Music fans looking to enjoy a warm breeze with tunes of smooth jazz and R&B in the air needed to look no further than Jazz at the Manor this summer in Harford County.
Hosted by The Women’s Challenge, Inc., the event offered four sessions of live music this season as guests enjoyed wine and finger foods in the comfort of lawn chairs on the grounds of Rockfield Manor in Bel Air, Md.
“It’s a beautiful atmosphere and ambiance here,” said founder of The Women’s Challenge, Lorraine Bailey-Carter.
The non-profit organization was founded in 2009 and focuses on improving the mind, body, and spirit of the entire woman.
“Everything we do is situated around music, even going back to biblical times and moving to slavery. Everything is about communication because women are communicators and nurturers.”
Performers for the event included Brian Christopher, Mel Roberts and headliner, Kevin Jackson.
“It was a great time to be had by all,” said Jackson, who performed songs from his latest album, a compilation titled “Stories in Color.”
“People are starting to sing the words to the songs and it’s an awesome feeling to know that your work is being recognized,” said the veteran Baltimore-based musician.
“One of the reasons we bring Jazz at the Manor here to Harford County is because we want the exposure to the culture of the Arts,” said Lisa Irving, treasurer of The Women’s Challenge board of Directors. “It’s something that we feel is lacking and it helps with the scholarship fund that we give to the young ladies. The word is getting out and we had more participation in this second year.”
Vendors were present to market everything from self-published books to earrings, shades, and designer purses.
The event was sponsored by several local businesses such as Famous Dave’s, who catered the event, Total Urgent Care, and Water’s Auto Service. Jazz at the Manor is expected to garner even more attention next year.
