25 years of Dave Koz!

There were too many quotes and too little print space to include all of them in our Dave Koz feature story in Smooth Jazz News this month. In celebration of his 25th anniversary as a recording artist, here are the quotes from the beloved saxophonist’s friends and family in their entirety, and a few that […]

Richard Elliot Halloween Bash!

Richard Elliot and his wife, Camella, hosted a Halloween Bash at their Escondido home, which was decorated fabulously for this spooky occasion. DW3, with special guest Gail Jhonson, was the musical entertainment. Check out these photos taken by David Hopley… I usually catch myself mid-sentence when telling Camella Elliot about a particularly busy week, then […]

Jacobs presents Michelle Coltrane & other extraordinary concerts

Experience Michelle Coltrane and Other Extraordinary Concerts and Performances During the Jacobs Presents 2015–2016 Season As part of its commitment to creating a thriving Arts and Culture district in Southeastern San Diego’s Diamond Neighborhoods, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation is proud to announce their 2015-2016 Jacobs Presents season. From cultural celebrations to performances by […]

Festival of Arts with Jazz, Wine & Chocolate!

I was invited to the Festival of Arts VIP Night on July 3. Hanging out in Laguna Beach in the summer is a wonderful pastime, but enjoying the artful festivities was even more of an incentive to make the 70-mile drive from San Diego the day before 4th of July. This event offered patrons the […]

Sally Thornton is laid to rest today

SALLY BULLARD THORNTON (June 7, 1934-June 12, 2015) Sally Thornton, one of San Diego’s most iconic philanthropists and businesswomen and matriarch of Thornton Winery, was laid to rest in San Diego today. A standing-room-only crowd gathered at the services, which was as packed as one of the many sold-out concerts at her family winery in […]

Who were Mindi Abair’s birthday party guests in Hollywood?

Mindi Abair celebrated her birthday during Memorial Day weekend at her Hollywood home with celebrity guests from all facets of the entertainment industry (music, TV and movies). Saxophonist Michael Lington, guitarists Randy Jacobs & Chris Standring, vocalist Ellis Hall, keyboardist Patrick Bradley & multi-instrumentalist Dino Soldo were some of Mindi’s smooth jazz friends attending her […]

Jazz Happenings in Southern California this Weekend-May 16, 2015

When the sun returns to Southern California after the current cloudy and rainy skies, there are a couple of cool jazz outings to consider this weekend. Saturday, May 16, 7 p.m. Thornton Winery’s 27th Annual Champagne Jazz Series presents GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers, with Chicago-based guitarist Nick Colionne opening Thornton Winery is […]

KSBR Birthday Bash with food & wine tastings!

Chris Standring, Michael Lington & Jessy J added to KSBR Birthday Bash this Sunday, May 24! Plus, more super-secret performers who cannot be announced until they step on the stage! And, of course, Smooth Jazz News will have a booth there, passing out magazines, selling subscriptions and concert clothing. Where can you see more than […]

Seabreeze Jazz Festival ticket giveaway!

Click here for a chance to win a pair of 4-day passes (Thursday-Sunday) to the 17th Annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival presented by ResortQuest in Panama City Beach, Florida: http://dev.smoothjazznews.com/enter-win/ When: April 22-26 Lineup: Wednesday, April 22 Jazzy Dinner Cruise on St. Andrews Bay aboard the Solaris entertainment yacht featuring Brian Culbertson (sold out), boards at 6:30 p.m., sails at […]