From Prodigy to Sought-After Seasoned Pro
By Marcia Luttrell
Though he’s younger than many of his colleagues, 29-year-old Vincent Ingala has worked for more than a decade to take his place among the most seasoned contemporary jazz artists.
The multi-instrumentalist plays almost everything except trumpet on his most recent CD, Fire & Desire. But for the whole of his career, the tenor saxophone has defined him.
“I felt like I hit a plateau with drums, guitar and keyboards,” Ingala said by phone from his home in Connecticut.
“The saxophone was more complex, and I stuck with it because I wanted to rise up to that challenge. It’s your own sound, and it’s so expressive. It’s like the human voice.”
In 2007, when Ingala was just entering high school, he decided to use his savings to buy his first professional horn at a shop in New Jersey.
“My parents drove me,” Ingala recalled. “We could have gone to New York, but USA Horn had the six or seven models that I wanted to try out.”
As his parents watched and waited, Ingala sampled different horns. Then he picked up a Yamaha tenor saxophone.
“I literally blew three notes, and I looked at my parents and said, ‘This is the one.’ I knew instinctively, the way it was reacting to me. I played for an hour. My parents said, ‘Make sure this is the one you want because you are spending a lot of money.’ The horn has never let me down. Every time I step onstage, I have full confidence.”
A millennial with old-school sensibilities, Ingala has amassed a following with seven albums that resulted in a number of top 20 Billboard jazz albums, including Personal Touch (2018) and Fire & Desire (2021), his third release on the Shanachie Entertainment label.
Last year, Ingala joined Dave Koz’s Summer Horns tour and performed for the first time at the Hollywood Bowl, a career highlight.
In addition to playing on recordings by guitarist Peter White and pianists David Benoit and Gregg Karukas, he’s a frequent featured artist on the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea cruises.
In 2023, he’ll join Rick Braun’s River Cruise Getaway with Koz and Jonathan Butler.
Photo: Sandrine LeeVincent Ingala
16 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS
“It’s like a Disneyland for musicians because you are connecting with all friends and family around the world,” Ingala enthused. “It’s a highlight of the year.”
Ingala started building a fan base early in life, and from the beginning, it was a multi-generational family affair.
All through high school, he performed weekends with a support group of Sicilian family members.
“My parents never once discouraged me from pursuing a career in music,” Ingala said with sincerity. “We are music people. We aren’t into sports or other things; we love music. There is a rich history of everybody going to see bands growing up. When things started to take off for me, even on a local basis, it was exciting for everybody, and they followed me.”
Ingala’s father, Leo, would work the sound board and Dawn, his mother, sold CDs and helped to book engagements.
At age 17, Ingala released his first album, North End Soul (2010), recorded on a four-track tape player.
As the recording process evolved and became computerized, Ingala built a home studio that enabled him to assume the roles of artist, composer and engineer. He taught himself drum programming, consulted with sound engineers and spent hours listening to and dissecting tracks to learn how to craft songs. He also strived to make his saxophone sound as authentic as it does in live performances.
“Occasionally, I’ll bring in somebody specialized,” he said. “But for the most part, I’m a one-man, one-stop shop. I work best that way. I have a vision that I hear in my head, and I know exactly what I want. Once I got over the learning curve, and I was at home with music production, my creations came to life. Fire & Desire represents how I actually sound.”
The album’s title cut is an urgent, up-tempo number that commands attention with Ingala’s powerful horn phrasing over rock guitar licks and a thumping rhythm track.
“Shadow Dancer,” the opening number, has a swaying tempo, a harmonizing horn chorus and an infectious sax melody.
Ingala’s girlfriend, Olivia, picked the title.
“I remember her listening to that song while recording it and getting her advice,” Ingala said. “She envisioned the silhouette of a dancer, faceless, and in the distance dancing. I thought it was a perfect title for the imagery that comes to mind.”
All the songs on Fire & Desire are original except for one. “Disco Sax,” penned by Jimmy Roach, pays tribute to Houston Person, a tenor sax player who released the song in 1975. The groove is an invitation to dance the hustle and a throwback to Studio 54 days.
Ingala was introduced to the song through his father, a former DJ with an extensive record collection of rare and popular jazz, soul and R&B recordings.
“I remember hearing this tune, and I thought, ‘I’m going to redo it one day,’” Ingala said. continued on page 18
Photo: Bobby Quillard
When Ingala entered high school, he decided to use his savings to buy his first professional horn. His parents drove him to a shop in New Jersey where he chose a Yamaha. He still plays it with confidence. “The horn has never let me down.”
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2022 | 17OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER
from page
“I finally got around to putting my own little spin on it, which I thought was fun. I love to blend all different types of elements and influences with my music, especially the stuff I grew up with.”
In December, Ingala will join guitarist Adam Hawley and vocalist Lindsey Webster on Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” Tour.
“I’ve done Peter White’s Christmas tour for the past two years, but Peter will join the Dave Koz and Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour this year. So, Mindi and I decided to keep it going for Peter, and we’ll put on a great Christmas show.”
Ingala will reach a milestone on Dec. 10 when he celebrates his 30th birthday while on the “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” Tour.
He only has one objection to his busy schedule. “It’s not having access to food,” he said with mocked exaggeration.
“A lot of musicians don’t want a lot of food in their system before a show, so they want to eat after the show. The problem is, a lot of restaurants are closed, and we have to get up early the next day, so there is a cycle of trying to find food and staying full and not overeating on the road. It’s a big complaint for me, especially being a growing Italian boy!”
For more information on Ingala, including his complete tour schedule, visit www.vincentingala.com.
Ingala will reach a milestone on Dec. 10 when he celebrates his 30th birthday while on the “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” Tour. He only has one objection to his busy schedule.
“It’s not having access to food,” he said with mocked exaggeration.
“The problem is, a lot of restaurants are closed, and we have to get up early the next day, so there is a cycle of trying to find food and staying full and not overeating on the road. It’s a big complaint for me, especially being a growing Italian boy!”
Dec.
Diego,
www.sandiegotheatres.org/
Dec.
Lewis
Rancho Cucamonga, California
www.cityofrc.us/vgcc 909-477-2752
Dec.
Fresno, California www.jazzconcerts.com
April 21, 2023 Seabreeze Jazz Festival (with Peter White) Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater Panama City Beach, Florida www.seabreezefestival.com
18 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS
continued
17 Vincent Ingala On Tour
20* Balboa Theatre San
California
21*
Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens
23* Tower Theatre
*With Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” Tour
MARIEA ANTOINETTTE
•
J. WHITE FREE
(J. White Entertainment)
J. White’s third full album, Free, features his signature soulful and classic saxophone vibe. The album has 11 tracks, five of which were written and produced by White. Other notable writers and producers include Greg Manning, Lew Laing, Darrell Diaz and Jacob Webb. Lin Rountree and JJ Sansaverino also make special guest appearances.
AVAILABLE AT: iTunes, www.Spotify.com, www.amazon.com, www.tidal.com, www.deezer.com, https://soundcloud.com, https://music.apple.com
WEBSITE: www.jwhitelive.com
MISZ THE GROOVE PRODUCER
•
Girlplay (Under the Covers) (Solid Groove Recordings)
Misz The Groove Producer returns to the past to create some memorable contemporary smooth grooves. Her latest album features a collection of classic soul and rock songs arranged for today’s laidback lifestyle. The smooth groove arrangements are certainly a welcomed delight and very much worth a listen.
AVAILABLE AT: iTunes, www.amazon.com
WEBSITE: www.grooveproducer.com
WILLIE BRADLEY
•
It’s My Time (Willie Bradley Music)
Bold, yet simultaneously charming; edgy, yet at the same time beautiful. These seemingly opposing adjectives might well-describe the music of artist-trumpeter the man!
Bradley’s music brings together many varied styles, but takes smooth jazz to a whole new level. Check out his latest release, It’s My Time iTunes, www.amazon.com, www.spotify.com www.williebradley.net
AVAILABLE AT: WEBSITE:
•
“So Amazing” (Single) (MAH Productions)
Gloriously and sensually making the harp an extremely vibrant and a melodic smooth jazz lead instrument. Mariea Antoinette is now setting our hearts afire with a divine sprinkling of Luther Vandross classic “So Amazing.” Pure joy from start to finish with string melody sweetened with gospel flavored backing vocals.
AVAILABLE AT: iTunes, https://cdbaby.com, www.apple.com/applemusic/ and all digital platforms
WEBSITE: www.marieaantoinette.com
PAUL JACKSON, JR.
•
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
SHAWN RAIFORD
•
“Forever” (Single)
(Shawn Raiford Sax Productions LLC)
Saxophonist Shawn Raiford’s first single, “FOREVER,” off his second CD titled The Next Step, is scheduled for release on Jan. 13, 2023, and available on all streaming platforms. You will surely be entrapped by a smooth and sultry melody that’ll keep your musical love tones engaged FOREVER.
AVAILABLE AT: iTunes, www.amazon.com and all digital platforms
WEBSITE: www.shawnraifordsax.com
Advertisement: To inquire about placement, call 858-541-1919 or email smoothjazzads@aol.com.
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2022 | 19OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER
CONCERTS, FESTIVALS AND CRUISES
OCTOBER
1
Chris Standring, 9:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
Michael Lington & Paul Taylor, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729
2
Scottland Concerts presents Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad featuring Rick Braun, 3pm, Lewis Creek Amphitheater, 56001 Hwy. 41, Fish Camp, California, YosemiteJazzTrain.com
Michael Lington & Paul Taylor, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729
3 Music Monday featuring Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini. com, 562-596-2199
4
Grace Kelly CD Pre-Release Party, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729
5
Grace Kelly CD Pre-Release Party, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729
6
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
7
Hiroshima: The Farewell Tour, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545
Eric Darius Unleashed CDRelease Party, 8pm, Sycuan Casino Resort, Live & Up Close, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, California, www.sycuan.com/ events/live-and-up-close-events, 619-445-6002
8
Hiroshima “The Domo Tour,” 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500
Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series presents RnR featuring Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099
9
Scottland Concerts presents Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad featuring Steve Oliver & Brian Simpson, 3pm, Lewis Creek Amphitheater, 56001 Hwy. 41, Fish Camp, California, www.YosemiteJazzTrain.com
Peet Project, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
10 Music Monday featuring Poncho Sanchez, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
13
35th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Unplugged Under the Stars featuring Daniel Ho with Danna Xue, 6pm; Peter White, 7:30pm, Descanso Beach Club, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival presents Sheila E., with opening artist Eric Darius, 7:30pm, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach,
California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
14
Kirk Whalum & Keiko Matsui, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500
35th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Peet Project, 7pm; Jazmin Ghent, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival featuring Art Sherrod Jr.’s Motown & Soul Review, 9pm, Rusty Rudder Theater, 113 Dickinson St., Dewey Beach, Delaware, rehobothjazz.com
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival featuring Boney James, with opening artist Cindy Bradley, 9pm, Performing Arts Theater at Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Hwy., Lewes, Delaware, rehobothjazz.com
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival presents Gregg Karukas, with opening artist Vaughn Bratcher Project, 8pm, Sydney’s Restaurant, 16388 Samuel Paynter Blvd., Milton, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com
Erin Stevenson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
26 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS
15
35th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Randal Clark with Jimmy Haslip, noon; Lindsey Webster & Adam Hawley, 2pm; Chris Standring, 7pm; Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival featuring Club Phred, 1pm; Matt Marshak, 2:30pm; Unscripted All-Stars featuring Gerald Veasley, Alex Bugnon, Andy Snitzer & Kevin Whalum, 9:30pm, Rusty Rudder, 113 Dickinson St., Dewey Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival featuring Keiko Matsui & Kirk Whalum, 1pm, Performing Arts Theater at Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Hwy., Lewes, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival presents Rythm Tech, 6pm; Art Sherrod Jr., 8pm, Sydney’s Restaurant, 16388 Samuel Paynter Blvd., Milton, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com
Church Street Jazz Series presents Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr., 8pm, Harrison Opera House, 160 W. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, Virginia, pauljacksonjr.com
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival presents Grace Kelly, 7:30pm, Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival presents Peabo Bryson, 4pm; Peter White & Vincent Ingala, with opening artists Kim Waters & Kayla Waters, 9:30pm, Rehoboth Beach Convention
Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com
Patrick Bradley, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
16
35th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Gino Rosaria, noon; Richard Elliot, 2pm; Christian de Mesones with his 10-piece band, 7pm; Damien Escobar, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival Closing Dinner Party featuring Carol Riddick, Lin Rountree, Art Sherrod Jr., Andy Snitzer, Kayla Waters, Gerald Veasley & more, 6:30pm, Rusty Rudder, 113 Dickinson St., Dewey Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com
Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival 33rd Annual Grand Jam featuring Brian Simpson, Eric Darius, Vincent Ingala, Jeff Kashiwa, Kim Waters, Kayla Waters, Peter White & more, 3:30pm, Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, www.rehobothjazz.com
20
35th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Unplugged Under the Stars featuring Blake Aaron, 6pm; Paul Jackson Jr., 7:30pm, Descanso Beach Club, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2022 | 27OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER continued on page 28
continued from page 27
21
35th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Jessy J, 7pm; Mindi Abair, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849
Mindi Abair presents WINEandJAZZ wine + music tasting & dinner, 4:30pm, The M Restaurant & Events, 205 Crescent Ave., Avalon, California, www.mindiabair. com/tour, 310-510-8404
22
35th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Eric Darius, noon; Greg Adams with East Bay Soul, 2pm; Mark Jaimes, 7pm; Dave Koz, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849
Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series presents Boney James, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099 (sold-out)
23
35th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival featuring Jeff Ryan, noon; David Benoit with his Rendezvous Band, 2pm; JustinLee Schultz, 7pm; Norman Brown with horns, 9pm, Catalina Casino Ballroom, 1 Casino Way, Avalon, California, www.jazztrax.com, 866-872-9849
Jazz Funk Soul featuring Paul Jackson Jr., Everette Harp & Jeff Lorber, 11am, Arizona Jazz Fest, 5415 E. High St., Phoenix, Arizona, www.pauljacksonjr.com
Oli Silk, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California,
www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
24
Mindi Abair VIP Reserve Wine Tasting, 5:30pm; Music Monday featuring Eric Marienthal & special guest Mindi Abair, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
25
Acoustic Alchemy, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545
27
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
28
Dee Lucas with Gino Rosaria & Lori Williams, 8pm, Soiled Dove Underground, 7401 E. 1st Ave., Denver, Colorado, www. tavernhg.com/soiled-dove/ shows, 303-830-9214
Gregg Karukas with special guest Ricardo Silveira, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
30
Scott Wilkie, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
31
9th Annual Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival presents art,
dinner & concert featuring Marc Antoine, 7pm, art gallery, Protur Biomar Sensatori Resort, Sa Coma, Mallorca, Spain, www. mallorca.smoothjazzfestival.de, shop@smooth-entertainment.eu
NOVEMBER
1
9th Annual Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival presents opening show featuring artist TBA, 9:30pm, open-air stage, Protur Biomar Sensatori Resort, Sa Coma, Mallorca, Spain, www. mallorca.smoothjazzfestival.de, shop@smooth-entertainment.eu
2
9th Annual Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival presents Phil Denny, Tom Browne, 8:45pm, theatre stage; After-Show Party, midnight, piano bar, Protur Biomar Sensatori Resort, Sa Coma, Mallorca, Spain, www. mallorca.smoothjazzfestival.de, shop@smooth-entertainment.eu
3
9th Annual Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival presents Cool by the Pool featuring chilled drinks, loungy DJ grooves, artist interviews & jam session, 3pm, pool stage; evening concerts featuring Lindsey Webster, Paul Taylor, 8:45pm, theatre stage; After-Show Party, midnight, piano bar, Protur Biomar Sensatori Resort, Sa Coma, Mallorca, Spain, www.mallorca. smoothjazzfestival.de, shop@smooth-entertainment.eu
4
Jeffrey Osborne, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545
9th Annual Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival presents Cool
by the Pool featuring chilled drinks, loungy DJ grooves, artist interviews & jam session, 3pm, pool stage; evening concerts featuring Tom Braxton, Norman Brown, 8:45pm, theatre stage; After-Show Party, midnight, piano bar, Protur Biomar Sensatori Resort, Sa Coma, Mallorca, Spain, www. mallorca.smoothjazzfestival.de, shop@smooth-entertainment.eu
5
9th Annual Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival presents morning concerts featuring U-Nam, Brian Simpson, 11am, openair stage; Cool by the Pool featuring chilled drinks, loungy DJ grooves & artist interviews, 3pm, pool stage; evening concerts featuring Eric Marienthal, Down to the Bone, 8:45pm, theatre stage; After-Show Party, midnight, piano bar, Protur Biomar Sensatori Resort, Sa Coma, Mallorca, Spain, www.mallorca. smoothjazzfestival.de, shop@ smooth-entertainment.eu
Jessy J, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
6
9th Annual Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival presents morning concerts featuring Blake Aaron, David Benoit, 11am, openair stage; Cool by the Pool featuring chilled drinks, loungy DJ grooves & artist interviews, 3pm, pool stage; evening concerts featuring Bobby Lyle, Michael Lington, 8:45pm, theatre stage; After-Show Party, midnight, piano bar, Protur Biomar Sensatori Resort, Sa Coma, Mallorca, Spain, www. mallorca.smoothjazzfestival.de, shop@smooth-entertainment.eu
28 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS
7 Music Monday featuring Poncho Sanchez, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
9
Jazz Legacy Foundation Decade of Excellence Gala WeekendPart 2 Official Pre-Party featuring Tom Browne & L.A. Young, 6pm, Roger Brown’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, 316 High St., Portsmouth, Virginia, https://jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416
10 Jazz Legacy Foundation Decade of Excellence Gala WeekendPart 2 featuring Najee; Kim Waters & Kayla Waters; DMV All-Stars featuring Brian Lenair, Art Sherrod Jr. & Willie Bradley; Jazz Legacy
Uncut featuring Nathan Mitchell, Frank McComb & Elan Trotman, 6pm, Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, Virginia, jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
11
Jazz Legacy Foundation Decade of Excellence Gala Weekend-Part 2 featuring Boney James, Peabo Bryson, Eric Darius, Ken Ford “King of Strings,” 6pm, Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, Virginia, jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416
Jeff Kashiwa, 7pm, Sambuca Nashville, 601 12th Ave. S.,
Nashville, Tennessee, www.sambucanashville.com
12
Jazz Legacy Foundation Decade of Excellence Gala WeekendPart 2 featuring Jeffrey Osborne, Gerald Albright, Karen Briggs & Frederic Yonnet, Kenny Lattimore & Marcus Anderson, The Fuzz Band, 6pm, Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, Virginia, jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416
13
Jazz Legacy Foundation Decade of Excellence Gala WeekendPart 2 featuring WAR, Will Downing, Damien Escobar, Euge Groove, 3pm, Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton, Virginia, jazzlegacyfoundation.org, 757-737-2416
17
Boney James, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
18
Jeffrey Osborne, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500
Boney James, 6:30 & 9:30pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545
Grooves Jazz at the Westin presents Tris Imboden Yacht
continued on page 30
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2022 | 29OCTOBER | NOVEMBER | DECEMBER
Owned & Operated by the City of Rancho Cucamonga, CA I CAN’T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS TOUR DECEMBER 21ST , CA VIN MINDIABAIR L I N DSEYWEBSTER WAHMADA L E YLewisFamilyPlayhouse.com Wine Tasting Pre-Show MINDI ABAIR’S
continued from page 29
Stars, Balloon Glow Concert, 7pm, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, groovesatthewestin.com, 951-696-0184
19
Jeffrey Osborne, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www. birchmere.com, 703-549-7500
Darryl Walker featuring Mando Cordova, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
20
Ilya Serov, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
21 Music Monday featuring Eric Marienthal & special guest, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
25
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta, Georgia, www.davekoz.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
26
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida, www.vanwezel.org, 941-263-6799
27
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 7pm, Hayes Hall at Artis-Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, Florida, www.davekoz.com
28
Mindi Abair VIP Reserve Wine Tasting, 5:30pm; Mindi Abair Holiday Show with Vincent Ingala, Lindsey Webster & Adam Hawley, 9:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
29
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 7:30pm, Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida, www.kingcenter.com, 321-242-2219
30
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida, www.rutheckerdhall.com, 727-791-7400
DECEMBER
1 Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida, http:// floridatheatre.com/, 904-355-2787
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
2 Jessy J Album-Release Party, 8pm, Soiled Dove Underground, 7401 E. 1st Ave., Denver, Colorado, www.tavernhg.com/ soiled-dove/shows, 303-8309214
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 7pm, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, 1815 Metropolitan St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, mcgyouth.org, 412-323-4000
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh, North Carolina, www. dukeenergycenterraleigh.com
Greg Adams & East Bay Soul Sweet Soul Christmas, 7pm,
Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
3
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, Virginia, www.fergusoncenter.org, 757-594-8752
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 7pm, Miller Center for the Arts, 4 N. 2nd St., Reading, Pennsylvania, https://millercenter.racc.edu/, 610-607-6270
Greg Adams & East Bay Soul Sweet Soul Christmas, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
4
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 7:30pm, Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, 925 4th Ave., Huntington, West Virginia, https://keithalbee.com, 304-696-6656
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 6pm, Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N. 3rd St., Richmond, Virginia, www.mindiabair.com
Michael Lington & Friends Christmas Show featuring continued on page 32
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continued from page 30
Javier Colon, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
5 Music Monday featuring Michael Lington & Friends Christmas Show with Javier Colon, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Road, Tysons, Virginia, www.capitalonehall.com
7
Jeff Kashiwa, 6 & 9pm, The Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, Florida, https://funkybiscuit.com/
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit, Michigan, www.davekoz.com
8
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago, Illinois, www.davekoz.com
Jeff Kashiwa, 7pm, Perfect Note Live, 1845 Montgomery Hwy. S., Suite 201, Hoover, Alabama, https://perfectnotelive.com
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 7 & 9pm, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, Arizona, https://mim.org/
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
9
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, The Palladium, 1 Carter Green, Carmel, Indiana, www. thecenterfortheperformingarts. org, 317-843-3800
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 7 & 10pm, Soiled Dove Underground, 7401 E. 1st Ave., Denver, Colorado, www.tavernhg.com/soiled-dove/ shows, 303-830-9214
Erin Stevenson Holiday Show, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
10
Pieces of a Dream, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 8:30pm, Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, www.ludlowgaragecincinnati.com
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour
with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio, www.cbusarts.com
11
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 6 & 8:15pm, Middle C Jazz, 300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, North Carolina, https://middlecjazz.com, 704-595-3311
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 7:30pm, Connor Palace at Playhouse Square, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, www.davekoz.com, 216-241-6000
12
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
13
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, The Plaza Theater Performing Arts Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, El Paso, Texas, https://elpasolive.com, 915-231-1100
The Unscripted Series presents Jeff Kashiwa, 5pm, South Restaurant & Jazz Club, 600 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, www. southjazzkitchen.com
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 7:15pm,
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, Florida, mindiabair.com, 941-639-3720
14
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 7:30pm, Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, Arizona, mesaartscenter.com, 480-644-6500
The Unscripted Series presents Jeff Kashiwa, 5pm, South Restaurant & Jazz Club, 600 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, www. southjazzkitchen.com
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 8pm, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, www.pvconcerthall.com, 904-209-0367
15
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave., San Diego, California, www.davekoz.com
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 6 & 8:30pm, 59 S.W. Flagler Ave., Stuart, Florida, www.lyrictheatre.com, 772-286-7827
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16
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 6 & 9pm, The Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, Florida, https://funkybiscuit.com/
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos, California, www.cerritoscenter.com, 562-916-8500
17
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 18000 Park Plaza Dr., Cerritos, California, www.cerritoscenter.com, 562-916-8500
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 8pm, Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, 405 Cleveland St., Clearwater,
Florida, rutheckerdhall.com, 727-791-7400
Grooves Jazz at the Westin presents Sax for Christmas featuring Euge Groove, Michael Paulo & a special guest, 7pm, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Westin Grooves Backyard, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, https://groovesatthewestin.com, 951-696-0184
Jessy J Birthday Bash, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
18
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 6pm, Hilton Orlando, Crystal Ballroom, 350 Northlake Blvd., Altamonte Springs, Florida, www. mindiabair.com
Scott Wilkie Holiday Show, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
19
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 7pm, McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert, California, www.davekoz.com, 760-340-2787
20
Scottland Concerts presents Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 8pm, Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave., San Diego, California, www.mindiabair.com
21
Jonathan Butler’s “Oh Holy Night” Christmas featuring Grace Kelly, 6:30 & 9:30pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 8pm, Lewis Family Playhouse at Victoria Gardens, 12505 Cultural Center Dr., Rancho Cucamonga, California, cityofrc.us/vgcc, 909-477-2752
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, Ruth Finley Person Theater at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, California, https://lutherburbankcenter.org, 707-546-3600
22
MAYSA: A Very MAYSA Christmas!, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500
Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 8 & 10pm, Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero W., Oakland, California, https:// yoshis.com, 510-238-9200
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 8pm, San Jose Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose, California, davekoz.com, 408-792-4111
DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 continued on page 34
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continued from page 33
Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
23 Scottland Concerts presents Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait for Christmas” Tour with Vincent Ingala, Adam Hawley & Lindsey Webster, 8pm, Tower Theatre, 815 E. Olive Ave., Fresno, California, www.jazzconcerts.com
Dave Koz & Friends 25th Anniversary Christmas Tour with Rick Braun, Peter White, Keiko Matsui & Rebecca Jade, 7:30pm, Mary Stuart Rogers Theater at Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto, California, galloarts.org, 209-338-2100
Darryl Walker Does Christmas, 7pm, 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
30 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
Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Getaway “Start the Party Early” featuring Mindi Abair with special guest Rebecca Jade, 8pm,