Jazz performer to give concert Saturday night

SIKESTON -- The Warfield family is inviting the community to join the finale of their family reunion in what they consider a special treat: a performance by one of their own, James Warfield Jr.

"It's going to be an outstanding affair," said his father, James Warfield Sr. This Saturday Warfield Jr., along with his all-star band, will perform at the Sikeston Armory. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude at midnight, and the cost is $15/single and $25/couple. All proceeds will go toward the maintenance and upkeep of the family cemetery in Oran.

That's a good deal, the elder Warfield said. Typically, attendees have to pay twice to stay for all three sets, but admission will only be charged for one show. "We're going to give the people a bonus down there," he said.

Although Warfield Jr. and his father now call East St. Louis, Ill., home, they have close ties to the Sikeston area. "Most of the family is here in Sikeston," said his cousin, Joe Warfield. "And his father is originally from this area."

Warfield Jr., a saxophonist, educator, writer, producer, arranger, versatile performer and recording artist, has performed with several musicians. "He's played with all the greats," his father said.

Additionally, he performs several styles of music, which include jazz, smooth jazz, gospel, symphonic, ethnic, R&B, avant garde and contemporary.

This is the first time the musician will perform at a reunion, his dad said. Refreshments will be available and attire can be anything from casual to formal.

The concert will feature a broad variety of music. "When we come to areas like Sikeston, we play quite a bit of blues, some jazz and some contemporary," Warfield Sr. said. "Maybe even a couple of rap songs if people request it."

His cousin, Joe Warfield, said "a little of everything" would be played Saturday night. "I think it hits different types of jazz -- it's kind of fitted for anyone," he said.

A lot of originals will be played, including "No One Loves Like I Do," "Chillin In the EBC" and "Loveland," Warfield's father said.

At the concert, Warfield Jr. will promote his 2001 CD, Straight Horn. In his biography, he said the CD "features me in various superb, creative jazz settings, performing with top-notch musicians throughout." CDs will be available for $15 each.

The elder Warfield said his son "is without peer. He is an outstanding musician."

And that isn't just a father's opinion.

Warfield Jr. was recognized as Outstanding Sax Soloist at the Notre Dame Jazz Festival; and while earning his master's degree at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, became the first music major to ever be chosen as an Illinois Consortium for Education and Opportunities Program participant.

The Warfield family would like to offer more concerts in the future. "We are hoping that the community will be supportive," Warfield Sr. said. "We want people to bring their best behavior so perhaps we can do something like this again in the future."

Of course, no one is looking forward to the concert more than Warfield Jr.'s close relatives. "I enjoy jazz," said Joe Warfield. "To have a relative that can play, I guess it does touch me."