By happenstance I was having an after-hours cocktail with a few friends after-work. During our conversation, one of them mentioned going to the jazz festival afterwards. I wasn’t aware of any activities on Friday night. After dinner, we walked over to State Street heading west on Van Buren. We could all hear the music before we turned the corner. The Second Annual Smooth Jazz Festival was undergoing and voilinst Micheal Ward was playing when we got there. I was so impressed with Michael’s playing and his band that told my friends that I was going home to grab my camera. Within an hour I was back in time to catch Corey Wilkes. Corey and his band were hot!!! I have to admit, I’ve never heard of Corey Wilkes before hearing him tonight.  … Read entire article »