Whether it's the wail of a saxophone, the soulfulness of a soprano voice, or the rhythmic allure of the big band brass, the past sounds of the quaint

Idlewild Music Fest Williams Island, Idlewild July 8-10 $15-$25 iaacc.com

community of Idlewild resonate in the air every summer in July.

The Idlewild Music Fest, in its 7th year, hopes to keep in touch with its community's rich musical history, dating all the way back to 1912, when Idlewild was a rural retreat for African Americans looking for a bit of rest and relaxation away from their segregated communities. During these times, Idlewild hosted some of the day's top musical performers. Famous entertainers such as Sammy Davis Jr., Sarah Vaughn, Della Reese, and the Four Tops were regulars at the community's once-thriving nightspots.

The jamming begins at 5 p.m. on July 8, opening with a free Gospel Explosion concert. The music on July 9-10 will consist of R&B, Blues, Jazz, and Soul. The bands that will be performing over the weekend include Noteworthy Band, Basiks, Priscillla Price, N&G, Joe McBride, Ed Stone & The Flowmasters, Tricia Moore Quartet, Robin Stone, and TJ Hooker-Taylor/ son of Johnnie Taylor. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the gate, and $25 for both Friday and Saturday. The weekend concert is held on the lush and verdant Williams Island.

Denise Bellamy, a member of the Idlewild Music Fest Committee, is very excited about the event.

"Not only is it great for the community, it's great for music lovers as well," said Denise Bellamy, a member of the Idlewild Music Fest Committee.

Bellamy has been on the Music Fest Committee for four consecutive years to date and says she will attend all the shows over the weekend.

"I love giving back to the community and offering people a glimpse of the heyday in our town. We're very musically oriented you know."