la Frontera In the News

Round Rock Leader

July 17, 2003

Round Rock's free concert series features the Jon Berry Project

by Mike Taylor, Leader Staff

This Sunday, jazz group The Jon Berry Project will return to the La Frontera Green for a free concert. The Austin-based group is the third installment in this year's Parks and Recreation Department Summer Concert Series.

A 6-piece contemporary jazz group, JBP was part of last year's concert series as well. This year JBP is releasing a new CD titled "A Taste For More" and they are busy working to gain national exposure while playing regional jazz showcases.

Locally, JBP captured three awards in the Austin Chronicle Poll in 2003 and has opened for such jazz artists as David Benoit and Grammy-winning Boney James.

Their debut album "Friends Like These" continues to make headway on the charts. The group — which combines elements of jazz, rock, Latin, and new age music — plans to tour in support of the album in late 2003.

Attendance at the two prior concerts held this year has been an improvement over last year, according to Terri Waggoner, marketing specialist for Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department.

Organizers are expecting a good crowd this Sunday, in part because of the promotion of the event on KQQQ 92.1 FM and KQQT 106.3 FM, local smooth-jazz format stations. The stations will be receiving a live remote from the concert.

The free summer concerts are held at the La Frontera Central Green at the intersection of Sundance Parkway and La Frontera Boulevard. The JBP will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Sunday and play until about 9:30 p.m. Call 218-5540 to request information about the event.

The last concert in the series will be held Sunday, Aug. 17 and will feature a country music group expected to sign later this week, according to Waggoner.