2006 LITTLE RIVER SHRIMP AND JAZZ FESTIVAL 

The Little River Shrimp and Jazz Festival, held on October 7 and 8, 2006, added a new twist to their second annual event. Dotsero, a nationally acclaimed jazz band located in Denver, Colorado, brought an exciting opportunity to our local schools. All Horry County middle and high schools that have jazz bands/ensembles met at Socastee High School the day before the festival began for a hands-on seminar with members of Dotsero.

One-on-one training took place with break out groups (bass, guitar, drums, keyboard) between the students and the band members. In addition, Steve Watts, saxophonist with Dotsero, offered a full band master class on jazz improvisation. The day  culminated in a jam session concert with members of the band and participating students. 

WOW! What a fabulous opportunity for band members of Horry County Schools! As we all know, funding for art programs in public schools, both locally and nationally, has diminished over the years. For the students of our community to have the chance to sit in on a master class and take advantage of this specialized training is an experience of a lifetime.

Dotsero performed at the Little River Shrimp and Jazz Festival last year (2005) and was met with wild reviews. Their name, Dotsero, means “something unique”. Their commitment to furthering musical arts in schools, coupled with their highly energetic performances, certainly sets them apart as unique. For more information, go to www.dotsero.org.

 The Little River Shrimp and Jazz Festival hopes to make this educational component an annual event. For information on sponsoring this wonderful opportunity in the future, please contact Mary Martin, Executive Director of the Little River Chamber of Commerce, at (843) 249-6604.

94.9 the Surf applauds the efforts of  Dotsero and the Little River Chamber! We recognize the importance and significance that music offers in one’s overall development and pleasure and are so pleased to support this endeavor.