06 Oct SYDNEY ARZT CONTINUES JAZZ LEGACY IN SUSSEX COUNTY
Over 30 years ago, Sydney Arzt and a few of her colleagues in the Rehoboth Beach area got together to think of ways to increase business locally during the shoulder season. What she and her colleagues pioneered one distant fall season ago was the seed of what has blossomed into Jazz Festival Weekend. Back then, Arzt recalls, it was a single concert at the bandstand. Today, it’s become area–wide from Rehoboth to Lewes.
Arzt recalls, “At the time, I had opened a music restaurant Sydney’s Blues and Jazz Restaurant, and we became the natural headquarters for live music in the area because there was almost none and once we created it, that persisted.” After being featured by the Washington Post, Sydney’s Blues and Jazz Restaurant in Downtown Rehoboth became synonymous with Jazz and Blues Culture at the beach, and local area restaurants became cross-promotional in their efforts to offer a thriving music scene at the beach.
Arzt developed relationships not only with musicians, but also with restaurants in the area over these many years. So, when the time came to sell her well-known restaurant, Sydney’s Blues and Jazz Restaurant, she wanted to continue the work of connecting the community through jazz music. Arzt’s finger on the pulse of jazz music lent itself naturally to a relationship with Bethany Blues of Lewes, who, at the time, were seeking to expand their own music program.
Arzt recalls, “As we developed the live music program at Bethany Blues, and added an outdoor stage, they figured out what their audience was most interested in, and they never wavered from that.” Arzt says that taking a stand for what you are and being consistent in doing it is the recipe for any successful program, music or otherwise. And what Blues audience loves? That blues and jazz soul music that gets people out of their seats and ready to dance. Arzt says with a bit of whimsy in her voice, “The customers at Bethany Blues love to move. They love emotion and energy in the music.”
Arzt said that she spent about four years helping them create the bluesy, jazzy vibe unique to their setting, and this helped her in building other music programs at local establishments. While Arzt is now at The Room at Cedar Grove assisting in the selection of live entertainment, she returns to Blues of Lewes each year to help curate their Jazz Festival Weekend.
Arzt says, “I have been really privileged to have a longstanding relationship with Bethany Blues. They are wonderful people, incredibly appreciative and always willing to step out.” This year, they have a fabulous Jazz Festival weekend that is unique to Blues. They will kick off their Jazz Festival on Wednesday, October 15thwith Tru Blue Jazz, a fundraiser featuring local schools and their jazz ensembles. This is a really special community night that everyone looks forward to.
Blues will feature musicians on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for Brunch. This year there will be Philadelphia artists To The Max on Friday. Arzt gushed about this jazz band that is bringing heavy dance vibes at the influence of their drummer who is sure to get you out of your seat. Saturday, jazz vocalist Denise King with her band will present a spirited and upbeat concert evening. Sunday brunch will feature Back Bay Blues, a group that comes together a few times a year comprised of young, local, rising talent. And as always: there is never a cover charge at Blues for any of the concerts. Show up and enjoy this Jazz Festival Weekend free of charge!!
The whole thing kicks off on October 15th, and you can visit their website for more information at www.bethanyblues.com And as for Arzt, well, if you see you around Rehoboth or at one of the many restaurants she organizes music for, remember to thank her for bringing such an iconic weekend to the beach and making community connection through music her life’s work.