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

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 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!

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.