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FEBRUARY|MARCH 2018 | 5 Rainbow Promotions, LLC and Payne Pest Management Present SATURDAY, JUne 30, 2018 eRiC BRiAn JAzz FUnk SoUL ft. The SAx PACk ft. STeve DARiUS CULBeRTSon JeFF LoRBeR, eveReTTe hARP JeFF kAShiwA, STeve CoLe oLiveR AnD PAUL JACkSon JR AnD JACkieM JoYneR DAve koz SUMMeR hoRnS hiRoShiMA PeTeR whiTe neSToR ToRReS MARCUS AnDeRSon ft. GeRALD ALBRiGhT, RiCk BRAUn, RiChARD eLLioT and inTRoDUCinG AUBReY LoGAn SUnDAY, JULY 1, 2018 Benoit Entertainment Group, llc hosted by eric Darius embarcadero Marina Park north | 400 kettner Blvd | San Diego, CA 92101 FRiDAY, JUne 29, 2018 An i ntimate e vening of Smooth Jazz with Monty Seward and Jessy J h osted by e ric Darius All acts and times are subject to change without prior notice. 2n D Ann UAL For Tickets and information: Rainbow Promotions, LLC (562) 424-0013 | www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com
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Honoring the important contributions and achievements of African-Amercians throughout United States history
CONTENTS
Receive a FREE CD or DVD when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at the 28th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest 14 Black History Month
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Music Spotlighting
Smooth jazz artists set the stage for events benefiting children 10 28th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Music, dining and attractions are draws for this A-list event in Reading, Pennsylvania 13 Special FREE-CD/DVD with subscription offer
8 Notes from the Publisher
Ross Antonio Dixon Describe The Fauna David RachelHopleyLaukatRajNaikDanielRay
NaikRajPhoto: New the latest sounds of smooth jazz Kirk Whalum Kicks off his U.S. tour with five shows at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Calendar of smooth jazz events Concerts, festivals, Valentine’s shows and brunches nationwide FREE Cool Stuff to win free concert tickets to the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Smooth Jazz News The perfect Valentine’s Day gift for yourself or a friend. Show your love ... subscribe today! Cashmira’s Starguide February and March horoscopes of Stevie
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You don’t have to be celebrating romance to enjoy a Valentine’s Concert; all you need is a love of great jazz singing, sax and guitar. Rainbow Promotions is presenting such a show with its “A Special Evening of Music For Friends & Lovers” featuring Jonathan Butler, Michael Lington, Paul Taylor and Howard Hewett on Feb. 10, in Long Beach, California. For details on this and other events happening in February and March, check out the calendar section beginning on page 20. Jonathan Butler Michael Lington Paul Taylor
30 Book review “Gold Dust Woman: The Biography
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Contributing
6 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Publisher and Managing Editor Melanie Maxwell Operations & Distribution Manager Craig Collier Copy Editors JoAnn Armke Kerri De Rosier Barbara Knox Brad Sondak Contributors Ken MaggieCashmiraCapobiancoEspinosaDarcyPeters Graphic Design Gina Mancini New logo design by Andrew Harner
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Smooth Jazz News is published seven times annually: Monthly: April and May; Bimonthly: June-July, August-September, October-November, December-January and February-March.
As a proponent of enrichment activities and safe environments for children, Floyd founded Hands 4 Hope in 2000, an after-school program in North Hollywood, California. She took a large, unused church facility and filled it with academic, enrichment, cultural and recreational activities to guide learning and engage at-risk youth ages 8 to 18 from low-income, predominantly minority households.
However, it takes more than small county grants to pay $262,000 in annual operating expenses, including seven staff members, to keep these programs running. So, Floyd depends on the generosity of donors and proceeds from a variety of fundraising efforts to contribute to her 501(c)(3) charitable organization. One such event is their annual Starlight Serenade Benefit Concert.
Proceeds from this event––two nights of jazz concerts, dining and hosted bar––directly support the Adopt-a-Class program, which brings more than 10,000 underserved students a year to the Ocean Institute for hands-on, marine science programs and life-changing field trips. Since 2003, the organization has raised over $1 million for this special cause. Both evenings feature performances by soul singer Jeffrey Osborne, guitarist Paul Brown and saxophonist Michael Paulo.
16th Annual Ocean Institute “Wave of Jazz” Festival (March 2-3)
The Ocean Institute “Wave of Jazz” Festival is scheduled for March 2-3, at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, California. For tickets and more information, visit www.ocean-institute.org.
18th Annual Hands 4 Hope Starlight Serenade (March 10)
It wasn’t intentional. I doubt if each of the organizations even knew about the others when they planned their fundraising concerts for the month of March. However, the timing, Southern California locations and being charity events aren’t the only things these three nonprofits have in common: all of them are raising money for children, they feature a smooth jazz lineup, and have auctions full of useful and extravagant items to bid on. Over the years, Smooth Jazz News has been privileged to attend all of them at least once. And this is what I can tell you about each of them.
When Lydia Floyd and her musician husband moved to Los Angeles from Brooklyn, New York, they joined First Baptist Church of North Hollywood and cultivated relationships within the congregation and the neighborhood. There, she witnessed the struggles of singleparent families, similar to that of her own childhood. As one of four children from a single-parent household, Floyd watched her mother help other single parents while also raising foster children, despite her own challenges with epilepsy.
Ocean Institute (above) and 2018 “Wave of Jazz” Festival headliner Jeffrey Osborne (right) Gail Jhonson Sinbad
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Eighteen years later, Hands 4 Hope serves 100-125 children annually, from 2:30 to 7 p.m. on school days, and all day during the summer. The program offers free S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math)-based after-school programs, low-cost academic summer camps, semiannual single-parent resource fairs, tutoring, homework assistance, fitness, nutrition and healthy cooking classes, life skills such as financial literacy, community engagement and mentoring, and computers for children who don’t have one at home. Plus, teens have access to SAT preparation, college guidance, driver safety and career planning. And, when the budget allows, there are field trips. (Maybe the Ocean Institute can arrange a field trip for the Hands 4 Hope kids?)
The Premier Gala on Saturday begins with an elegant reception featuring passed canapés and an array of hosted bars, followed by a fivecourse gourmet fine dining experience and the concert. And, when the band breaks for intermission, an auctioneer takes control of the mic to conduct a rapid-pace live auction. Tickets are $500*. (*Plus service charge.)
Imagine the expression on children’s faces the first time they wiggle their toes into the wet, sandy ocean floor as foamy waves rush up to their ankles. Or the excitement they feel sailing out to sea when a school of dolphin suddenly leap out of the water. These, and many other inspiring educational experiences, are what the Ocean Institute’s “Wave of Jazz” Festival raises money for.
Opening night, on Friday, March 2, features a pre-concert reception showcasing tastes from the best Dana Point, California, restaurants, paired with specially chosen artisan brews and wine. Ticket options include VIP ($250*) with pre-party and front row seating, general admission ($125*) and standing room only in the courtyard “Jazz Lounge” ($75*).
This year’s show, hosted again by comedian Sinbad and 94.7 The WAVE’s Pat Prescott, is a tribute to Bill Withers. The musical lineup includes Gail Jhonson and Jazz in Pink, trumpeter Greg Adams (founding member of Tower of Power), keyboardist Larry Dunn (formerly with Earth Wind & Fire), the Hands 4 Hope L.A. kids and a couple of surprise guests.
Richard Elliot, Rick Braun and Norman Brown in concert to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) (March 23)
The Richard Elliot benefit concert for JDRF is scheduled for Friday, March 23, at California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, California. For tickets or more information, visit www.artcenter.org or call 800-988-4253.
When corporate conglomerates pulled the plug on smooth jazz terrestrial radio, it was a big surprise. It’s also a bit surprising that smooth jazz has evolved into a lifestyle filled with music-themed, full-ship charters, global destination-travel festivals and a camaraderie among fans and stars that has far outlived the radio format from which it all sprung. And, gratefully, that lifestyle has also become a lifeline for people in need through the generosity of organizations such as these, and the fans who support their charitable endeavors.
For the past 15 years, Elliot and his wife Camella have organized a biyearly fundraising concert at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Their 2016 event raised $95,000 for JDRF. They are hoping to match or exceed that amount at this year’s extravaganza, which features performances by West Coast Jam (Elliot, Rick Braun and Norman Brown) and the West Coast Horns, a VIP pre-concert wine tasting with heavy hors d’oeuvres, a live auction and after-show artist meetand-greet reception.
The couple planted grapevines on four acres of the 10-acre estate they share with their five children, three dogs, five alpacas (with one on the way), five goats, three pigs and four horses. They harvested their first crop last summer. Those four tons of grapes, which were sold to Hungry Hawk Vineyards to produce the wine, made 1,500 bottles of Albariño, a light-bodied white wine, which was bottled in January under the Elliot Ranch Albariño label. The remainder of the grapes, which are still fermenting in oak barrels for another year, will yield approximately 900 bottles of a cabernet named Big Fella Cab (a nod to their 4-year-old dog Moose, a 200 lb. Newfoundland). The Elliots will keep several bottles of each for their own personal reserve, including the Albariño, which they have called “Alpacarino” in honor of their alpacas.
“Here’s an interesting thing. The girl’s name was Kaitlen Bubb. And, when our son was born, during the first couple of years we called him Bub. He was not diagnosed until he was 11. Sometimes that’s how things in life work.”
Elliot Ranch Albariño
The 18th Annual Starlight Serenade Benefit Concert is scheduled for Saturday, March 10, at Harmony Gold Theater, 7655 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California. For tickets, sponsorships and more information, visit www.Hands4HopeLA.org.
The evening begins with a VIP reception, catered by The Federal Bar, and silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by the concert at 8 p.m. There will also be a live auction during intermission, with Sinbad serving as auctioneer. And, if it’s anything like previous years, he will have everyone in tears from laughing so hard while he auctions off items such as spa resort getaways, gift cards, jewelry, autographed guitars, voice lessons, theater tickets and dining certificates. Tickets are $50 for general admission, and $75 for VIP (which includes the pre-concert reception, artist meet-and-greet and silent auction).
Photography.TaylorandReisigPhoto:StollLoriPhoto:
Richard Elliot Rick Braun Norman Brown
The evening culminates with an after-show artist meet-and-greet for all attendees. Ticket options include $50* for mezzanine and balcony seating, $75* for upper orchestra and parterre sections, and $115* for VIP, which includes orchestra seating and pre-concert wine tasting. (*Plus service charge.)
The Elliot Ranch Albariño vintage will be poured at the wine tasting and available for purchase at the March 23 concert, with a portion of the proceeds donated to JDRF by Hungry Hawk Vineyards, the reception’s sponsor. After the reception and before the concert, there will be a live auction. Concertgoers will have 15 minutes to bid on items such as a superior ocean-view cabin with balcony on the sold-out Dave Koz & Friends at Sea full-ship charter cruise to Scandinavia and the Baltic, May 13-20, 2018; a seven-day stay at the five-acre “Endless Horizon” vacation home in Pu’unoa, on Maui; a superior suite with view on Rick Braun’s European River Cruise Getaway, Aug. 10-17, 2019; a seven-day vacation at Marriott’s Desert Spring Villas in Palm Desert, California, and more.
The wine served at the tasting will be from the Elliots’ own vineyard.
When GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Richard Elliot began performing benefit concerts for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), he had no idea one of his sons would be diagnosed with the disease two decades later.
“I do a lot of work for JDRF,” said Elliot from his ranch in the North San Diego community of Escondido. “But in the early ’90s I got a letter from a little girl––she was 7 or 8 at the time––and living in Orlando, Florida. Her parents were fans, and she said she had type-1 diabetes and her mom and dad were doing a fundraiser. They wondered if I would do a concert. I did it and did a yearly concert. Years later, my son was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes.
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FOR ITS 28TH YEAR , the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest kicks off with Brian Culbertson’s Colors of Love Tour and culminates with Kirk Whalum’s Gospel According to Jazz celebration with a full choir. Too big to contain in one fairground, 10 days of concerts and educational events are spread among nearly 40 indoor venues around Reading and Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. More than 40,000 ticket holders from as far as Italy will devour performances of genre greats––Boney James, Rick Braun, Euge Groove, Peter White, Michael Franks, The Rippingtons, etc.––and garner bragging rights for seeing specialty ensembles performing only there.
By Maggie Espinosa
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“Our goal each year is to work with artists to create unique performances only at Berks Jazz Fest,” said John Ernesto, the festival’s general manager. “We are fortunate to have special relationships with artists willing to take on the challenge of these ensembles. This year, we are blessed to have several stellar ensembles.”Onesuch treat is Pieces of a Dream with special guests saxophonist Kim Waters, guitarist Nick Colionne and vocalist Eric Roberson, on April 7. Another, the Berks All-Star Jazz Jam—a fan favorite featuring Braun, Whalum, Gerald Albright, Everette Harp, Eric Marienthal, Elan Trotman, Bernie Williams, Nestor Torres and many more—is scheduled for April 12.
Peter White, Keiko Matsui and Euge Groove are scheduled to perform as EPK on April 14
FEBRUARY|MARCH 2018 | 11 Williams, the former New York Yankees outfielder turned jazz guitarist, is also teaming up with Trotman and Torres for “The Caribbean Connection,” which celebrates the music of their respective island heritages. Williams and flautist Torres, who both hail from Puerto Rico, and Barbados-born saxophonist Trotman will be accompanied by steel-pan drum virtuoso Kareem Thompson for two shows on April 14. Without a doubt, the most poignant collaboration will be “Remembering Chuck Loeb,” a tribute to the beloved, prolific, and peerless headliner at Berks Jazz Fest, who lost his battle with cancer in July. “Chuck Loeb’s passing really affected the Berks Jazz Fest family,” said Ernesto. “In addition to being a great personal friend, Chuck was loved by everyone involved with the event. When Chuck passed, it was only natural there would be a special event honoring him during the Berks Jazz Fest.” On April 8, Loeb’s widow, singer-songwriter Carmen Cuesta, and the couple’s musically talented daughters, Lizzy and Christina, will grace the stage, along with 26 musical colleagues, to celebrate his 18 years of tireless festival devotion. A portion of ticket proceeds will establish the Chuck Loeb Scholarship Fund. Although the festival’s amazing confluence of jazz luminaries will entertain daily from sunup to past midnight, revelers may want to take a day or two to explore the surrounding environs. Reading has its share of attractions. The Pagoda, a seven-story Japanese structure, offers sweeping views of the city, plus a cafe with Asian and American fare. Fifteen miles west is Reading Public Museum and Neag Planetarium featuring everything from Warhol to White Dwarf stars. April 7 is Diner Day at the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles, with coffee and pie at 1938 prices––5 cents and 25 cents. Stop at the oldest pub in Berks County, the Ugly Oyster Drafthaus, for a brewski, crab cakes, cheesesteaks, and, of course, oysters. Wine aficionados can hire an Uber and quaff the elixir at a dozen wineries along the Berks County Wine Trail.
StollLoriPhoto: RayDanielPhoto: Brian Culbertson is scheduled to kick off the 28th Annual Berks Jazz Fest with his Colors of Love Tour on April 6 continued on
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A 30-minute car ride from Reading will drop you in Lancaster, the heart of the Pennsylvania Amish Country. The Amish are descendants of the Anabaptists driven out of Switzerland in the 1700s, whom William Penn welcomed with open arms. Today, there are close to 33,000 “plain” people, as they call themselves, living in Lancaster. They adhere to strict doctrine, which includes horse-and-buggy transportation, propane-powered electricity, simple dress with no buttons, and speak Pennsylvania German.
RossDiscoverLancaster.com/TerryPhoto:
SondersDouglasPhoto: LaukatRachelPhoto:
A nearby attraction to check out during the 10-day Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is the Amish Country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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It’s also the venue for the festival’s traditional Kickoff Luncheon on April 6, plus three additional events.
A fascinating Lancaster outing is the Amish Experience Bus Tour, a three-hour excursion where passengers visit an Amish farm at milking time, stop at a soap-making or basket-weaving shop and interact with a family in their home to see how they live. Afterward, make sure to mosey down the country road to Good ‘N Plenty restaurant for authentic Pennsylvania Dutch food. The 1871 farmhouse has served millions since it opened 50 years ago. Family-style seating is part of the allure. Diners meet and eat with people from all over the world at long tables and make fast friends as they pass around large bowls and platters of food. Pepper cabbage, chow-chow pickled veggies, fresh baked bread with apple butter, crispy fried chicken, brown butter noodles, and the piece de resistance, shoo-fly pie made of molasses and a crumb topping, pleasure the palate. Another Lancaster dining option is aboard the Strasburg Rail Road, North America’s oldest operating steam engine, which began running in 1832. As you ride the rails through Amish Country, you can enjoy traditional fare of ham balls, parsley buttered potatoes and a vegetable medley. One final must-see is Central Market, America’s oldest farmers market, in the heart of Lancaster City. Amish and “English”––as the Amish refer to non-Amish––sell fresh produce and homemade goodies. It’s yet another opportunity to interact with the plain folks while sampling their unique creations. A bit farther down the pike is York, Pennsylvania, the White Rose City. This gem’s downtown North Beaver Street is one of two corridors in the state named “Greatest Public Street” by the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Planning Association. Brick buildings filled with boutique shops and restaurants reminiscent of a slower, simpler time line the avenue. Revolt Style Studio has fun vintage clothing, and Arthur & Daughters adheres to the street’s Americana feel with Made-in-the-USA apparel, including their own private-label collection. If you happen to be in town on a Tuesday, stop by White Rose Bar & Grill for $4 fish bowl margaritas and $1 tacos. Other days have specials, too, such as Orange Crush cocktails, half-price burgers and crab pretzels. And, brunch is their specialty on weekends.
And for some real Reading flavor, check out Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar, where you can get one of their daily blue-plate specials such as pecan-encrusted chicken breast with berry sauce served over rice, or the Country Mess (roast chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, gravy and cheddar).
Barbados saxman Elan Trotman (center) is scheduled to perform with Puerto Rican guitarist Bernie Williams (left) and flautist Nestor Torres (right) as “The Caribbean Connection” with steel-pan drummer Kareem Thompson on April 14 continued from page 11
CD Compliments of Sony Masterworks DVD Compliments of Eagle Rock Entertainment
FEBRUARY|MARCH 2018 | 13 PICK 1f r e e BIG DEAL FROM SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS PICK 1f r e e BIG DEAL FROM SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at our booth during the Choose one from this group of CD/DVDs Going to the 28th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest? Receive one CD/DVD FREE* (while supplies last) from the selection shown below
The Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is presented by the Berks Arts Council. For the complete lineup, tickets and more information, visit www. berksjazzfest.com or call 800-745-3000.
*This free-CD/DVD offer is a special promotion only available at the 2018 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, while supplies last, CD/DVD selection is subject to change without notice. This offer is not available when ordering by phone, mail or online. CD/DVDs are provided compliments of record labels.
WHEN April 6-15 WHERE Various venues throughout Berks County, Pennsylvania GETTING THERE Flights are available to the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), approximately 70 miles from Berks County. STAYING THERE www.berksjazzfest.com/where-to-stay/ TICKETS AND INFORMATION
FaunaTheDescribePhoto: 28th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Various venues throughout Berks County, Pennsylvania April 6-15 Festival
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LINEUP With nearly 50 ticketed shows at six major concert venues, plus dozens of non-ticketed local events, there are too many to list all of them here. However, here are some of the headliners: Brian Culbertson, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Boney James, Euge Groove, Peter White, Keiko Matsui, Fourplay, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Kim Waters, Eric Marienthal, Pieces of a Dream, Nick Colionne, Jazz Funk Soul (Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp, Paul Jackson Jr.), Kenny Lattimore, Incognito, Maysa, The Rippingtons, Steve Cole, David Benoit, Marc Antoine, Carmen Cuesta, Lizzy Loeb, Christina Loeb and more.
Maysa is scheduled to perform with Incognito on April 14 Boney James is scheduled to perform April 7 Ideas for quick jaunts from the Berks Jazz Fest could fill a book. Here are two more: head one hour west to the sweetest place on Earth, Hershey, Pennsylvania, where the namesake hotel offers bliss seekers a cocoa massage at its day spa, and a round of golf at the Spring Creek course, or, one hour in the opposite direction is Philadelphia, where the activities, food and fun are endless. So, whether you spend all 10 days at the festival, or map out a few opportunities to cavort around the Keystone State, Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest is a great place to be this April. website: www.berksjazzfest.com
CD Compliments of Justin Young
“I see Americans of every party, every background, every faith who believe that we are stronger together: black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American; young, old; gay, straight; men, women, folks with disabilities, all pledging allegiance under the same proud flag to this big, bold country that we love. That’s what I see. That’s the America I know!”
Barack Obama is a Harvard Law School graduate who became an Illinois senator, and then the the first African American to be elected as president of the United States. In 2012, he was re-elected to a second term.
Journalist, civil rights activist, author and one of the most powerful leaders of the 19th century Douglassmovement,anti-slaveryFrederickworkedas
“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
» Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950)
Born into slavery in Maryland, Harriet Tubman escaped to become the most famous “conductor” on the Railroad,Undergroundriskingherlife to lead hundreds of family members and other slaves from the plantation system to freedom on this elaborate secret network of safe houses. She was the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the Civil War. She helped the Union Army during the war, working as a spy among other roles.
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
Black History Month is celebrated each February in the United States with concerts, rallies, parades, parties and other festivities to commemorate the contributions of African Americans who changed the world. Much progress has been made toward equality and against racial discrimination since Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched “Negro History Week” in 1926: We elected our first black president, Barack H. Obama, to two terms in office, and Oprah Winfrey became the first black woman to launch a television network. Still, there is much more work to do. Here are some quotes from accomplished African American leaders.
an advisor to Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War and later became the first African American citizen to hold a government position. “I grew up like a neglected weed — ignorant of liberty, having no experience of it.”
“The different ness of races, moreover, is no evidence of superiority or of inferiority. This merely indicates that each race has certain gifts which the others do not possess.”
» Frederick Douglass (1818–1895)
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“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and social activist who, through his activism and inspirational speeches, led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. He played a pivotal role in ending the legal segregation of African-American citizens. Dr. King also created the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and headed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Known as the “Father of Black History,” Carter G. Woodson was an African-American writer and historian whose launch of “Negro History Week” in 1926 evolved into “Black History Month,” which is celebrated internationally today. Born in New Canton, Virginia, Woodson dedicated his career to AfricanAmerican history, becoming the second African American to receive a doctorate from Harvard and eventually appointed as dean at Howard University and the West Virginia Collegiate Institute. He wrote more than a dozen books, including the 1933 “The Mis-Education of the Negro,” as well as literature for elementary and secondary school students. He also established the “Journal of Negro History” in 1916, the “Negro History Bulletin” in 1937, and formed the African-American-owned Associated Publishers Press in 1921.
Smooth Jazz News salutes the pathfinders of African-American equality
» Harriet Tubman (1820–1913)
» President Barack Obama (Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Aug. 4, 1961)
» Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929–1968)
By Melanie Maxwell
• Here To Stay (Darryl Williams Music)
AvAilAble At: www.justinyoungsax.com Website: www.justinyoungsax.com
This is what Dave Koz said about saxophonist Justin Young’s new CD: “I’ve known Justin a long time and have watched his development for many years now. With his new album, Blue Soul, he confidently steps up to center stage with something meaningful to say, and the results are undeniable. Justin Young is certainly a new voice to be heard on the saxophone.”
WEBSITE: www.marieaantoinette.com
The current single, “Do You Remember,” features smooth jazz superstar sax man Michael Lington.
Darryl Williams is a first-call bassist in the world of smooth jazz and has been touring with the top names in the business. His new CD, HereTo Stay, features some sultry smooth grooves and will be one to remember in 2018.
FEBRUARY|MARCH 2018 | 15
Advertisement: To inquire about placement, call 858-541-1919 or email smoothjazzads@aol.com.
AvAilAble At: iTunes, www.amazon.com, www.cdbaby.com Website: www.DarrylWilliamsmusic.com
• New single: “Overture” (Masaii/Infinity Records) Mariea Antoinette’s new single, “Overture,” fea turing her mystical harp, immediately commands attention. The urban jazz alchemist, emerging from the lab, demonstrates that her mission is to shatter preconceived limitations and stretch and abolish musical borders. The harp is unexpectedly expressive in its delivery, and utilizing 9-piece strings in her orchestra gives Antoinette her signature jazz, funk sound. This track is a preview of great things to come from Antoinette. Bookings available for 2018.
Patrick Bradley • (PatricksIntangibleSongFactory)
AvAilAble At: iTunes, www.amazon.com, www.cdbaby.com Website: www.patrickbradleymusic.com
Justin Young • Blue (JustntimeSoulRecords)
Keyboardist Patrick Bradley is embarking upon his fourth album, Intangible, with 10 original compositions produced by Jeff Lorber. Prepare for a groove-a-thon of trilingual takeoff via Bradley’s Hammond B3-organ, Moog synthesizer and electric piano stylings that coolly cross rock, fusion, jazz and R&B with fiery, funky mastery … and purpose.
AVAILABLE AT: iTunes, www.amazon.com, www.cdbaby.com
DARRYL WILLIAMS
MARIEA ANTOINETTE
“My music has always been about the delicate dance between different worlds, and gospel has always been a part of the music I make,” the saxophonist-composer said recently via phone in Japan, where he was recording new songs for an “If you go back to my first album, Floppy Disk (1985), you can hear it there—I grew up on gospel music, so it’s in the DNA. That spiritual element has always been a critical component since the beginning.”
WHALUMKIRK WHALUM
Photo: Byanna Webber
O
Making music that visualizes the invisible
By Ken Capobianco
n his most recent album, #Lovecovers another in a series of records seamlessly blending jazz, R&B, gospel, and pop music— veteran saxophonist Kirk Whalum offers a beautiful, stirring take on Beyonce’s “Love on Top.” Never has a song title better exemplified the music and vision of an artist. Whalum, one of the premier instrumentalists of his generation, has been spreading a message of love and compassion throughout his long career. Over the course of three decades as a solo artist, Whalum, whose soaring saxophone solo graced Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” has become universally recognized for his soulful, spiritual saxophone work. He has brought his rare combination of gospel passion and jazz articulation to the jazz ensemble BWB (Norman Brown, Whalum and Rick Braun), as well as to countless collaborations with a broad array of jazz and pop luminaries. In recent years, he has recorded a series of four albums called The Gospel According To Jazz (the most recent, The Gospel According To Jazz Chapter IV in 2015), all emphasizing his deep Christian faith and God’s love. While the 12-time Grammy nominee (one-time winner) has taken a decidedly more gospel focus with his music these days, Whalum, the son of a Memphis preacher, believes his musical direction is all in keeping with his original vision as an artist.
KIRK
He is not rearranging or reinterpreting the songs to make them unrecognizable; instead, he re-contextualizes them and trusts his audience members to discover their own meanings within the larger framework of his shows.
The epiphany that spurred the subtle change in the direction of his solo career toward more overt gospel occurred after Whalum experienced a major setback.
“When I got dropped by Columbia Records, that changed everything. It was so abrupt, and I was distraught and depressed as you can be. I’m talking really low.
He has covered songs like “Let ’Em In” from Paul McCartney and Wings, “My Hero” by hard rockers the Foo Fighters, and the great Curtis Mayfield’s “Keep on Pushing.”
“And, of course, as usual, she was right. It had such a profound impact on me, and I started thinking creatively instead of just scraping the bottom of the barrel of my emotions—that existential doubt. After reflection, I thought I would bring together the many facets of my life—the creative, the spiritual and the ministry, which is where my roots are—and out of that came Gospel According To Jazz.” For his next album, though, which he hopes to release early next year, Whalum is taking a very different approach. He’s working with a wide array of musicians from around the globe to explore different sounds and rhythms for what may be his most ambitious project yet. He was in Japan to record with world-renowned keyboardist Keiko Matsui, but many of his other collaborators might be less familiar to American audiences.
He added that the album will be made up of originals, and there will be much more of his singing involved. The decision to work with younger global artists is all part of a very wise plan to reach new audiences and expand his musical footprint.
“The record is called Humanitè, and most of the musicians I’m working with are younger, in their 20s and 30s. Some are immensely popular in their home countries. Heavenese is made up of 11 Japanese musicians—wonderful musicians—dressed in traditional Japanese garb. It’s so different. What I’m trying to do with the album is push some boundaries. It’s definitely not going to be your mother’s smooth jazz record. The sound is going to be steeped in jazz, pop, world music and whatever we discover.”
“It’s about mining out the spiritual messages out of the pop canon,” the supremely gracious and engaging Whalum said. “I’m not taking liberties with the songs and making them what they are not. The songs speak for themselves. It’s all been part of a process of discovery. I remember I did ‘I’ll Be There’ onstage with BWB, and everybody loved it. The audience was so tuned in because they connected with the song and how it was presented.
FEBRUARY|MARCH 2018 | 17 continued on page 18
For his main appearance at the upcoming Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, though, Whalum will perform his “Gospel According To Jazz” as the festival’s closing set, one of his five appearances during the fest. He will appear with Fourplay, with whom he toured during Chuck Loeb’s illness and after the guitar giant passed away last year. He will also be involved in the tribute show for Loeb, which features a dizzying array of jazz greats, including Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Nathan East, Jeff Lorber and Michael Franks, as well as Loeb’s widow, singer-songwriter Carmen Cuesta, and their daughters Lizzy and Christina. “I was invited by my dear friend Chuck Loeb to guest on Fourplay’s Silver anniversary CD, having been told by Chuck, ‘We’ve had 25 years and no sax,’” Whalum said.
“I had to rely on my faith, but it was such an emotional time. My girlfriend—we’ve been together since we were 15—and wife for 44 years, looked at me and said quite directly, ‘What can’t you do today that you couldn’t do yesterday? How are you different than when you were with Columbia?’
WebberByannaPhoto:
“It’s a full collaboration. We’re going to get together, and I’m going to get on their page. Hopefully, I can tap into their audiences, go global and reach a different generation of listeners. No doubt, I’ll also be learning something in the process.”
“Faithful love as a concept. It’s in the song, if you listen. As a Christian, that message is so very significant and powerful. Christ will not abandon you. He is there for you. I know some people might not get the message or the concept of what I’m doing, and they may even disagree, but it does touch people on some deep level. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. My fans have fully embraced it.”
“My music has always been about the delicate dance between different worlds, and gospel has always been a part of the music I make.”
With Gospel According To Jazz and #Lovecovers, Whalum has turned to a panoply of pop music genres to find the core spiritual messages in songs. In the process, he has added new, revealing dimensions—a deft interpretive dance very few artists would dare attempt.
“The Gospel According To Jazz is political in the sense that politics is about doing what is right and just. Ethics. That’s what we are talking about. What would Jesus do? It’s about choosing the right and ethical Whalumpath.”isacomplex, often profound man with many passions, but it seems that the gospel according to Kirk Whalum, which finds its foundation in the saxophonist’s devotion to God, can be boiled down to one basic principle. “It’s all about sharing love,” he said just before departing for his next destination in Asia. For more information on Whalum, visit www.kirkwhalum.com.
ON TOUR
April 12: Berks All-Star Jazz Jam, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading
JUNE 10 Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway Oxbow Commons Napa, www.jazzgetaway.comCalifornia
WebberByannaPhoto:
Whalum spoke from Japan on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in America, and he expressed disdain for recent events in the country. “I’m quite political, and what is going on is hard to understand.
18 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS continued from page 17 “I don’t recognize the white evangelicals who support [President] Trump or someone like Roy Moore. Jesus was always concerned with the marginalized and the outcast. He would have looked down at the power and money ideology that Trump represents. Jesus focused on the poor and downtrodden. He was about common good and looking out for one another. And, that’s the message I tried to convey with #Lovecovers. We must make sure we are covering one another. What is happening in the country runs counter to that.” He added he was not afraid of openly discussing politics and current events, as he feels his music is inherently political. “Jazz is the music of resistance. It’s always been the music of liberation and equality. It was the music of black people living in the furnace of oppression—when black people were being hanged from trees and set on fire. That’s what Billie Holiday sang about in ‘Strange Fruit.’
April 13: “The Heart & Soul of Sax” with Everette Harp and special guests Maceo Parker and Dee Dee Bridgewater, plus the Berks Horns, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral
Whalum will be primarily focused on his closing night “Gospel According to Jazz” set, which he believes is especially relevant for the current climate of the country riven by division and hatred.
APRIL 7-15
28th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest April 7: with Fourplay (Bob James, Nathan East and Harvey Mason), at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading April 8: “Remembering Chuck Loeb” tribute concert, at the Santander Performing Arts Center
Various venues throughout Berks County, Pennsylvania www.berksjazzfest.com
April 15: “Gospel According to Jazz Celebration” featuring Take 6, plus Kevin Whalum, John Stoddard, Shelea Frazier and DOXA Gospel Ensemble, at the Scottish Rite Cathedral
“These are very troubling times. What’s happening in the country is painful for many people,” the saxophonist said. “The message we are offering is to look within and find the spirit of Christ within you, and that’s powerful. People are looking for something to connect to. The music is a vehicle for something greater, a higher understanding. When I’m onstage, I’m sharing my belief system through the music. I’m visualizing the invisible. When I play, I’m trusting God to manifest in what I play and appear in the music. It touches people in the audience—they feel something. They may not know what it is at the moment, but it’s real, and it connects us. That’s something I’m grateful to share.”
“Only months later, he got the diagnosis and began treatment. At that time, I was asked to sub for him on a few dates. A few months later, the cancer came back, and I was asked to tour Europe with them for the summer. Immediately after that, Chuck passed away…I did a total of one year, and it was one of the most fulfilling years of my career. They don’t have to make any excuses for actual improvisation and interplay between real musicians.”
FEBRUARY|MARCH 2018 | 19
CONCERTS AND
DOORS 7PM | SHOW 8PM | AGE 21+ jazz funk soul JEFF LORBER, EVERETTE HARP AND PAUL JACKSON JR. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 2535 LAS VEGAS BLVD. SOUTH, LAS VEGAS, NV 702.761.7000 |
8 Walter Beasley with Unit 3 Deep, 8pm, Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis, 410-268-4545www.ramsheadonstage.com,Maryland, DW3, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
FESTIVALS
20 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS
SLSLASVEGAS.COM | FREE PARKING
Darryl Walker & Keith Andrew, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
Live Music Matinee with Tony Exum Jr., 6pm, Live at Jack’s, 500 16th St., #320, Denver, Colorado, www.liveatjacks.com, 303-433-1000 (free admission) DOTSERO, 9:15pm, Live at Jack’s, 500 16th St., #320, Denver, Colorado, 303-433-1000www.liveatjacks.com,
FEATURING
FEBRUARY 1 Super Bowl LIVE at Nicollet Mall Concerts featuring Gail Jhonson with the New Power Soul/Prince Tribute Band, 6:45pm, 505 Nicollet, Minneapolis, Minnesota, http:// gailjhonson.com/, 612-397-9275 Erin Stevenson, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, 562-596-2199www.spaghettini.com, 2 Gerald Albright, 8 & 10pm, Scullers Jazz Club, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, www.scullersjazz.com,Massachusetts,866-777-8932
Nils, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
9 Rayford Griffin, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, 562-596-2199www.spaghettini.com, Justin Young, 4:30pm, Columbia Winery, 14030 N.E. 145th St., Woodinville, www.columbiawinery.comWashington, 10 Rainbow Promotions presents a Smooth Jazz Valentine’s Concert: A Special Evening of Music for Friends & Lovers featuring Jonathan Butler, Paul Taylor, Michael Lington & Howard Hewett; dinner (for VIP ticket holders), 5:30pm; concert, 7:30pm, Long Beach Performing Arts Center, Terrace Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 562-424-0013www.rainbowpromotions.com,California, Karen Briggs, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
7 Pink Martini with China Forbes, 7:30pm, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, www.artcenter.org,California,800-988-4253
3 Maysa, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, 703-549-7500www.birchmere.com, Gerald Albright, 8 & 10pm, Scullers Jazz Club, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, www.scullersjazz.com,Massachusetts,866-777-8932
DOTSERO, 9:30pm, Live at Jack’s, 500 16th St., #320, Denver, Colorado, 303-433-1000www.liveatjacks.com,
22 Jeffrey Osborne, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, www.birchmere.com,Virginia,703-549-7500
Erin Stevenson Valentine’s Show, 6:30 & 9pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
Mindi Abair Band, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 16
18
Valentine’s Dinner with DOTSERO, Wil Alston as opening act, 6pm, Live at Jack’s, 500 16th St., #320, Denver, Colorado, www.liveatjacks.com, 303-433-1000
13 Mindi Abair Band, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, 206-441-9729www.jazzalley.com, 14
24 Keiko Matsui, 8pm, Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, 410-268-4545www.ramsheadonstage.com, Al Williams Jazz Society Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser featuring Dave Koz, Pat Prescott, Michaela Pereira & the music of DW3, light buffet dinner included, 6pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199 also
Valentine’s Dinner Concert featuring Justin Young, 5pm, Obelisco at Apple Farm Village, 14525 148th Ave. N.E., Suite B-220, Woodinville, http://obelisco.com/events-dinners/Washington, 15 Marcus Johnson with special guest Phillip “Doc” Martin, 8pm, Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, 410-268-4545www.ramsheadonstage.com, Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
FEBRUARY|MARCH
Mindi Abair Valentine’s show, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729
TickeTs and informaTion: rainbow Promotions LLc 562.424.0013 | www.rainbowpromotions.com Tickets
Dan Siegel CD-Release Party, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
Jane Monheit, 8 & 10pm, Scullers Jazz Club, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, www.scullersjazz.com,Massachusetts,866-777-8932
25 Keiko Matsui, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, 703-549-7500www.birchmere.com, Oleta Adams, 7:30pm, Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, 410-268-4545www.ramsheadonstage.com,
2018 | 21 11 Will Downing, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com
available through Ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000 connect with us: s aT urday, f ebruary 10, 2018 LongTerrace7:30pmTheaTerbeachPerformingartscenter300eastoceanblvd.,Longbeach,ca90802 VIP Packages available which include a savory 3-course dinner, a rose for each lady, and preferred seating Michael Lington Paul TaylorHoward Hewett Jonathan Butler A Smooth Jazz Valentine’s Concert a special evening of music for friends & Lovers r ainbow P romo T ions, LL c P resen T s
Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 23 Jeffrey Osborne, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, www.birchmere.com,Virginia,703-549-7500
DW3 Tributes to the Legends of Music, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
DOTSERO, 9:30pm, Live at Jack’s, 500 16th St., #320, Denver, Colorado, www.liveatjacks.com, 303-433-1000 17 DOTSERO, 9pm, Live at Jack’s, 500 16th St., #320, Denver, Colorado, www.liveatjacks.com, 303-433-1000 Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr., 8pm, The Foundry, SLS Las Vegas, 2535 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 702-761-7000www.slslasvegas.com,
Tony Exum Jr., 8pm, Live at Jack’s, 500 16th St., #320, Denver, Colorado, 303-433-1000www.liveatjacks.com, Poncho Sanchez Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
4 Peabo Bryson, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, 206-441-9729www.jazzalley.com, 8 Chris Botti, 7:30pm, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, California, 800-988-4253www.artcenter.org, DW3, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
Ocean Institute “A Wave of Jazz” Festival featuring A Taste of Orange County & performances by Jeffrey Osborne, Paul Brown & Michael Paulo, VIP reception at 5:30pm; gourmet dinner, 6pm; live auction, 7pm, Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, www.oijazzfestival.com,California,949-496-2274
11 Jeff Lorber featuring Jimmy Haslip, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
Peabo Bryson, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, 206-441-9729www.jazzalley.com, 2 Rachelle Ferrell, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, www.birchmere.com,Virginia,703-549-7500
16 Happy Hour with DOTSERO, 5:30pm, Live at Jack’s, 500 16th St., #320, Denver, www.liveatjacks.com,Colorado,303-433-1000
Erin Stevenson, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, 562-596-2199www.spaghettini.com,
12 Buddy Guy with Brandy Zdan, 7:30pm, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, www.artcenter.org,California,800-988-4253
JJ Sansaverino, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, 562-596-2199www.spaghettini.com, Peabo Bryson, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, www.jazzalley.com,Washington,206-441-9729
9 Bria Skonberg, 7:30pm, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, California, 800-988-4253www.artcenter.org, 10 18th Annual Starlight Serenade Benefit Concert featuring a Tribute to Bill Withers, starring Gail Jhonson & Jazz in Pink, Greg Adams, Larry Dunn, comedian Sinbad, the Hands4Hope L.A. Kids & very special guest vocalists, VIP reception, 6pm; concert, 8pm, Harmony Gold Theater, 7655 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California, www.Hands4HopeLA.org Will Donato, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
15 Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
17 Jeff Kashiwa, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
3 Rachelle Ferrell, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, www.birchmere.com,Virginia,703-549-7500
18 Louie Cruz Beltran, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, 562-596-2199www.spaghettini.com,
Ocean Institute “A Wave of Jazz” Festival featuring Jeffrey Osborne, Paul Brown & Michael Paulo; cocktail reception, 5:30pm; gourmet dinner, 6pm; live auction, 7pm; concert, 9pm, Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, 949-496-2274www.ocean-institute.org/jazz-festival,California,
22 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS continued from page 21 MARCH 1
Peabo Bryson, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, www.jazzalley.com,Washington,206-441-9729
30 Greg Adams & East Bay Soul Funkalicious Band CD-Release Party, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
Adam Hawley, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, 562-596-2199www.spaghettini.com, 24 Special EFX featuring Chieli Minucci, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
Obelisco Wine & Live Music featuring Justin Young, 5pm, Obelisco at Apple Farm Village, 14525 148th Ave. N.E., Suite 121, Woodinville, http://obelisco.com/events-dinners/Washington, continued on page 24
25 Eric Valentine CD-Release Party, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
31 John Pizzarelli, 8 & 10pm, Scullers Jazz Club, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, www.scullersjazz.com,Massachusetts,866-777-8932
Greg Adams & East Bay Soul Funkalicious Band CD-Release Party, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
23 Richard Elliot & West Coast Jam featuring Rick Braun, Norman Brown & The West Coast Horns, benefit concert for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), with VIP pre-concert wine-tasting reception, 5:30pm; live auction, 7pm; concert, 7:15pm; Artists Meetand-Greet, after-show, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, California, 800-988-4253www.artcenter.org,
FEBRUARY|MARCH 2018 | 23 22 Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
www.spaghettini.com • Reservations
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
Hornblower Cruises & Events yacht sailing on San Diego Bay
Entertainment
SUNDAY, FEB. 4
Saxophonist Justin Young taking a selfie with Fran and Dean Willis and guitarist Rob Tardik Spaghettini’s signature champagne Brunch-goers during the Jan. 28, 2018 Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Brunch at Spaghettini HopleyDavidPhotos: featuring surprise guest artists Smooth Jazz News’ 18th Anniversary Brunch
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER Hornblower San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise, sails 11am-1pm, boards at 10:30am from Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, www.hornblower.com, 619-686-8700 continued on page 26 from page 23 FEB. Dining & | 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy. | Seal Beach, California 562-596-2199
SUNDAY,
24 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS
SATURDAY, FEB. 10 Cupid’s Champagne Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755
94.7 The WAVE welcomes Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Brunch with live broadcast and performances by DW3, 10am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
continued
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower with KJAZZ host DJ Le-Roy Downs, featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER
FEBRUARY SATURDAY, FEB. 3
25, 2018 Spaghettini Fine
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower with KJAZZ host Bubba Jackson, featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, 310-301-9900,www.hornblower.com,888-HORNBLOWER
FEBRUARY|MARCH 2018 | 25 See Southern California. Brunch Di erently. 2-HOUR CRUISE. INDULGENT BUFFET. FREE-FLOWING CHAMPAGNE. LIVE JAZZ. NEWPORT BEACH MARINA DEL REY LONG BEACH SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO NEW YORK Gather the crew and toast your bottomless bubbly to that California lifestyle; your typical weekend brunch just got a facelift. Enjoy live jazz when you hop aboard any brunch in Marina del Rey, Newport Beach or San Diego with a chance to meet KJazz personalities Bubba Jackson and Dj Le-Roy Downs! Visit hornblower.com or call 1-888-hornblower for details and reservations. Use code SJN5D for $5 off * FOLLOW US * Valid for up to 6 adults in San Diego, Newport Beach, Long Beach & Marina del Rey. Terms and conditions apply. Not valid on holidays or special events. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 11/30/17.
SUNDAY, MARCH 4
Smooth Jazz News’ 18th Anniversary Brunch & Jam Session featuring DW3 & surprise guest artists, 10:30am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER Hornblower San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise, sails 11am-1pm, boards at 10:30am from Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, www.hornblower.com, 619-686-8700 94.7 The WAVE welcomes Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Brunch with live broadcast and performances by Erin Stevenson, 10am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
KJAZZ Cupid’s Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, 2 sailings: 11am-1pm & noon 2pm, boards at 10:30 & 11:30am, respectively, from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
94.7 The WAVE welcomes Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Brunch with live broadcast and performances by Rebecca Jade, 10am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www. hornblower.com, 888-HORNBLOWER949-650-2412, Hornblower San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise, sails 11am-1pm, boards at 10:30am from Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, www.hornblower.com, 619-686-8700
Hornblower San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise, sails 11am-1pm, boards at 10:30am from Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, www.hornblower.com, 619-686-8700
SATURDAY, MARCH 3
SATURDAY, MARCH 17
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower Cruises featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at continued from page 24 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER Hornblower San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise, sails 11am-1pm, boards at 10:30am from Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, www.hornblower.com, 619-686-8700
SUNDAY, FEB. 25 KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower with KJAZZ host DJ Le-Roy Downs, featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-640-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch
SUNDAY, MARCH 11
SATURDAY, MARCH 10
Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER
MARCH
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
Hornblower San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise, sails 11am-1pm, boards at 10:30am from Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, www.hornblower.com, 619-686-8700
SATURDAY, FEB. 17
94.7 The WAVE welcomes Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Brunch with live broadcast and performances by DW3, 10am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
26 |
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower Cruises with KJAZZ host Bubba Jackson, featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
94.7 The WAVE welcomes Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Brunch with live broadcast and performances by Erin Stevenson, 10am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, www.spaghettini.com,California,562-596-2199
KJAZZ Cupid’s Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, 2 sailings: 11am-1pm & noon-2pm, boards at 10:30 & 11:30am, respectively, from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, 949-650-2412,www.hornblower.com,888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from
Hornblower San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise, sails 11am-1pm, boards at 10:30am from Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, www.hornblower.com, 619-686-8700
SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
SUNDAY, FEB. 18
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER
SUNDAY, FEB. 11
KJAZZ Cupid’s Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER
Hornblower San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise, sails 11am-1pm, boards at 10:30am from Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, www. hornblower.com, 619-686-8700
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
SATURDAY, FEB. 24 KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower with KJAZZ host Bubba Jackson, featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER
SUNDAY, MARCH 18
Hornblower San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise, sails 11am-1pm, boards at 10:30am from Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, www.hornblower.com, 619-686-8700 94.7 The WAVE welcomes Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Brunch with live broadcast and performances by DW3, 10am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 SATURDAY, MARCH 31 KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER
SATURDAY, MARCH 24
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER Hornblower San Diego Champagne Brunch Cruise, sails 11am-1pm, boards at 10:30am from Pier 1 Hornblower Landing, 1800 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, www.hornblower.com, 619-686-8700 94.7 The WAVE welcomes Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Brunch with live broadcast and performances by Rebecca Jade, 10am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.947thewave.com,www.spaghettini.com,562-596-2199
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Mat Gurman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from Fisherman’s Village Marina, 13755 Fiji Way, Marina del Rey, California, www.hornblower.com, 310-301-9900, 888-HORNBLOWER
SUNDAY, MARCH 25
KJAZZ Champagne Jazz Brunch Cruise aboard Hornblower featuring performances by Michael Whitman, sails noon-2pm, boards at 11:30am from 2431 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, California, www.hornblower.com, 949-650-2412, 888-HORNBLOWER
NOTE: Artists, events, venues, dates and show times are subject to change without notice. Smooth Jazz News is not responsible for any cancellations or changes or the accuracy of any concert or festival information contained in this magazine in advertisements and/or editorial, which has been provided by outside sources. Please contact each venue directly to confirm all information.
FEBRUARY|MARCH 2018 | 27
Enter to win a pair of tickets to one of these shows at the 28th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest (www.berksjazzfest.com)
April 6, 10 p.m. Rick Braun with special guest Dave Koz
DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Reading, Pennsylvania
DoubleTree by Hilton Reading Reading, Pennsylvania April 6, 7:30 p.m. Special EFX All-Stars featuring Chieli Minucci, Eric Marienthal, Lao Tizer, Karen Briggs, Gerald Veasley The Inn at Wyomissing,ReadingPennsylvania
NOTE: Artists, events, venues, dates and show times are subject to change without notice. Smooth Jazz News is not responsible for any cancellations or changes. Please contact each venue directly to confirm all information.
To enter, simply visit www.smoothjazznews.com and complete the form on the “FREE Cool Stuff” page (one entry per person). We will draw one entry per prize each month. Must have a valid email address and telephone number to enter. Please note that Smooth Jazz News DOES NOT sell or share its email database or information with any other organizations. Please see contest rules posted on *Concertwww.smoothjazznews.com.ticketsonly;doesnotincludetransportationoraccommodations
28 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS at www.smoothjazznews.comwww.smoothjazznews.com
Enter to win FREE cool stuff from Smooth Jazz News and our participating advertisers and vendors! Each month we offer our readers the chance to win tickets* to concerts and festivals, othermerchandiseCDs,orfunthings.
WhalumThe RippingtonsEverette Harp Dave Koz Chieli Minucci Eric Marienthal
DixonAntonioPhoto:
StollLoriPhoto: StollLoriPhoto: Rick Braun Kirk
April 13, 7 p.m. The Heart & Soul of Sax featuring Kirk Whalum, Everette Harp and special guests Dee Dee Bridgewater and Maceo Parker Scottish Rite Cathedral West Reading, Pennsylvania April 14, 2 p.m. The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman, plus Grace Kelly
FEBRUARY|MARCH 2018 | 29 Give the Valentine’ssweetestDaygift A subscription to SMooth Jazz NeWs Sign up for home delivery and receive seven issues annually for only *$25. Online at www.smoothjazznews.com Mail in the subscription form below Call 858-541-1919 to charge by phone At our booth during the 28th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest and receive a FREE CD/DVD See page 13 for details DixonAntonioPhoto: I want Smooth Jazz News delivered to my mailbox (seven issues per year)Yes! Complete this form, and send it with a check or money order for $25* (or use the credit card option) to Smooth Jazz News, 5519 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #134, San Diego, CA 92117. Home delivery is available to U.S. addresses only. *Price effective through March 31, 2018 CityAddressName State ZIP Phone Email Credit card option (MasterCard, Visa and American Express only) Card no. CVC Exp. date Exact name on card Billing Signatureaddress 2018FEBRUARY/MARCH
There have been a lot of delays in some of your plans. Don’t let that get you down; it’s all part of the plan. You may have to work a little harder to get where you want to be, but it will be worth it for you and your family.
Try to pay attention to your health. You’ve been getting a bit lax about your eating habits. It’s time to actually look at what you are eating and make sure it is all real food. Drink some more water, and you’ll be on the right track.
Aries March 21 - April 19
It’s time to come up with your financial plan for the coming months. Your finances have been a bit of a mess, and now is the time to develop a plan that will make things easier for you. Depend upon the assistance of someone close to you.
Nicks did have a severe drug problem, which put her out of commission for a while. She abused all of the popular tour drugs at the time, which was bad enough. But after seeing a doctor, she was prescribed Klonopin, a medication within the benzodiazepine class of drugs, which she used between the ages of 39 and 45. She has admitted many times that was the worst period of her life. As part of Fleetwood Mac, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. The 69-year-old Los Angeles resident continues to perform (sometimes appearing on television), work and write as a self-described old woman of rock ’n’ roll.
Gemini May 21 - June 21
Fleetwood Mac was a British band that had some success. After relocating to America, they went looking for new band members. They were interested in a new guitarist, Lindsey Buckingham. At the time, Buckingham was working and recording with his girlfriend Nicks, and still wanted to work with her. The band decided to take them both and found that Nicks was a budding songwriter as well. Nicks emerged as the star of the band, and the fact that her songs became some of the most popular tunes the band recorded and performed caused strife with Buckingham.
Aquarius Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 Hmm, dreaming of hitting the road? Typical Aquarius, with happy feet raring to go. Before you head off for parts unknown, make a plan this time, and let others know about it. Simply disappearing will not serve you well.
Pisces Feb. 19 - March 20
”
Now is a good time to pull yourself away from all the duties and responsibilities you have given yourself. It’s not up to you to do all the work. Sharing in the job that benefits all is only fair. Give up the mantle, and let others help you.
Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 Please take some time for yourself now. Work and personal chores have been crowding out all other occupations for quite a while. You need to take a breath, and give yourself a break. There’s no way you can continue if you do not.
By Stephen Davis St. Martin’s Press | 352 pages, $27.99
FEBRUARY | MARCH 2018
CASHMIRA’SSTARGUIDE
Taurus April 20 - May 20
The new Fleetwood Mac released their self-titled album, which was a success with songs written by Christine McVie, Buckingham and Nicks. Their second record, Rumors, was an even bigger hit. However, the band was almost at odds with each other. Romantic entanglements and Buckingham’s antipathy to Nicks led to high drama.
Cancer June 22 - July 22
Sagittarius Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 You don’t have to work harder than everyone else. A little light flirtation now will remind you of the delightful side of life. Enjoy some time inside that little bubble before you head back to the salt mines.
Nicks was anxious to record more of her own songs and wanted to do them without the band. She was known to constantly make notes and drawings in her journals, many of which ended up as songs. She also was a huge fan of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, even approaching Petty to work with him. That didn’t happen at the time, but they later became friends and worked with each other often. The song they did together, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” was one of their biggest hits, and she toured with the Heartbreakers on their 30th Anniversary “Highway Companion” tour in 2006. After Nicks’ first solo album, Bella Donna, was released, her success as an individual artist became established. She continued to release solo albums and recorded with Fleetwood Mac every couple of years, which included some fractious tours. Nicks’ trademark personal style, which originally featured flowy dresses and capes, boots and her famous top hat, added flair to her fame. Some of her current ensembles, which now include a group of famous shawls, have their own Facebook pages.
Rock journalist Stephen Davis has more than enough material for this unauthorized biography, considering that his subject, Stevie Nicks, has a nearly 50-year career in the complicated world of rock ’n’ roll. Her careers with Fleetwood Mac and as a solo artist have been the stuff of rock legend.
It’s time to face that awkward conversation you’ve been meaning to have. It’s never fun to express negative feelings, but try to be truthful in the kindest way. You don’t want to hurt others, but this must be dealt with before things get out of hand.
Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 You’ve been having some minor spats with friends lately. It just seems like you can never agree exactly. Give it up, and stop trying to change each other’s minds. Just go your way and let others go their’s. It’s not worth fighting about. Libra Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 Life has been going along fairly swimmingly for you … but HALT! Things are going to change. Responsibilities, duties and chores are all looming for you now. Grin and bear it; things just gotta get done!
“Gold Dust Woman: The Biography of Stevie Nicks
30 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS
Things have been going pretty seriously for you the past couple of months. Responsibilities have piled up and required all your attention. Take some time to experience the lighter side of life, and let the people near you help bring you smiles.
Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 19
OK, you feel like taking a little risk. Don’t let the naysayers bring you down. Forge ahead with your plans, but be aware of the potential pitfalls. It’s time to go for it and see what happens. What is life without taking a chance once in a while?
Reviewed by Darcy Peters
Leo July 23 - Aug. 22
Spend 10 jazz- and blues-filled days and nights in the Greater Reading area! Over 120 scheduled events, plus great shopping and dining, make the 28th annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest the perfect spring break for jazz lovers! For tickets, call Ticketmaster toll free at 1-800-745-3000 ticketmaster.com to order online. April 6-15, 2018 Reading, berksjazzfest.comPA BONEY JAMES BRIAN KIRKERICRICK&DAVID&LISAKIMNICKPIECESINCOGNITOBERNIECULBERTSONWILLIAMSWITHMAYSAOFADREAMCOLIONNEWATERSFISCHERGRANDBATONBENOITMARKANTOINEBRAUN&DAVEKOZMARIENTHALWHALUM REMEMBERING CHUCK LOEB GERALD EPKTAKEPIECESJEFFEVERETTEALBRIGHTHARPLORBEROFADREAM6 featuring EUGE GROOVE, KEIKO MATSUI, PETER WHITE DEE DEE BRIDGEWATER MACEO PARKER VICTOR WOOTEN ELAN TROTMAN KIM SLAMWATERSALLEN BAND and many more! Tickets on sale now! Spring Break for Jazz Lovers!
