32nd Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival

Oct. 11-14 and Oct. 18-21 32nd Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival

Avalon, California

Catalina Casino Ballroom, where the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival happens Friday through Sunday

Photos: Pat Benter

A short walk from the Casino building is Descanso Beach, the venue for Thursday night “Unplugged” concerts and the Saturday night After-Parties

By Melanie Maxwell

As one of the pioneers of smooth jazz, Art Good was credited with bringing emerging artists to fame, playing the records of then-unknowns (who evolved into genre stars) on his “Lites Out San Diego” radio show. He soon parlayed his enthusiasm for that exciting and blossoming radio format with local concerts showcasing a new crop of musical talent whose tunes he was spinning from the Smooth Jazz 98.1 KiFM studios. Although Good left KiFM in 1999 before it flipped formats, he continues bringing audiences “the absolute newest and classic old” smooth jazz through his weekly syndicated “JazzTrax” radio show (which now streams on Smooth Jazz KiFM’s online and 98.1 HD2 channels), and live during his annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, now in its 32nd year. Good has a knack for creating a lineup featuring the stars of smooth jazz complemented by up-and-coming acts and names that are unfamiliar to most of us, plus special ensembles. For example, he encouraged Swedish keyboardist Jonathan Fritzén to form a trio with saxophonist Marcus Anderson and vocalistviolinist Peter “Peet” Ferencz (from Budapest, Hungary), which he calls “The Euro All-Stars with a Little Bit of Carolina,” the scheduled headliners for Friday, Oct. 19. Trumpeter Willie Bradley (from the legendary James Brown Band) makes his JazzTrax debut (Oct. 14), as does Rads Krusaders, a Joe Sample-mentored group from Houston (Oct. 13). Rising stars saxophonist Jazmin Ghent and guitarist Adam Hawley are returning alongside headliners such as Najee, Candy Dulfer and Richard Elliot. There will also be blasts from the past with ’80s pop-jazz vocalist Basia and keyboardist Dan Siegel, as well as the hottest violinist on the current touring circuit, Damien Escobar. All of this talent is presented in scenic settings at two venues. Thursday night concerts are “Unplugged Under the Stars” at Descanso Beach, with, new this year, the addition of an opening act. Friday-Sunday performances are illuminated under elegant Tiffany chandeliers in the ballroom of the Catalina Casino. The iconic, circular, 11-story, 1929 landmark, perched at the edge of Avalon Harbor, is not a gambling facility, rather, it was named after the Italian word meaning “a place of gathering.” So, if you’re looking for something cool to do in October, be it a weekend getaway or a day trip (Catalina Express has late-night boats back to Long Beach on Saturday and Sunday nights), the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival is an excellent choice.

When

Oct. 11-14 and Oct. 18-21

Where

Friday-Sunday performances are held in the Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California. Thursday night “Unplugged Under the Stars” concerts and the Saturday evening after-parties happen at Descanso Beach.

Getting there

Catalina Express offers 30 daily departures from ports in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, California. Special, after-performance boat departures at 11:45 p.m. from Avalon back to Long Beach are available after JazzTrax festivals on Saturday and Sunday. If flying into the Los Angeles-Orange County areas, flights are available into John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Shuttles and taxis are available from these airports to cross-channel transportation operators. Distance to Catalina Express’ Long Beach terminal is approximately 11 miles from LGB, 22 miles from LAX and 29 miles from SNA. If driving, parking is available at the terminal for a fee.

For reservations or information, visit www.CatalinaExpress.com or call 800-995-4386.

Staying there

These properties offer special “JazzTrax” packages (based on availability). Hermosa Hotel, Catalina Island’s dog-friendly economy hotel, is located in the heart of Avalon at 131 Metropole Ave. For reservations or information, visit www.HermosaHotel.com or call 310-510-1010. Hotel Catalina and Courtyard Garden Suites are both located steps from the bay, at 129 Whittley Ave. and 108 Marilla Ave., respectively. Guests receive a 10 percent discount at Mi Casita, El Galleon, Antonio’s Pizzeria & Cabaret and Original Jack’s Country Kitchen. For reservations or information, visit www.hotelcatalina.com or call 800-540-0184.

Tickets and information

www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849

Lineup

Thursday, Oct. 11 (at Descanso Beach) Peter White, plus Daniel Ho as the opening act, Unplugged Under the Stars.....................................................6 p.m Friday, Oct. 12 (at the Catalina Casino) Vincent Ingala and Lindsey Webster.....................................7 p.m. Marc Antoine and David Benoit.............................................9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 (at the Catalina Casino) Rads Krusaders.......................................................................noon Najee .....................................................................................2 p.m. Jazmin Ghent ........................................................................7 p.m. Jesse Cook............................................................................9 p.m. After-party featuring DJ Jonathan Phillips at Descanso Beach ......................10:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 (at the Catalina Casino) Willie Bradley...........................................................................noon Hiroshima ..............................................................................2 p.m. Adam Hawley........................................................................7 p.m. Candy Dulfer..........................................................................9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 (at Descanso Beach) Keiko Matsui, plus Steve Oliver CD-Release Party as the opening act, Unplugged Under the Stars..............................6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19 (at the Catalina Casino) Josh Vietti..............................................................................7 p.m. Jonathan Fritzén, Peter “Peet” Ferencz and Marcus Anderson...........................................................9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 (at the Catalina Casino) Dan Siegel...............................................................................noon Damien Escobar....................................................................2 p.m. Skinny Hightower..................................................................7 p.m. Basia......................................................................................9 p.m. After-party featuring DJ Jonathan Phillips at Descanso Beach ......................10:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21 (at the Catalina Casino) Jeff Ryan .................................................................................noon Tim Bowman .........................................................................2 p.m. Urban Jazz Coalition.............................................................7 p.m. Richard Elliot .........................................................................9 p.m.