was edited by The Apopka Voice staff.