June-July 2023

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS

WITH SPECIAL GUESTS CANDY DULFER & ERIC DARIUS

Special Guest Maysa Special Guest Maysa on limited engagements on limited engagements

G E T T I C K E T S A T G E T T I C K E T S A T

D a v e K o z . c o m D a v e K o z . c o m

F r i J u n 3 0 - J a c k s o n v i l l e F L

S a t J u l 1 - C l e a r w a t e r F L

S u n J u l 2 - O r l a n d o F L

S a t J u l 8 - N a p a C A

S u n J u l 9 - N a p a C A

F r i J u l 1 4 - S a n d y S p r i n g s G A

S a t J u l 1 5 - K a n s a s C i t y M O

S u n J u l 1 6 - W i n t e r P a r k C O ( w i t h M a y s a )

F r i J u l 2 1 - F l a g s t a f f A Z

S a t J u l 2 2 - L a s V e g a s N V

T h u r A u g 1 0 - N e w Y o r k N Y ( w i t h M a y s a )

F r i A u g 1 1 - B e t h s a l e m P A ( w i t h M a y s a )

S a t A u g 1 2 - D a y t o n O H

S a t A u g 1 9 - N o r f o l k V A ( w i t h M a y s a )

S u n A u g 2 0 - A l e x a n d r i a V A ( w i t h M a y s a )

F r i A u g 2 5 - D a l l a s T X ( w i t h M a y s a )

S a t A u g 2 6 - H o u s t o n T X ( w i t h M a y s a )

S u n A u g 2 7 - L o s A n g e l e s C A ( w i t h M a y s a )

S a t S e p t 2 - H i g h P o i n t N C ( w i t h M a y s a )

S u n S e p t 3 - C h a r l e s t o n S C ( w i t h M a y s a )

F r i S e p t 8 - S a r a t o g a C A

S a t S e p t 9 - R o c k l i n C A

F r i S e p t 1 5 - N e w p o r t B e a c h C A

S a t S e p t 1 6 - S a n t a B a r b a r a C A

F r i S e p t 2 2 - S a n D i e g o C A

S a t S e p t 2 3 - T e m e c u l a C A

S u n S e p t 2 4 - T e m e c u l a C A

Publisher and Managing Editor

Melanie Maxwell

Operations & Distribution Manager

Craig Collier

Contributors

Ken Capobianco Cashmira

Darcy Peters

Copy Editors

JoAnn Armke

Paula Fitzgerald

Barbara Knox

Brad Sondak

Graphic Design

Charlotte Proud

Contributing Photographers

Cover photo of Rebecca Jade by Noble Ambience Photography

Ron Azevedo

Pat Benter

Xavier Duah Ellis Moore Photography

Cooper Hardwick

David Hopley

Caesar Lima

Patrick McKenzie

Raj Naik

Bobby Quillard

Jenna Selby

Lori Stoll

Darnell Wade

Kristy Walker

Smooth Jazz News

5519 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #134 San Diego, CA 92117 858-541-1919

smoothjazznews@aol.com www.smoothjazznews.com

CONTENTS

We

10

Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway 10th Anniversary moves to a new venue, Grand Reserve at The Meritage. To find out more about this, and other events happening in June and July, check out our calendar section, beginning on page 24.

16 Rebecca Jade

Shades of R&B, pop and funk infuse her powerful vocals

19 DISCover New Music

Create your soundtrack for a smooth jazz summer with these new tunes

20 Michael Franks

The splendidly idiosyncratic, whimsical singer returns to his hometown to perform at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival

24 Calendar of smooth jazz events Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide

33 Smooth Jazz News merchandise

Get festival-ready with our concert clothing. Receive a free gift when you purchase on-site at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, June 24-25

34 Annual Jazz Concert Series Guide

Crack out your calendar and plan to fill your summery days and nights with music, immersed with scenic, cultural and culinary delights

(Photo by Daniel Ray)

Braxton Brothers, Eric Darius, Bob James, Rebecca Jade, Kilauea, Kayla Waters, Rob Tardik, The Jazz Holdouts, Lemek & Quintin Gerard W., Ronnie Laws, Craig Chaquico, Dotsero and more!

Chris Walker’s Musical Tribute to Al Jarreau with Regina Belle, Bobby Lyle & Eric Marienthal

BONEY JAMES SERGIO MENDES GERALD ALBRIGHT

JESSE COOK MINDI ABAIR KEIKO MATSUI

Forget the rumors about Euge Groove. Here’s the scoop from the man himself.

After receiving several inquiries from our readers, and having some inside knowledge that the gossip I was hearing was false, I picked up the phone and called Euge. I asked him if he could tell me in his own words what’s been happening with him.

The popular saxophonist, who, before launching his solo career in 2000, toured with Tower of Power, Joe Cocker and other superstar acts, has been noticeably absent from the concert and festival circuit. But when he canceled his appearance at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, his fans really began to worry. In response to their concern, he posted this statement to his Facebook page on March 9: “Hello y’all. There has been a lot of speculation and concern about me recently. And rightly so. I have canceled dates for a year to get my sh** together. Steven EUGEne GROoVE is taking a sabbatical from being Euge Groove to re-invent, re-imagine and come up with a better 2.0 version.

I’ll be back in the fall with a new album (coming this summer. And it’s killing if I do say so myself), new show and new breath of fresh air. It’s long overdue. In the meantime, please don’t forget about me. I’m very excited for this next chapter of health, happiness and expanded creativity. Join me won’t you!”

Still, the rumor mill churned out inaccurate speculation about Steven Eugene Grove, who received the moniker “Euge Groove” decades ago when he joined Tina Turner’s band for her 50th anniversary tour.

“Do they know what a sabbatical is?” he asked jokingly. He then explained that he’s been experiencing severe anxiety. It got so bad, that during a show at Yoshi’s in Oakland, California, he had to leave the stage early. That was Sept. 4, 2022, his last live performance. During our conversation, he was upbeat, talkative and ecstatic about the new record, which is scheduled for release in August. He even sent me a sample of one of the songs, which was on fire! He also expressed how much fun and pleasure he’s having creating music.

The 60-year-old has been busy, happily immersed on his own record and producing other artists’ projects from his home studio, where he doesn’t experience any symptoms. However, each time he’d start driving to a gig, or a car service would arrive to take him to the airport, his anxiety would activate. He is receiving treatment for this disorder, which, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, affects an estimated 31 percent of adults in the United States at some time in their lives.

Looking back at a feature we published on Euge in April 2010, he mentioned how when the Turner tour was stretching into 2009, it began to wear on him, and he began writing songs for his sixth solo record, Sunday

Many of you have asked, “What’s up with Euge Groove?”

Photo by Caesar Lima

Morning. During that interview, he said: “I wrote most of it on the road with Tina when I was really quite homesick. A lot of my emotion got into the songs when I wrote them. Some of it can be melancholy and some of it upbeat and funky, which is the mood I needed at that time to kind of pull through it all.”

I sent Euge a copy of that article. “That’s truly when the anxiety started,” he said. “I had it under control I think until COVID. This is album 13 by the way. Where does the time go?”

He endured all those decades of long plane trips, early-morning lobby calls, buses and lost luggage, but now, the escalating rigors and perils of air travel and flight cancellations make traveling even more grueling.

Still, Euge is optimistic that he’ll be back on the road this fall. And, he had this message for his fans, for whom he truly misses performing: “My physical health is great. In a nutshell, my mind never recovered from COVID. Instead of just ‘getting through’ shows, I decided to work on mind, body and spirit. Come back 100 percent.

To be honest, it’s not like I checked out of the scene altogether. I’ve been in my ‘happy place,’ my studio, quite busy. My new album, which I feel is quite new and fresh, just got finished. I produced and mixed Jazmin Ghent’s last album. Mixed Brian Simpson’s last album. Mastered Lindsey Webster’s, Norman Brown’s, Rick Braun’s, Vincent Ingala’s, Larry Carlton and Paul Brown’s last projects. And worked with a bunch of up-and-coming artists as well. I look forward to

being back at live shows in full swing with the energy people have come to expect from me by the fall.

Thank you for the understandable concern. I hope this clears things up.”

I hope to attend a live Euge Groove concert in the future, but until then, I’m looking forward to hearing his new CD and feeling the vibe that his signature sound always evokes.

To stay informed on Euge, visit his website, www.eugegroove.com, and social media platforms.

“My physical health is great. In a nutshell, my mind never recovered from COVID. Instead of just ‘getting through’ shows, I decided to work on mind, body and spirit. Come back 100 percent.”

THE SAN DIEG0

SMOOTH JAZZ

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • JUNE 24–25

By Melanie Maxwell

And why wouldn’t it be? The centerpiece of the 3.7-acre Jacobs Park, located behind the San Diego Convention Center and perched on the edge of San Diego Bay, offers everything a dream venue could: A scenic setting on the Embarcadero with cool breezes and panoramic views of the harbor and downtown skyline;

a spacious stage, reminiscent of Australia’s Sydney Opera House, that is technologically and acoustically advanced; three large LED displays—two IMAG side screens and a media/LED wall behind the performers—project stage activity and programmed images; state-ofthe-art sound and lighting systems elevate the experience; the stagefront table sections include food and beverage service; behind that, a mix of terraced stadium-style and lawn seating offers unobstructed views of the stage; plus, there are plenty of permanent restrooms.

“We received quite a few compliments,” said Kimberly Benoit, the festival’s producer and owner of Rainbow Promotions. “They expressed how beautiful the venue was, the overall production, great sound, lighting, videos. Everything was first class.”

First class is precisely what the San Diego Symphony had in mind when they conceived the vision of their first permanent outdoor summer-season venue. The symphony, a nonprofit organization, partnered with the Unified Port of San Diego to develop The Rady

When last year’s San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival was held for the first time at The Rady Shell, the feedback from attendees was immediate … unanimously glowing, enthusiastic praise.

Left: Eric Darius, festival host Scheduled to perform on June 24 (Photo by Patrick McKenzie)

The Rady Shell

(Photo by Jenna Selby)

Shell, and the encompassing Jacobs Park, which opened in 2021. The venue operates as a public park year-round and is also available for rental on non-symphony dates.

The $85 million, five-year-long project, led by the symphony and various business and government leaders, was almost entirely funded by private donations. Ernest and Evelyn Rady contributed more than $15 million. Irwin and Joan Jacobs gave $11 million. Even smooth jazz mega-donors/fans Marilyn James and her husband, Richard Phetteplace, wrote a check for this landmark development. In appreciation, the symphony dedicated a bench on the north walkway of Jacobs Park illuminating the couple’s name.

“Rick and I have been major supporters of the San Diego Symphony since we moved downtown over a decade ago,” James said. “In 2021, when we attended the grand opening of the new Rady Shell, it occurred to us that it would be a great place to hold the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival. It seemed to have all the artist and guest features desired of a music festival locale.”

She immediately contacted Benoit and suggested she tour the new outdoor development and consider moving their San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival there, just a short swim away from their previous site at Embarcadero Marina Park North behind Seaport Village. If you cast a fishing line from behind The Rady Shell, the hook would hit the rocky edge of the previous venue, where Benoit had to build everything from scratch for each San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, including stage, fencing, seating and VIP section. She also had to hire security guards, ticket-takers, catering, custodial workers, staff and setup and teardown crews; rent hospitality tents, tables, chairs, décor, portable restrooms and trailers for artists’ dressing rooms, etc.

However, when renting The Rady Shell—which also features prime back-of-house accommodations such as private dressing rooms, green room, reception space, restrooms, medical office, multiple kitchens, catering and more—the symphony’s leasing department takes those burdens off organizers by handling nearly all of the details.

“We didn’t have to do all of the legwork we usually do when we go into a venue,” said Benoit, who also produces the Long Beach Jazz Festival, among others. “We needed less staff and didn’t have to use any volunteers because they have their own frontof-house staff, ticket-takers, ushers, people giving directions and handing out our lineup, etc.

They are in charge of when the gates open

continued on page 12

“I want fans to be immersed in the atmosphere of the Shell and leave the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival with a story to tell.”

— KIMBERLY BENOIT

Photo by Raj Naik

Photo by Lori Stoll

RnR: Rick Braun (left) and Richard Elliot (right) Scheduled to perform on June 24

Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp and Paul Jackson Jr. Scheduled to perform on June 25

(Photo by Bobby Quillard)

continued from page 11

“We brought our head of security to work with their security, and our own production people, video and camera crew who programmed the content for the screens,” she added.

Benoit said that The Rady Shell has such a comprehensive organization in place that she could handle any other needs with the assistance of her husband, Ozzie, their daughter Blaire, son Christen, and a few others.

The real challenge, however, is finding an available weekend date for the facility rental during the symphony’s summer concert series, which this year presents 31 shows from June 30 through Sept. 26. Benoit wanted to schedule the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival in July, but the symphony has first right of refusal on all dates during their busy summer months, and they occupy almost every weekend in July, August and September.

“We contract a mix of about 40 private events and ticketed concert rentals each year,” explained Victoria Andújar, director of venue rentals for the San Diego Symphony. “There are lots of dates still available between June and October, but most are weekdays at this point.”

With the new location, Benoit doesn’t have to worry about selling food vendor space, as all food and beverages are provided by a partnership with The Shell Provisions and their local partners. These on-site restaurants include Chef Richard Blais and Urban Kitchen, where table service is available to patrons sitting in the front sections; and the Prebys Plaza Dining Pavilion and Market features Urban Kitchen, Biga, Lola 55, and food carts Achilles Coffee Roasters, Kitchens for Good, Wicked Popcorn and Cali Cream. Guests place their orders at kiosks and pay with a credit card (no cash is exchanged), and they receive a text when it is ready for pickup. Both locations offer wine, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Outdoor table seating is available at the Dining Pavilion to enjoy food and drinks, or patrons can dine back at their seats. Menus are online at www.theshell.org/plan-your-visit/dinner. (Please note that no outside food or beverages are allowed.)

Even though festival favorite staples of fried fish vendors, lemonade stands or funnel cake booths won’t be part of the Rady scene, there will be various art, jewelry and clothing vendors. Plus, Smooth Jazz News will have a booth there, too.

According to Andújar, specialty food and beverage items may be available in the future. “Last year we worked with Rainbow Promotions to develop some special offerings exclusively for the festival, which we expect to do again this year, but we just haven’t gotten there yet.” Benoit said she plans to work with catering to expand their menus to include those items favored by her clientele’s palate, such as fried chicken and catfish.

In addition to the scenic and culinary delights offered, the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, hosted by saxophonist Eric Darius, has an exciting lineup. Homegrown vocalists Michael Franks and Rebecca Jade, festival favorites RnR (Rick Braun and Richard Elliot), keyboardist extraordinaire Keiko Matsui, violin sensation Damien Escobar, and soul-funk legends Average White Band, among others, are on the bill.

After their sets, artists are invited to sell their CDs and sign autographs for fans. Festival merchandise will also be available for purchase as mementos of the fun and pleasure they’ll surely have at the 5th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival in its new home, which Forbes magazine declared “one of the country’s coolest concert venues,” while noting that it’s “surrounded on all sides by water” and “showcases stunning scenery and coastal charm.”

“I want fans to be immersed in the atmosphere of the Shell and leave the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival with a story to tell,” Benoit said, adding, “A memorable and great experience for all at this beautiful venue on the bay, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.”

No doubt it will be!

In addition to the scenic and culinary delights offered, the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, hosted by saxophonist Eric Darius, has an exciting lineup.

Keiko Matsui

Scheduled to perform on June 25

(Photo by Raj Naik)

Michael Franks Scheduled to perform on June 24

WHEN June 24-25

WHERE The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, California

GETTING THERE

Flights are available into the San Diego International Airport (SAN), approximately 4 miles from the venue.

STAYING THERE

There are a variety of hotels located along the waterfront and throughout downtown San Diego. A host hotel may be announced soon.

PARKING

Parking is available at the San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Dr., for a fee. Visit www.theshell.org/plan-your-visit/ getting-here for details.

TICKETS AND INFORMATION

Visit www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com or call 619-235-0804.

LINEUP

Saturday, June 24 (gates open at 2:45 p.m., music starts at 3:30 p.m.):

• Ray Fuller and Friends......................................................

• Michael Lington.................................................................

• RnR with Rick Braun and Richard Elliot........................

• Michael Franks...................................................................

• Eric Darius featuring Rebecca Jade.................................

Sunday, June 25 (gates open at 2:45 p.m., music starts at 3:30 p.m.):

• Phil Denny..................................................................................

• Keiko Matsui..............................................................................

• Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber,

p.m.

(Photo by Xavier Duah)

Photo

CASHMIRA’S STARGUIDE

Gemini May 21 - June 21

A chance for substantial change is coming. This will affect you and the whole family in a positive way. But don’t waste time trying to make a choice; there is a possibility that the opportunity will fade. Step up now!

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Those close to you would like to see you open up a bit more. Try leaving that dark corner during a party and actually socialize. You can enjoy yourself more than you think. Whenever you feel a bit tentative, just aim for a friendly face, and you can take it from there.

Leo July 23 - Aug. 22

You’re starting a new project with a friend, and you’ve been given a lot of grief about doing this. Others feel it is dangerous to work with friends and combine finances because money can be divisive. Be cautious.

Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

It is time to get over holding a grudge about a failed monetary adventure. There is no point in going over and over what happened. It’s time to move on and use a positive attitude to make new choices. Make the most of your new opportunities.

Libra Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

You’ve been a little confused lately. Trying to figure out which path to take is becoming overwhelming and a downright headache. Take a step back, and just breathe for a bit. Then make your decision, and stick with it. You can be successful.

Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

So much has been happening lately. Several dramatic changes have hit you, but you have managed to move forward and help take care of others. Enjoy the getaway you have planned, and take advantage of some peace and quiet.

Sagittarius Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Some unexpected news might affect your normal routine soon. But never fear; you will still be able to fulfill your obligations because you are a professional. At this point in your career, you can handle just about anything.

Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Wow! It seems all your time lately is taken up with personal commitments. Don’t forget that you still have a paycheck to earn, so be a little more cautious with your time, and prioritize appropriately. Be smart with your days.

Aquarius Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

You’ve been feeling anxious lately. Everyone has advice, and maybe too much advice to give you. It’s time to make up your own mind, and stick with it. That anxiety might just melt away and let you enjoy yourself.

Pisces Feb. 19 - March 20

Finances can worry you, but there is a way out. Pay some attention to everything going out and coming in. Sometimes it’s just that simple. You will have no problem figuring it out once you truly focus and lose the tension.

Aries March 21 - April 19

Procrastination can be a part of your life, but the truth is you need to step it up and attack. The best way to challenge yourself might be to create a plan to get things accomplished. You may have forgotten how great it can feel to finish tasks in a timely manner.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

You have an idea for a special gift for someone close to you, but don’t get too carried away. There is a time and place for your brand of humor. A better plan is to pay close attention to that person, and figure out something that would please them.

BOOK REVIEW

“Dangerous Rhythms: Jazz and the Underworld”

By T. J. English

William Morrow•2022•448 pages•$29.99

Reviewed by Darcy Peters

The relationship between the criminal underworld and jazz has a long history vividly described in this book. The author gives an extremely well researched and fascinating historical journey through an often-murky association, which also includes politics and racism. T. J. English has published several other books about American crime, and this book is a great addition.

New Orleans, Louisiana, has long been thought of as the birthplace of jazz. The bawdy houses often played music to increase the overall experience. The often-opulent bordellos in Storyville offered some of the new music that became the beginnings of what we know as jazz. These establishments were mostly owned by white men and protected by criminals.

English traces the music to the next wild and woolly town, Kansas City, Kansas. The 1920s-era Prohibition proved that folks not only wanted to still drink but also desired to do so socially with music. Despite its illegality, local politicians and criminals owned the most popular establishments.

In Chicago, Illinois, jazz clubs were often owned by criminal elements, including Al Capone. Many of the gangsters of the day frequented the clubs they owned, and the musicians learned to keep quiet about anything they overheard. The bootlegging business could get mighty rough.

“The popularity of the hip flask turned out to be an example of how the lingo of the Prohibition era became the lingo of jazz,” English writes. “Among patrons in a club, if a person asked, ‘Are you hip?’ they were asking if the person was carrying booze on them. To be hip meant that you were in the know. And to be a hipster usually meant that you were a lover of jazz.”

Bootleggers often had problems with their shipments, and many of them began to smuggle dope, which was much more manageable. The gangs used the nightclub scene as a place to sell their drugs, and the musicians were definitely targeted.

The Cotton Club in Harlem, New York, was partially owned by gangsters, and, for a time, was the pinnacle for cabaret entertainment. English explains, “For a black entertainer to be employed at the Cotton Club, whether local Harlemite or young showgirl or jazzman from the hinterlands, was akin to being signed by the New York Yankees.” Popular clubs like the Copacabana moved the club scene to Manhattan, New York, where big bands played, and the crooners took center stage.

English writes of Frank Sinatra’s connections to the underworld, even though Sinatra publicly denied any relationships. Las Vegas, Nevada, was originally an unlikely spot for the citified gangster to set down roots, but there was money to be made for the various gangs. Sinatra’s residences in Vegas helped resurrect his lagging career.

The number of jazz clubs decreased in New York. When the mob owned and operated the clubs, they didn’t necessarily have to turn a profit since some of the clubs existed as a front or tax dodge for their underworld owners. English starts his story with this bon mot, “‘It’s got guts and it don’t make you slobber.’ A Chicago gangster explaining his love for jazz.”

Rebecca Jade

By Ken Capobianco

It’s taken time

but singer-songwriter

Rebecca Jade is getting traction as a solo artist in the music industry, thanks to the smooth jazz community, which has embraced the soulful musician whose work is deeply rooted in R&B.

After touring extensively as part of Sheila E.’s band and opening for numerous other headline artists, the San Diego, California, native released her second solo record, A Shade of Jade, last year to positive notices, and she’s appeared more frequently at jazz clubs and smooth jazz festivals throughout the country.

It’s all part of her plan to establish herself as a solo artist who can cross genres and find mainstream success. A confident, engaging collection of R&B, pop and funk, A Shade of Jade showcases her songwriting prowess and powerful vocals, which have caught the ear of an array of smooth jazz artists such as Dave Koz, Eric Darius and DW3, all of whom have collaborated with her.

The album demonstrates her versatility and refusal to be pigeonholed into a specific musical category.

“I came up singing a lot of different genres and wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to focus on with the record to be my sound,” said the vocalist whose debut album, The Jade Element, came out in 2011. “This was about discovery for me. I guess it ended up being more of an R&B album/neo-soul vibe mixed with jazz and rock peeking through. I called it Shade of Jade to leave open what the next album might sound like. This is just one shade. What comes after might be different. Who knows what direction it will go.”

While most of her work has been centered around the R&B and soul world, Jade has found a home in the smooth jazz community over the past few years. She has performed on Koz’s cruises and been featured on Darius’ tours while appearing at smooth jazz festivals. She’s scheduled to perform at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival on June 24.

Jade said that her fortuitous break came through her connection with Koz, who invited her to perform on his cruises.

“I was introduced to the smooth jazz community through Dave Koz’s cruises, which I’ve been a part of since 2016,” she explained. “I was brought in to be a key part of the party band. I was introduced to him by mutual friends, and he was wonderful.”

She was enthusiastic about smooth jazz audiences, which have fully embraced the R&B singer. “I found out the smooth jazz community is so supportive. They appreciate the music, and I think they genuinely like the people, the artists.

“My takeaway is they support us as people by buying the music and develop a healthy attachment to the musicians. From Dave’s cruises, I started meeting everybody, and then toured with Sheila E. for a number of years. From there, I met Eric Darius. I met him and his wife, Lynne, on Sheila’s tour we had mutual friends, and I started touring with him in 2019.”

She said that while her music doesn’t quite fit within the traditional smooth jazz boundaries and skews more toward pop and soul, good music is good music no matter what it’s labeled, and she’s pleased to find such a receptive audience.

“It’s been this wonderful progression of meeting like-minded musicians. A lot of that feel-good energy comes through in the music. There’s a place where soul and R&B cross over with smooth jazz, and that’s where the two worlds collide. You can think of

Photo by Kristy Walker

someone like Maysa, who is definitely an R&B singer and has been embraced in smooth jazz, so it works.”

Jade has the music in her, as Kiki Dee might have said. She comes from a family with a rich musical tradition, and singing was instilled in her at a very young age. She had a head start as music filled her household, and her family served as crucial role models.

“My mom is a singer, so I grew up around music and listening to her. She sang in the choir in church, but she also sang professionally,” Jade said with pride in her voice. “She sang with her father and brother when growing up, so it’s generational. My grandfather was known as the Lonesome Lonely Traveler. It was more folk and gospel. That’s what they all played.

“When I was 3 years old, we moved to Puerto Rico, so my mom would work a full-time job and play gigs on weekends. That’s what I knew growing up. She exposed me to a lot of music from a very young age.”

Jade quickly discovered the riches found in every musical genre. At home, she had a music school away from school and found the magic of song in the grooves of her mother’s music collection.

“She was a big fan of Three Dog Night, like rock-soul, and then, of course, she loved Patti LaBelle and Stevie Wonder,” Jade reminisced. “I discovered jazz greats like Billie Holiday, who was my favorite singer. Later, I found classical music—my favorite movie was ‘Amadeus.’

“But I learned everything about music and harmonies from my mom. Since I grew up in it, I didn’t know everyone else wasn’t musical or singing. Who knew?” she laughed.

As her career takes hold, Jade continues to develop as a songwriter and performer. She attributes part of her growth to what she’s gleaned from the many artists she’s collaborated with.

“I am a student of music and always observing other musicians I work with in order to get better. I watch how people react to something Sheila or Eric [Darius] does. I love how Dave [Koz] talks to people. Sheila and Eric always give out so much energy, and I try to match that. When I do my thing, I do me, though. I’ve evolved as a performer from watching and absorbing what the people I work with do.”

When she’s not making music, Jade is an avid basketball fan and motorcyclist. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, on a full basketball scholarship and earned a degree in theater and performance studies. While she plays basketball intermittently these days and tries to keep up with college and pro basketball despite her hectic schedule, the singer feels that the lessons she learned on the court during her college days translate to working in a band.

continued on page 18

Jade has the music in her ... She comes from a family with a rich musical tradition, and singing was instilled in her at a very young age.

Photo by K.C. Alfred Photography

continued from page 17

“Sports applies to so many aspects of life. Working together, teamwork, trying to reach a goal in life and that no-quit attitude. Seeing things through to the end—sports give you a different perspective and help you see things that people who don’t play might not understand. That definitely spills over to working in a band and with other musicians.”

Jade, who recently celebrated her 18th wedding anniversary with her husband, Rico, enjoys riding motorcycles, but she’s a prudent rider—the need for speed is not what pulls her in.

“I have two motorcycles—one’s a Harley, and one’s a street bike,” she said. “I like to ride, but I don’t like being cold, so I ride in the summertime. It’s a fun thing that’s different than anything else. I have that sense of adventure, I guess, but I’m a safe rider. Safety is a priority.”

She has been flexing her musical theater chops in San Diego as part of the company in the musical “Respect” at the Lamb’s Players

Theatre in Coronado, California. Her run in the show ended in April because of her other commitments, but she explained that she had a wonderful experience singing the songs of some of her favorite vocalists.

“The show is based on singers and songwriters from the 1960s, like Aretha [Franklin], Gladys Knight, The Shirelles, The Supremes, Janis Joplin and Carole King. They all are such great artists. It’s a six-women ensemble, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”

Jade has many ideas for future records and is considering a more funk-soul vibe in the vein of Chaka Khan for her next effort, but she’s keeping her options open and gauging which way her career goes.

Whatever she experiences, Jade knows the one direction she is headed is forward.

“I just keep pushing … no matter what the situation is. You can always work on something and move ahead,” she emphasized. “That’s a big part of my mentality.

“This can be a tough industry, and I have a saying that keeps me going. It’s a quote by Thomas Edison: ‘Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they came to success when they gave up.’ That to me reinforces that I need to keep going.

“If you are not feeling it or if you are out of sorts or uncomfortable, do it anyway. I think that also comes from the sports mentality. In life, you are going to be down, but it doesn’t last, and you have to keep pushing on.”

For more information on Jade, including her tour schedule, visit https://rebeccajade.com.

ON TOUR

JUNE 10

Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway 10th Anniversary Grand Reserve at The Meritage Napa, California www.jazzgetaway.com

JUNE 24-25

The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park San Diego, California www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com

JULY 15

Lake Arbor Jazz Festival Lake Arbor Community Center Mitchellville, Maryland www.lakearborjazz.com

JULY 29

Marcus Anderson’s Jazz AND Coffee Escape

North Carolina Central University

Student Center and Event Hall

Durham, North Carolina

www.MAJACE.net

OCT. 21

Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival

Catalina Casino Ballroom

Avalon, California www.jazztrax.com

NOV. 1-5

Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival

Protur Biomar Sensatori Resort

Sa Coma, Mallorca, Spain

www.mallorca.smoothjazzfestival.de

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

Dave Koz & Friends 2023 Christmas Tour

Dates, venues and lineup to be announced www.davekoz.com

“I found out the smooth jazz community is so supportive. They appreciate the music, and I think they genuinely like the people, the artists.”

Photo by Kristy Walker

ARTHUR THOMPSON

•

“SMILE”(SINGLE)

(Arthurized Productions)

Arthur Thompson, drummer for the late Wayman Tisdale, has released a new single, “Smile.” The Tulsa, Oklahoma, native, who now resides in San Diego, California, said he wrote the lyrics to this song while walking through his neighborhood and talking on the phone to someone very special to him.

“I was expressing how I felt about her, and the lyrics were created,” he said. “The music came later in the shower. I ran, soaking wet, to my piano, towel wrapped around me, and picked out the chord structure. It took awhile between mistakes and mishaps with my towel to get enough recorded on my phone to complete ‘Smile.’ And, I’m honored to feature my dear friend Mindi Abair on this song.”

Thompson also created a video to accompany this release, both of which are available now, via his YouTube channel at https:// youtube.com/@arthurized64.

In addition to being a drummer, percussionist, singer, songwriter and producer, Thompson is a published author and humanitarian. Deeply moved by the realities that at-risk children face, as well as the reduction in music and arts education in schools, Thompson created the Math & Music© curriculum. This program has been taught in Oklahoma, Texas and California schools and to children in Uganda, Africa, and Nicaragua, as part of the Power of a Nickel medical global outreach. He has also published several children’s books, including the recently released “The Lion in the Mason Jar.”

AvAilAble At: All streaming platforms, including iTunes, https:// cdbaby.com and https://open.spotify.com

Website: www.arthurthompsondrums.com

PAUL JACKSON, JR.

•

KAT HAWLEY

• “KEEP ON, KEEPIN’ ON”

FEATURING STEVE COLE (SINGLE)

(MBF Entertainment)

Kat Hawley is a contemporary jazz vocalist from Los Angeles. Married to 12-time Billboard No. 1 guitarist and producer Adam Hawley, the couple has collaborated extensively on numerous projects. “Keep On, Keepin’ On,” featuring Steve Cole, marks her debut release, and it is a song about perseverance and overcoming obstacles.

AvAilAble At: All digital outlets Website: www.kathawley.com

ADRIAN “EGG” NORTON • JUST GROOVIN’

(Phaze II Publishing)

Just Groovin’ is the new release from Phaze II bassist and band leader Adrian “Egg” Norton. This project includes a musical mix of jazz, R&B, funk and gospel. The former musical director for Regina Belle features a few of his musical friends on his project, including Frank McComb, Matthew Whitaker, Kyle Turner, Buff Dillard, Eric Valentine, Karen Linette and a host of other great musicians.

AvAilAble At: iTunes, Bandcamp, https://hearnow.com, Amazon, Spotify

Website: www.adrianeggnorton.com

STOMPIN’ WILLIE PRESENTS MORE STORIES, PART 1

(M and P Music Factory, Inc.)

Stompin’Willie presents More Stories, Part 1, the new EP from legendary guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr., is out now. It includes the hit single “Love Like This.”

“Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp and I were playing at a festival and during sound check, I started playing the guitar part of ‘Love Like This’ by Faith Evans. Jeff said, ‘You need to record that song.’ And, so I did, and featured him on my version. Also featured is my daughter Lindsey on vocals,” Jackson explained. AvAilAble At: All digital music platforms and www.PaulJacksonJr.com Website: www.PaulJacksonJr.com

The storied influencer of generations of songwriters

By Ken Capobianco

ichael Franks fans haven’t heard new music from the beloved veteran singer-songwriter in a while. When he released his delightful The Music in My Head in 2018, face masks were strictly for doctors and superheroes, and Billie Eilish was too young to vote.

In the interim, Franks, a master miniaturist and jazz innovator, has quietly been living his best life and adjusting to the postpandemic world as he charts his next musical step. With 18 albums under his belt over a career spanning more than five decades, Franks’ legacy is secure, so there’s no real urgency for him to add a new chapter to his storied songbook.

“At this point in our lives, my wife, Claudia, and I are perilously close to being reclusive. And let’s just say, the last five years have been a bit disorienting, which has made it difficult for me to write,” the genial and refreshingly honest resident of Woodstock, New York, said recently via phone in an extended interview from his home.

“I wrote through the pandemic, but I found it pretty hard to finish anything. I realized I write from a happy place, and it was hard to be happy and imagine the people who have kept me employed all these years being happy either. Luckily, I’m at a place financially where I don’t have to worry. I tried to take care of the people I worked with because they weren’t doing anything, but it’s been an unusual time.”

Franks, who is scheduled to perform at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival on June 24, expects to put out new music next year, but he’s not under any pressure.

“When I started there were deadlines. Warner Brothers in the ’70s was like ‘OK, we need a record every year,’ and it pushed me. And then, in the ’80s, it became one every two years, and then they came slower and slower, and now just slow. I’m on my own schedule.”

He added that as he’s gotten older, his circle has gotten smaller, and life has become more solitary, inspiration for lyrics has been much more elusive.

The 2017 San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival at Embarcadero Marina Park North

(Photo by Pat Benter)

Photo byEllisMoorePhotography

“The frequency with which I write and record music should tell you that it’s difficult for me to find inspiration for lyrics,” he said with a big laugh.

Since his very first album, The Art of Tea (1976), Franks has found a way to creatively blend Brazilian and world musical influences with traditional jazz and classic pop songcraft for brilliantly conceived, finely observed music that has influenced generations of songwriters. He’s best known for his idiosyncratic, lyrical approach that picks up on the quotidian, often mundane details of life and the mysterious cues of romance. The self-taught musician has used his comparative literature degree from UCLA to slyly reference great literature in his complex, frequently whimsical, lyrics that are emotionally true, insightful and playful all at the same time.

“I never know where the songs come from,” he maintained. “I can be inspired by a wind chime. The title song from my last record, The Music in My Head, was really just descriptive of my house—the flora and fauna where I live. I have a very happy life. I’m in love with my wife so that makes it easy, and songs come from that.”

He added that his environs of Woodstock in upstate New York can be a source for a song. “It’s so beautiful and quiet. We moved here in 1979 and have lived in three different places, but the area has always been inspiring. Even in winter, which we haven’t had much of one this year—it’s hard to deny climate change, considering the lack of snow and cold—but it’s so great here in every season, and I’m so grateful. There’s wonder in everything. You can find it in the small things if you look hard enough.”

Franks, who will be heading back to his hometown for the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, said he rarely returns anymore except for shows. But he holds onto fond memories of his days long past gone.

“It’s amazing going back there because it’s so different now,” he said. “I lived in San Diego, [California], until I went to college at UCLA [1966], so that’s the last time I was actually there, other than to visit my aunts and grandmother.

“Now, I just have cousins there, and they are older than me. But the high school I went to—a Catholic boys high school—is not around anymore. It’s hard for me to find my way around because it’s so different and smaller. My family lived in La Jolla and Del Mar and Solana Beach, but what a great place to live,” Franks enthused.

“We were in different places because my father was a contractor and built homes on spec and often had a hard time selling them, continued on page 22

The self-taught musician has used his comparative literature degree from UCLA to slyly reference great literature in his complex, frequently whimsical, lyrics that are emotionally true, insightful and playful all at the same time.

Michael Franks performing in Dana Point, California, in 2003

(Photo by David Hopley)

continued from page 21

For decades, Franks and his wife have devoted their energies to various animal rescue efforts, which is an important component of their lives. They support Hearts United for Animals, PETA and their local ASPCA.

so we moved a lot. I got used to it. Throughout my career, I’ve always gotten great gigs there and love playing the jazz festival. It’s great and welcoming.”

At 78, Franks’ road-warrior days are in the rearview mirror, but he still plays festivals and select shows to reach his fans and keep the live music spirit alive in his heart.

“We have about 10 dates this year, and that’s just right for me. I, of course, used to go out on the road on the tour bus. It was a lot of fun, and I met so many great people. I used to UPS my clothes back home,” he laughed. “I’m definitely not in that place now and don’t really miss it.”

His live band will include stellar players, bassist Dave Egan and drummer Danny Gottlieb, both of whom played with Franks during the prime of his career.

“I met those guys back in ’76,” Franks reminisced. “My band was on a bill in Miami, [Florida], with Pat Metheny’s group—they were with Pat at the time. I’ve always liked them, and after Pat changed personnel in his band, I picked them up for mine, and we did a couple of tours of Europe and the States together. They are such great musicians, and we work well together.”

A substantial part of the singer-songwriter’s income over the years has come from hip-hop sampling. His music has been sampled by various artists for decades now, appearing in songs from Snoop Dogg, Murs, Little Brother, Faith Evans and Lecrae, among many other artists.

While Franks rarely listens to contemporary pop, he enjoys hearing how his music is integrated into other songs and meeting the musicians inspired by his work.

“I meet a lot of young African American musicians, and I can’t believe they listen to what I do, but they are so polite. The funny thing is they used to say their parents listened to me, but now they say their grandparents listen to my music,” he chuckled. “But the great thing is I have contact with all these inventive artists.”

He has begun work on a podcast in collaboration with jazz vocalist Veronica Nunn, who has been singing with Franks for many years. The nascent podcast will focus on the artist’s experiences in the music industry, and it will build on the in-progress memoir he hopes to complete.

“I’d been writing a kind of a memoir because I’ve met so many great players and musicians,” Franks explained. “I have a lot of stories from the road, and I thought I better write this stuff down before I forget it all. I started from the beginning and only got to 1977, so I don’t know how far I’ll get. The podcast with Veronica will explore a lot of those stories. The first one we’ve done so far is on working with Joe Sample. It’s enjoyable—we’ll see where we go from here.”

While Franks has cut back on his musical activities in recent years, he and his wife continue to devote their energies to various animal rescue efforts. This has quietly been an important component of his life for decades.

“My wife and I grew up in families where you adopt a pet from a shelter, and that was a nice history to have. I moved from LA to New York years ago, and we lived in Queens before moving here,” he said. “When I met her, she had two dogs and two cats. As those companions passed away, we wanted to get more dogs and cats, and my wife got involved with the local ASPCA [American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals].

“We also got involved with a shelter in Nebraska, of all places, that rescues dogs from puppy mills all over the country.

“They have a network of pilots. And, if you adopt a dog, the pilots will fly the dog to a place near you where you can pick the dog up. We’ve adopted two dogs from them in the past year and five or six overall. I donated all the royalties from my Christmas record to them. It’s called Hearts United for Animals [HUA.org]. We support the local ASPCA, and we were one of the first members of PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] years ago. It’s important for us.”

Looking back, Franks believes the most important advice he’d give a young musician would be basic. “You should have heroes and emulate the people you admire. I was born in 1944 and listened to a lot of big-band music from my parents. The most hip thing they had in their record collection was the Nat King Cole trio. I heard a lot of standards, which are still fabulous.

“There’s greatness in them, and the great songwriters really influenced me. I’m not sure the idea of emulating great artists applies anymore, though. I don’t know, but it seems a lot of young musicians just want to be stars and don’t focus on the art. I was lucky to do what I do and make a living. It still feels kind of miraculous.”

Franks is scheduled to perform at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival on June 24, at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Embarcadero Marina Park South, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, California. For tickets and information, visit www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com. For more information on Franks, visit www.michaelfranks.com.

Michael Franks with his rescue dog Peaches at home in Woodstock, New York. Franks and his wife currently share their home with two dogs and four cats.

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF

JAZZ COCKTAILS CUISINE

Our successes have been built with the help of so many of you in the jazz community who support us, as well as all the fabulous musicians that grace our stage every night.

Many of the artists who we work with have become dear friends over the years, so we cooked up something special to celebrate with them and to share with you— Spaghettini at Home, our new cookbook. Each chapter features a different musician with beautiful photos and recipes for their favorite dishes and cocktails, along with QR codes that lead to Spotify and Apple Music playlists of their music so you can recreate the Spaghettini experience at home.

It’s not your ordinary cookbook, but then again, jazz is not your ordinary music. Scan the QR Code to take a peek inside the book, and be sure to stop by Spaghettini. We love to make new friends.

Cheers!

The artists featured in our new cookbook are Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Rebecca Jade, DW3, Michael Lington, Eric Marienthal, Poncho Sanchez, Jonathan Butler, Terry Steele, Rick Braun and Richard Elliot. COOKBOOK IS AVAILABLE AT SPAGHETTINI.com

JUNE

1

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

2

Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam featuring Mindi Abair, Vanessa Williams, Boney James, 7pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida, www. rutheckerdhall.com/events/detail/ clearwater-smooth-jazz-jam, 727-791-7400, 800-875-8682

CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS

Jazz Ensemble, Mike Cameron & Cynthia Simmons, 6pm, Guthrie Green, 9524 E. 81st St., Suite B1561, Tulsa, Oklahoma, https:// internationaljazzfest.wordpress.com, 918-812-9902

3

Adrian “Egg” Norton with Phaze II, 2pm, Greeks at the Creek Wine Festival, Hennessy Creek, 13201 Martin Road, Brandywine, Maryland, www.hennessycreek.com

Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam featuring Jonathan Butler, David Sanborn & Marcus Miller, Brian Culbertson, 7pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth

Elan Trotman, 7pm, Spaghettini

Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

4

Gregg Karukas, 6:30pm, Spaghettini

Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Thornton Winery’s 35th Annual Champagne Jazz Series featuring Chris Botti, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www. thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

7 Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway 10th Anniversary Welcome Dinner & Jam Session, hosted by Brian Culbertson, featuring Eric Darius, Marcus Anderson, Kayla Waters, Marqueal Jordan & Patches Stewart, 7pm, Solera Courtyard, The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com (for VIP & Platinum patrons only)

Steve Oliver, Blake Aaron

Gregg Karukas, Adam Hawley, Saxtress Pamela Williams

Lao Tizer Allstars with Eric Marienthal, Chieli Minucci, Elliott Yamin

Michael Paulo with Special Guests

Brian Simpson, Jessy J

Steve Oliver, Blake Aaron

with special guest Michael Paulo

wine tasting & performances by Michael Lington & Kayla Waters, plus The World Famous Rick & Russ Show, 1:30pm, Solera Courtyard, The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com (for VIP, Platinum & Gold patrons only)

Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway 10th Anniversary featuring The Whispers, Eric Darius, DJs Rick & Russ with CJ Flash, doors open at 6pm, concert starts at 7pm, Grand Reserve at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

David Sanborn Jazz Quintet, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

9

Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway 10th Anniversary “Wine Down” featuring complimentary wine tasting & performances by Marcus Anderson & Nicholas Cole, plus The World Famous Rick & Russ Show, 1:30pm, Solera Courtyard, The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com (for VIP, Platinum & Gold patrons only)

Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway 10th Anniversary Friday Night Funk Night! featuring Culbertson with Marqueal Jordan & Marcus Anderson, Con Funk Shun, comedian Jammin Jay Lamont, DJs Rick & Russ with CJ Flash, doors open at 6pm, concert starts at 7pm, Grand Reserve at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com (sold-out)

Erin Stevenson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

David Sanborn Jazz Quintet, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Jazz Legacy Foundation Summer Jazz-2 featuring Cameo, Average White Band, The Original Lakeside,

7pm, Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St., Virginia Beach, Virginia, https://jazzlegacyfoundation. org, 757-737-2416

10

Live from La Costa featuring Michael Paulo, Brother Noland, Kimo Cornwell & special guest June Kuramoto, 7:30pm, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California, https://livefromlacosta.com

Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway 10th Anniversary “Wine Down” featuring complimentary wine tasting & performances by Jazmin Ghent & Althea Rene backed by DJs The World Famous Rick & Russ, 1:30pm, Solera Courtyard, The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com (for VIP, Platinum & Gold patrons only)

Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway 10th Anniversary AfterParty, 11pm, The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com (for VIP, Platinum & Gold patrons only)

Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway 10th Anniversary featuring Culbertson with special guest Noel Gourdin & many more, Pieces of a Dream, DJs Rick & Russ with CJ Flash, doors open at 6pm, concert starts at 7pm, Grand Reserve at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com (sold-out)

David Sanborn Jazz Quintet, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Thornton Winery’s 35th Annual Champagne Jazz Series featuring Boney James & Erin Stevenson, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099 (sold-out)

Jazz Legacy Foundation Summer Jazz-2 featuring Incognito with Maysa, Eric Benet, Norman Brown, Jeff Bradshaw & Eric Roberson, 6pm, Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St., Virginia Beach, Virginia, https:// jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416

continued on page 26

Sunday, June 4 Chris Botti

Saturday, June 10 Boney James

Sunday, June 18 Brian McKnight S a t u r d a y , J u l y 8 Gerald Albright & Jonathan Butler

Saturday, July 15

Peter White, Mindi Abair & Vincent Ingala

July 22 R i B ll & P l T l

S a t u r d a y , A u g u s t 5 Michael Lington & Howard Hewett

S a t u r d a y , A u g u s t 1 9 George Benson

Saturday, September 9 Rick Braun & Richard Elliot Saturday, September 23 Dave Koz Summer Horns Eric Darius & Candy Dulfer

0 Jeffrey Osborne

Saturday, September 24 Dave Koz Summer Horns Eric Darius & Candy Dulfer

Presented by Rainbow Promotions, LLC

5TH ANNUAL

continued from page 25

11

Ilya Serov, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

David Sanborn Jazz Quintet, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Jazz Legacy Foundation Summer Jazz-2 featuring Marcus Miller, Lalah Hathaway, Michael Lington & Paul Taylor, 3pm, Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St., Virginia Beach, Virginia, https:// jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416

15

HOSTED BY ERIC DARIUS

June 24-25, 2023

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

17

Live from La Costa featuring Brian Simpson & Jackiem Joyner, 7:30pm, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California, https://livefromlacosta.com

18

Justin Young, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

SUNDAY, JUNE 25

Thornton Winery’s 35th Annual Champagne Jazz Series featuring Brian McKnight 4, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www. thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

22

Spyro Gyra, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Williams, Kimo Cornwell & more TBA, doors open at 2pm, music starts at 3pm, Monteleone Meadows, 35245 Briggs Road, Murrieta, California, https:// temeculawineandmusicfestival.com, 951-696-0184

5th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, hosted by Eric Darius, featuring Darius & Rebecca Jade; Michael Franks; RnR with Rick Braun & Richard Elliot; Michael Lington; Ray Fuller & Friends, gates open at 2:45pm, music starts at 3:30pm, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, California, www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com, 619-235-0804

Chris Standring, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

25

5th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, hosted by Eric Darius, featuring AWB (Average White Band); Damien Escobar; Jazz Funk Soul with Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr.; Keiko Matsui; Phil Denny, gates open at 2:45pm, music starts at 3:30pm, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, California, www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com, 619-235-0804

26

Music Monday featuring Eric Marienthal & Michael Lington, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

29

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Acoustic Alchemy, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

TICKETS AND INFORMATION

562-424-0013

www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com

24

Temecula Wine & Music Festival featuring Michael Paulo, Paul Brown, Gregg Karukas, Frank McComb, Steve Oliver, Erin Stevenson, Kanzaki, Darryl

30

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with special guests Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 8pm, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Jacksonville, Florida, www.floridatheatre.com, 904-355-2787

Eric Darius featuring Rebecca Jade Michael Franks RnR featuring Richard Elliot & Rick Braun Michael Lington Ray Fuller and Friends

AWB Damien Escobar Jazz, Funk, Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp and Paul Jackson Jr.

Keiko Matsui Phil Denny

Photo Courtesy of the San Diego Symphony

DW3: A Tribute to the Legends of Music, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Acoustic Alchemy, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Adrian “Egg” Norton, 7pm, Mr. Henry’s, 601 Pennsylvania Ave. S.E., Washington, DC, www.mrhenrysdc.com, 202-546-8412

John E. Lawrence Summer Jazz Series featuring Jazz Funk Soul with Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr., 7pm, Ford Lake Park, 9075 S. Huron River Dr., Ypsilanti, Michigan, www.johnelawrencejazz.com, 734-635-5446

JULY

1

Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr., 8:30pm, Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, www.ludlowgaragecincinnati.com, 513-861-7625

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with special guests Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 7pm, The Sound, 255 Drew St., Clearwater, Florida, www.rutheckerdhall.com, 727-791-7400

Acoustic Alchemy, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

2

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with special guests Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 7:30pm, Steinmetz Hall, 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando, Florida, www.davekoz.com, 407-358-6603

Acoustic Alchemy, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

6

Acoustic Alchemy, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch

Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

8

Michael Franks, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545

Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom.com/ events/concerts-on-the-green/, 949-494-1145 (Free admission with purchase of Festival of Arts ticket. Limited seating in reserved section available for $60 per person.)

Blue Note Napa presents Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with special guests Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 5:30 & 8pm, Grand Reserve at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.davekoz.com

Thornton Winery’s 35th Annual Champagne Jazz Series featuring Gerald Albright & Jonathan Butler 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

9

Acoustic Alchemy, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500

Blue Note Napa presents Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with special guests Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 5:30 & 8pm, Grand Reserve at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.davekoz.com

12

13th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival VIP Unplugged Kickoff Reception featuring Mike Phillips & Phaze II, 6pm, Wellspring Manor & Spa, 11311 Drumsheugh Lane, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com

13

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring artist TBA, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom.com/events/art-jazzwine-chocolate, 949-494-1145

(Concerts are free with purchase of

continued on page 28

C O M E F O R T H E A R T

M U S I C Stay for the

C O N C E R T S O N T H E G R E E N

S a t u r d a y s a t 1 : 0 0 p m

Greg Adams & East Bay Soul

G r a c e K e l l y

M i c h a e l P a u l o

B r i a n B r o m b e r g

G r a n t G e i s s m a n

T o B e A n n o u n c e d

A R T , J A Z Z , W I N E & C H O C O L A T E

T h u r s d a y s a t 5 : 3 0 p m

T o B e A n n o u n c e d

R a y F u l l e r

S p e n c e r D a y

T o n y G u e r r e r o

F r i e n d s o f H u s s a i n

B i l l y V a l e n t i n e

W i n e & c h o c o l a t e t a s t i n g s $ 2 5

S e e t h e e n t i r e d a i l y m u s i c s c h e d u l e a n d l e a r n a b o u t r e s e r v e d s e a t i n g a t w w w . L a g u n a F e s t i v a l o f A r t s . o r g

n t s + m o r e

continued from page 27

Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate pairings—for those aged 21 & over—are an additional $25. Limited reserved seating is available for an additional $50.)

13th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival pre-festival concert featuring Najee, Frank McComb, Mo’Horns, Kevin Howard, doors open at 6pm, concert starts at 7pm, Center for Performing Arts, Prince George’s Community College, 301 Largo Road, Largo, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

14

13th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival Summer White Affair featuring Pieces of a Dream, Mike Phillips, Karen Linette, Marcus Mitchell, Marcus Young, Kevin Howard, doors open at 6pm, concert starts at 7pm; Summer White After-Party, 10pm, MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino, 101 MGM

National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with special guests Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 8pm, City Springs, Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, Georgia, www.davekoz.com, 770-206-2022

Erin Stevenson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

15

Live from La Costa featuring David Benoit with Spencer Day & special guest Michael Paulo, 7:30pm, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California, https://livefromlacosta.com/

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with special guests Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 7:30pm, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Muriel Kauffman Theatre, 1601 Broadway Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri, www.davekoz.com, 816-994-7222

Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Grace Kelly, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom.com/events/concertson-the-green/, 949-494-1145 (Free admission with purchase of Festival of Arts ticket. Limited seating in reserved section available for $60 per person.)

13th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival, hosted by Tony Richards, featuring WAR, The Blackbyrds, Jazmin Ghent, Kim Scott, Special Occasions with Adrian “Egg” Norton, Rebecca Jade, Uncut (featuring Marcus Anderson, Lin Rountree, Nathan Mitchell, Nicholas Cole & Julian Vaughn), gates open at noon, Lake Arbor Community Center, 10100 Lake Arbor Way, Mitchellville, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com

13th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival Meet & Greet: Cigars & Bourbon with Jeff Bradshaw, 10pm, MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino, TAP Sports Bar, 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com (free admission)

Patrick Lamb, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Thornton Winery’s 35th Annual Champagne Jazz Series featuring Peter White, Mindi Abair & Vincent Ingala, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

40th Annual Winter Park Jazz Festival featuring Jazz Funk Soul (Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr.), 11am, Rendezvous Event Center, 78821 US Hwy. 40, Winter Park, Colorado, www.playwinterpark.com/jazzfest, 970-726-4118

16

24th Annual Eric Marienthal & Friends Concert featuring Lee Ritenour & special guests, VIP event, live & silent auctions, dinner & dessert, 3:45pm; no-host bar, benefiting High Hopes Head Injury Program, 5pm, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree

Road, Newport Beach, California, www.highhopes.ws, 949-733-0044

13th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival All-Star Finale Jam, hosted by Art Sherrod Jr., featuring Jeff Bradshaw, Marcus Anderson, Marcus Mitchell, Nathan Mitchell, Lin Rountree, Kim Scott, Mike Phillips, Phaze II & more, doors open at 7pm, concert starts at 7:30pm, MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino, Grand Ballroom, 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com

40th Annual Winter Park Jazz Festival featuring Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with special guests Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius & Maysa; Leela James; Norman Brown; & Jazz in Pink, music from 11am6pm, Rendezvous Event Center, 78821 US Hwy. 40, Winter Park, Colorado, www.playwinterpark.com/ jazzfest, 970-726-4118

18

Greg Adams & East Bay Soul: CD-Release Celebration!, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

19

Greg Adams & East Bay Soul: CD-Release Celebration!, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

20

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Ray “The Weeper” Fuller, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom. com/events/art-jazz-winechocolate/, 949-494-1145 (Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate pairings—for those aged 21 & over— are an additional $25. Limited reserved seating is available for an additional $50.)

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Kirk Whalum, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

continued on page 30

continued from page 29

21

Dave Koz & Friends Summer

Horns with special guests Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 8pm, Pepsi Amphitheater, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop Road, Flagstaff, Arizona, www.davekoz.com, 480-656-9940

Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr., 7 & 9:30pm, The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, https://thejazzkitchen.com, 317-253-4900

Kirk Whalum, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

22

Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr., 7 & 9:30pm, The Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, https://thejazzkitchen.com, 317-253-4900

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with special guests Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 7:30pm, The Smith Center, Reynolds Hall, 361

Symphony Park Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada, www.davekoz.com, 702-749-2000

Darren Rahn, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Kirk Whalum, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Thornton Winery’s 35th Annual Champagne Jazz Series featuring Regina Belle & Paul Taylor, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

23

Kirk Whalum, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

27

5th Annual Marcus Anderson’s Jazz AND Coffee Escape Platinum patrons event featuring Jason Jackson & DJ, doors open at 5:30pm,

show starts at 6pm, North Carolina Central University, Student Center & Event Hall, 1801 Fayetteville St., Durham, North Carolina, www. MAJACE.net

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Spencer Day, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom.com/events/art-jazzwine-chocolate, 949-494-1145

(Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate pairings—for those aged 21 & over—are an additional $25. Limited reserved seating is available for an additional $50.)

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www. spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

28

Art Sherrod Jr., 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage. com, 410-268-4545

5th Annual Marcus Anderson’s Jazz AND Coffee Escape featuring Glenn Jones, Oli Silk, Jeff Ryan & Althea Rene, doors open at 6:15pm, show

starts at 7pm, North Carolina Central University, Student Center & Event Hall, 1801 Fayetteville St., Durham, North Carolina, www.MAJACE.net

Adam Hawley & Kat Hawley, 8pm, Flint Jazz Festival, Riverbank Park, 100 Saginaw St., Flint, Michigan, www.kathawley.com

DW3: A Tribute to the Legends of Music, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

29

Maysa, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500

5th Annual Marcus Anderson’s Jazz AND Coffee Escape featuring Marcus Anderson with special guest Mr. Talkbox, Kat & Adam Hawley, Julian Vaughn, Nicholas Cole, Rebecca Jade & JJ Sansaverino, doors open at 5:15pm, show starts at 6pm, North Carolina Central University, Student Center & Event Hall, 1801 Fayetteville St., Durham, North Carolina, www.MAJACE.net

Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Michael Paulo with special guest Gregg Karukas, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom.com/events/concertson-the-green/, 949-494-1145 (Free admission with purchase of Festival of Arts ticket. Limited seating in reserved section available for $60 per person.)

Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

30

Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series featuring Lao Tizer AllStars with Eric Marienthal, Chieli Minucci & Elliott Yamin, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 844-841-1406

Adam & Kat Hawley, 7 & 9pm, Blues Alley, 1073 Rear Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, DC, www.bluesalley.com, 202-337-4141

31

Music Monday featuring Eric Marienthal & special guest TBA, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

NOTE: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of the listings contained in this calendar, events may be postponed or canceled without notice. Artists, events, venues, dates and show times are all subject to change without notice. Smooth Jazz News is not responsible for any cancellations, changes or the accuracy of any concert, festival, cruise or brunch information contained in advertisements and/or editorial published in this magazine, which has been provided by outside sources. Please confirm all information with the organizer directly before making any plans.

JULY

2

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

9

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

JAZZ BRUNCHES

14

13th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival Meet & Greet Coffee & Brunch with Marcus Anderson, 10am, Wellspring Manor & Spa, 11311 Drumsheugh Lane, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com

16

13th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring Eric Roberson & Jeff Bradshaw, doors open at 11am, brunch served at 11:30am, concert starts at 1pm, MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino, Grand

Ballroom, 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

23

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

30

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

NOTE: Spaghettini offers weekly performances with its Sunday Brunches in the lounge. As of press time, lounge seating was still available for the brunch dates and shows in this calendar (all others have sold out). However, seating in the restaurant’s dining rooms is often available. Please check directly with Spaghettini for brunch reservations at 562-596-2199, or visit www.spaghettini.com.

(Photos by Cooper Hardwick)

Southern California Concert Series Guide

By Melanie Maxwell

Smooth jazz events create some of the most memorable and exciting travel, cultural and culinary experiences, especially during the summer in Southern California. That’s when concert series season is in full swing, and you can immerse yourself in a variety of jazz performances curated with art, wine, fine dining and chocolate, all enveloped in scenic settings.

In Laguna Beach, Festival of Arts presents “living pictures,” an intoxicating blend of a live orchestra, story-telling and stage illusions under the stars at Pageant of the Masters. This is in addition to its daily music schedule and art show.

A half-hour drive north from Laguna Beach, brunch concerts and evening performances are poppin’ indoors five days a week at the newly remodeled Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment

in Seal Beach. However, their exquisite food and craft cocktails are served daily.

Head 75 miles inland, and you’ll find the Temecula Valley Wine Country, which boasts two popular concert venues in the vineyards. The iconic Thornton Winery, on Rancho California Road, features top headliners, the award-winning Café Champagne Restaurant, a gift shop, wine tasting and tours. Down the street, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa fills its outdoor stage with up-and-coming artists and fan favorites during the Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series. At the latter, you can spend the night in a vineyard villa, order breakfast in bed, get pampered with a spa treatment, then take a dip in the saltwater pool.

My recommendation is to plan a weeklong road trip and enjoy them all! Hopefully, this section will be your guide to a fantastic smooth jazz summer.

Peter White performing at Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series in 2016 (Photo by Pat Benter)

Thornton Winery’s 35th Annual Champagne Jazz Series

Temecula, California

Lineup (all shows start at 7 p.m.):

Sunday, June 4: Chris Botti

Saturday, June 10: Boney James with Erin Stevenson as opening act (sold-out)

Sunday, June 18: Brian McKnight 4

Saturday, July 8: Gerald Albright and Jonathan Butler

Saturday, July 15: Peter White, Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala

Saturday, July 22: Regina Belle and Paul Taylor

Saturday, Aug. 5: Michael Lington and Howard Hewett

Saturday, Aug. 19: George Benson

Saturday, Sept. 9: RnR featuring Rick Braun and Richard Elliot

Saturday, Sept. 23: Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns with special guests

Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius

Sunday, Sept. 24: Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns with special guests

Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius

Saturday, Sept. 30: Jeffrey Osborne with Darryl Williams

Venue

Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California

Getting there

Flights are available into the Ontario International Airport (ONT), San Diego International Airport (SAN), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Distance to the venue is approximately 55 miles from ONT, 65 miles from SAN, and 95 miles from LAX.

Parking

Free on-site parking

Tickets and information

www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

continued on page 36

(Photos by Pat Benter)

continued from page 35

Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green Laguna

Beach, California

Lineup (Select Saturdays at 1 p.m.):

July 8: Greg Adams and East Bay Soul

July 15: Grace Kelly

July 29: Michael Paulo with special guest Gregg Karukas

Aug. 5: Brian Bromberg’s Unapologetically Funky Big Bombastic Band

Aug. 12: Grant Geissman “BLOOZ and More” with special guest Tom Scott

Aug. 19: artist TBA

Venue

Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California

Getting there

Flights are available into the John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Distance to the venue is approximately 13 miles from SNA, 33 miles from LGB, 52 miles from LAX, and 73 miles from SAN.

Parking

There are multiple public parking lots in the City of Laguna Beach, as well as meters, all of which accept credit cards. Laguna Beach Transit also offers free shuttle service to the venue from locations along Pacific Coast Highway and Laguna Canyon Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Tickets and information

Free admission with purchase of Festival of Arts ticket. Limited seating is available in a reserved section for $60 per person per concert. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/events/concerts-on-thegreen or call 949-494-1145.

Gregg Karukas performing at Concerts on the Green

Greg Adams & East Bay Soul performing at Concerts on the Green

(Photo by Darnell Wade)

Festival of Arts Preview Show in July 2022 (Photo by Pat Rogers)

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate

Laguna Beach, California

Lineup (Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.):

July 13: artist TBA

July 20: Ray “The Weeper” Fuller

July 27: Spencer Day

Aug. 3: Tony Guerrero Quintet featuring Lia Booth

Aug. 10: Friends of Hussain Jiffry

Aug. 17: Billy Valentine

Aug. 24: Gregg Karukas—GK Soul Jazz Party

Aug. 31: Scott Wilkie

Venue

Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California

Getting there

Flights are available into the John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Distance to the venue is approximately 13 miles from SNA, 33 miles from LGB, 52 miles from LAX, and 73 miles from SAN.

Parking

There are multiple public parking lots in the City of Laguna Beach, as well as meters, all of which accept credit cards. Laguna Beach Transit also offers free shuttle service to the venue from locations along Pacific Coast Highway and Laguna Canyon Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Tickets and information

Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine and chocolate pairings (for those aged 21 and over) are an additional $25. Limited seating is available in a reserved section for $50 per person per concert. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/events/art-jazz-winechocolate or call 949-494-1145.

of the Masters (Photo by Ron Azevedo)

continued from page 37

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa presents Rhythm on the Vine® Jazz Concert Series

Temecula, California

Lineup (Select Sundays. Doors open at 6 p.m., VIP meet-and-greet starts at 6:15 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m.):

July 30: Lao Tizer, Chieli Minucci, Eric Marienthal and Elliott Yamin

Aug. 13: Adam Hawley, Pamela Williams and Gregg Karukas

Aug. 27: Hiroshima

Sept. 10: Michael Paulo and special guests

Sept. 24: Brian Simpson and Jessy J

Oct. 8: Kalapana with special guest Michael Paulo

Oct. 22: Steve Oliver and Blake Aaron

Venue

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California

Getting there

Flights are available into the Ontario International Airport (ONT), San Diego International Airport (SAN), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Distance to the venue is approximately 58 miles from ONT, 68 miles from SAN, and 98 miles from LAX.

Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment Seal Beach, California

Parking

Free parking

Staying there

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers villas that allow guests direct access to vineyards from their patio. Villas and suites encompass between 490 and 1,150 square feet and feature amenities such as faux and gas fireplaces, soothing deep soaking tubs, plush bathrobes and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Tickets and information

www.southcoastwinery.com, 844-841-1406

Lineup

Various concerts in the Lounge, Thursday-Monday evenings and Sunday Brunch

Venue

Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California

Getting there

Flights are available into the Long Beach Airport (LGB), John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Distance to the venue is approximately 6 miles from LGB, 16 miles from SNA, and 26 miles from LAX.

Parking

On-site self-parking and valet, with overflow lot across the street

Tickets and information

www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Left: DW3 performing at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment (Photo by Eric Hameister)

HOSTED BY Eric Darius

DECEMBER 4 - 11

PUERTO VALLARTA 2023

ADAM HAWLEY BONEY JAMES BRIAN SIMPSON

ERIC ROBERSON DAVID SANBORN ERIC DARIUS EVERETTE HARP

GERALD ALBRIGHT JACKIEM JOYNER

JEFF BRADSHAW

JESSY J

JEFF LORBER JEFFREY OSBORNE

JULIAN VAUGHN

KIRK WHALUM

MARION MEADOWS

NAJEE MICHAEL LINGTON MIKE PHILLIPS

NORMAN BROWN PAUL JACKSON JR PAUL TAYLOR RICHARD ELLIOT RICK BRAUN

JAZMIN GHENT

J WHITE

WENDY MOTEN SPYRO GYRA