Author Archives: Melanie

JazzFest West canceled

We are very sorry to report that JazzFest West, scheduled for July 19-20, has been canceled.

This is the announcement we received today from the promoter:

“It is with great regret that we announce the cancellation of the 19th Annual JAZZFEST WEST, originally scheduled for July 19 & 20 at Bonelli Park in San Dimas. Festivals nationwide have been facing increasing financial challenges and, sadly, these challenges forced JazzFest West to cancel this year’s event. We want to thank the fans who have supported JazzFest West over the past 18 years, as well as the artists, sponsors and volunteers who are the backbone of the festival.”

I know how hard Omega Events and their staff work on this event each year, and how much so many thousands of fans look forward to the whole experience. I hope that things improve so that JazzFest West can return next year.

Please visit www.jazzfestwest.com for information related to the cancellation and ticket refunds. Any questions can be directed to Omega Events via email to jazz@omegaevents.com.

Stanley Clarke joins Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences

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Stanley Clarke at “The Best Man Holiday” premiere in 2013
(Photo Credit: Toshi Sakurai)

Stanley Clarke has been invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Only 271 invitations were extended to artists and executives this year to honor their contributions to theatrical motion pictures. Fans of Clarke’s multi-faceted musical career may be surprised to know that he recently scored the 2013 box office smash, “The Best Man Holiday.”

“The music in a film is essential and always has been,” said Clarke, a four-time GRAMMY winner who also boasts more than 65 film and television credits to his name. “It is the glue that holds the film together. It enhances the emotions of the characters, augments the action and helps lead the audience on their journey through the story. I feel a great responsibility to the craft of film scoring, which makes this invitation so special.”

As a touring recording artist, producer and co-founder of the jazz fusion band Return to Forever (with Chick Corea), Clarke also collaborated with his close friend of more than 40 years, the late George Duke. They recorded three albums together, which included the Top 20 pop hit “Sweet Baby,” in addition to Clarke’s dozens of solo records and other collaborations.

Stanley Clarke with a collection of his basses
(Photo Credit: Steven Parke)

As composer, orchestrator and conductor, Clarke has scored such blockbuster films as “Boyz ‘N the Hood,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” “The Transporter,” “Romeo Must Die,” “Passenger 57,” “Poetic Justice” and “The Five Heartbeats.” He also scored the Michael Jackson video “Remember the Time,” was nominated for three Emmys and won a BMI Award for “Boyz ‘N the Hood.”

Clarke and other new members will be welcomed into the 6,417-member Academy at an invitation-only reception in September.

“I am honored,” said Clarke. “Film has been a diverse experience for me musically, made me a more complete musician and focused my skills completely.”

For more information on Clarke, visit www.stanleyclarke.com.

Stanley Clarke
(Photo Credit: Steven Parke)

Dave Koz Summer Horns “Hot Fun In The Summertime”

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Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns rehearsal with Gerald Albright, Mindi Abair & Richard Elliot

My favorite show of last summer, Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns, is back! Koz and his buddies Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot are hitting the road together again. They’ll be swinging through the U.S. with 20 shows, performing new versions of the tunes from the GRAMMY-nominated Summer Horns album.

“I remember a particular bus ride last summer, riding along with Richard, Mindi and Gerald—it was to the last gig of what was an incredibly memorable and fun few months of touring together. We were all in a bit of a funk…kind of a bittersweet moment, when we knew this wonderful thing we had built together was coming to an end. Everyone was thinking it, so I just blurted it out…’Hey, why don’t we do it again next summer?’ Well…here we are, summer of 2014, and at it once again!” said Koz from a Los Angeles studio where the group was rehearsing.

“We all jumped at the chance to have another Summer Horns tour because, quite frankly, it’s the most fun you can have on stage. The four of us have such a great bond and a wonderful friendship onstage and off. That, plus our collective love and admiration for the music we play, makes for a really fun and exciting show. We’re thrilled to be back at it!”

The four saxophonists will be accompanied by the stellar band they toured with last year. Once again, the amazing Randy Jacobs will be jammin’ on guitar and performing duties as the show’s music director. They’ll be sharing the stage with keyboardist Tracy Carter, bassist Nathaniel Kearny Jr. and drummer Third Richardson.

I’m curious how the new arrangements will sound. It will be fun to see how they make their already-imaginative takes on the classic hits of Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago, Blood Sweat & Tears and other brassy juggernauts of the ’60s and ’70s any better than they already have.

The Summer Horns “Hot Fun In The Summertime” Tour 2014 starts today at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, Florida. It runs through September, and includes a stop at One World Theatre in Austin, Texas, on Aug. 9.

For a complete schedule, visit www.davekoz.com.

Gerald Albright, Dave Koz, Mindi Abair & Richard Elliot rehearsing for Summer Horns “Hot Fun In The Summertime”

All-smooth-jazz festival in Big Bear Lake

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Big Bear Lake JazzTrax Summer Music Festival

Kicked off the first day of summer yesterday in Big Bear Lake, California, at the JazzTrax Festival. The waterfront Marina Resort offered the perfect sunny venue for performances by Lebron, Hiroshima & Richard Elliot.

Tickets are still available for today’s lineup which includes DW3, Paul Taylor & Marion Meadows and Norman Brown. With shade trees, umbrella tables and a tented VIP section, there is ideal seating for everyone, and it is wheelchair accessible.

Because the shows start at 1pm, everyone who was partying at Nottinghams last night will have plenty of time sleep in, and start another fun day in the mountains with an all-smooth-jazz lineup.

Visit www.jazztrax.com for tickets and information.

Ticket giveaway for JazzTrax in Big Bear Lake!

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Big Bear Lake JazzTrax Summer Music Festival (Photo by Pat Benter)

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to the Ninth Annual Big Bear Lake JazzTrax Summer Music Festival, June 21-22. This spectacular lakeside setting, partially shaded by pine trees and other aromatic foliage, is slightly eclipsed by the mountain of talent headed to this Southern California resort town. You know with Richard Elliot and DW3 on the lineup the party will definitely be on high! Also headlining are Sax and the City with Paul Taylor and Marion Meadows; Hiroshima and Norman Brown.

Roman Street will be performing on two sailings around Big Bear Lake aboard the Miss Liberty Sternwheeler on Friday, and Lebron will be the opening act on the Marina Resort venue on Saturday. Will Donato (Friday) and Slim Man with special guest Greg Vail (Saturday) will be providing the entertainment for the after-parties at Nottinghams.

And, because the shows start at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, you have plenty of time to sleep in, then have breakfast, check out the quaint village or enjoy a nice hike or water activity.

This promotion, which is complements of Art Good and JazzTrax, includes two reserved seats at the Marina Resort’s lakeside lawn, on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22. (Does not include transportation, accommodations or meals). Enter to win at www.smoothjazznews.com, click “enter to win.” One entry, per person, please.

For details on the Ninth Annual Big Bear Lake JazzTrax Summer Music Festival, June 21-22, visit www.jazztrax.com or call 866-872-9849. The Marina Resort is located at 40770 Big Bear Blvd., in Big Bear Lake, California.

Rick Braun featured in June-July issue/Annual Jazz Concert Series Guide

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Looking for fun and exciting things to do this summer? Check out the June-July issue of Smooth Jazz News, which is out today! It features Rick Braun, our Annual Jazz Concert Series Guide, the Capital Jazz Fest, Big Bear Lake JazzTrax Summer Music Festival, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series and JazzFest West!

Pick up a complimentary copy of Smooth Jazz News today (June 1) at the PacSounds record store booth during the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival presented by Bank of the West. Festival lineup includes Jazz Attack (Rick Braun, Peter White & Euge Groove), Chaka Khan, Sax Pack (Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole & Jackiem Joyner, Bobby Caldwell & Down to the Bone on the main stage, as well as Grace Kelly & the Derek Bordeaux Group on the lawn stage. Music starts at 11:30 a.m. (Visit www.hyattconcerts.com for festival details.)

Also, check out the TeQava booth and sample their sparkling tequila cocktail (www.teqava.com). And, if you’re looking for some cool jazz art, apparel and accessories, visit R.K. Kidd’s booth (www.uglyhands.com). There is also a food court with tasty festival fare and refreshing beverages.

Kick off your summer fun now!

The entire magazine can be read online at www.smoothjazznews.com.

Keb’ Mo’ performs in magical setting for Scripps Health

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Summer in San Diego is so magical, especially when accompanied by music and harbor views! GRAMMY-winner Keb’ Mo’ is performing at one of the counties most scenic outdoor venues on Monday, May 19. Scripps Health has chosen, once again, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, a one-of-a-kind, waterfront venue on San Diego’s Shelter Island, to have their an annual celebration of cancer survivorship, Concert for Cancer. Nancarrow, a local country act, will open the show, which starts at 7 p.m.

Enjoy a beautiful summer sunset and wonderful night of music and inspiration that also benefits an important cause.

For tickets or information (including parking, dining and room discounts), visit http://www.scripps.org/events/scripps-concert-for-cancer-may-19-2014.

Jackiem Joyner’s new CD, Evolve, is available now!

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Jackiem Joyner’s “Evolve”

Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner released his latest CD, Evolve, April 29, and Mack Avenue. Available at www.jackiemjoyner.com, www.mackavenue.com and wherever you like to buy music.

Jackiem’s touring schedule includes Breakfast with Gary & Kelly in Mission Viejo, and Spaghettini in Seal Beach, both on May 10; as well as the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival presented by Bank of the West on June 1; and The Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, on July 10.

For more information, visit www.jackiemjoyner.com.

Charlie Wilson is on the cover of the May issue of Smooth Jazz News!

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Smooth Jazz News May 2014 issue featuring Charlie Wilson

Check out Charlie Wilson on the cover of the May issue of Smooth Jazz News. Also featured are the Payne Pest Management San Diego Jazz Festival (May 23-25), and the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival presented by Bank of the West (May 30-June 1).

Available in print and online at www.smoothjazznews.com.

Desert Lexus Jazz at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden this Saturday!

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Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot

Dave Koz & Friends “Summer Horns” with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot are performing in the new, shaded, 2,000-seat performance pavilion at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on Saturday, May 3. Euge Groove, Elliott Yamin (2008 “American Idol” contestant) and Will Donato are also scheduled to perform at the 15th Annual Desert Lexus Jazz presented by the City of Indian Wells.

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is located at 78-200 Miles Ave., in Indian Wells, California. For tickets and information, visit www.iwtg.net/Desert-Lexus-Jazz or call 800-999-1585.