Category Archives: Jazz Buzz

The latest buzz on the smooth jazz scene and other happenings of interest to smooth jazz fans.

Happy 16th Anniversary to us!

More than a decade ago, we began hosting a brunch party for our advertisers each December at Spaghettini Italian Grill & Jazz Club in Seal Beach California. Back then, we reserved a private dining room to celebrate the holidays and to thank all of the people who had advertised with us throughout the year. We […]

Who’s coming to our 16th Anniversary Brunch at Spaghettini?

Are you wondering who the surprise guest artists will be at our 16th Annual Anniversary Sunday Jazz Brunch & Jam Sessions at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA? Many of their names can’t be revealed until they arrive on Jan. 24 and Feb. 21. However, we can announce that Barbados-born saxophonist Elan Trotman and Canadian trumpeter […]

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 […]

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 […]

Richard Elliot throws 50th birthday bash for his wife

Saxophonist Richard Elliot invited family and friends to celebrate his wife Camella’s 50th birthday at their Escondido, California, home on Saturday, April 4. In addition to the couple’s five children (Candice, 25;  Bub, 21; Mikayla, 16; Eli, 15; and Julian, 10), Camella’s parents (Cam and Dolly Vidal) and her sisters (Kim Kemp and Lani Calgaro), Steve Chapman […]

Stevie Wonder sits in with Brian Culbertson at Long Beach concert!

Brian Culbertson, Stevie Wonder, Rodney James Jr

When Stevie Wonder walked on stage during Brian Culbertson‘s show last night, he thought the crowd had burst into ecstatic applause because they were diggin’ the way he was wailing on the keyboards. It was Valentine’s Day after all. And, Brian was the headliner at Rainbow Promotions’ three-act concert at the Terrace Theater in Long […]

Desert Lexus Jazz kicks off Southern California season May 2!

Desert Lexus Jazz 2014 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden

Splashes of art, food and specialty beverages will accompany great music at Desert Lexus Jazz on May 2. Tower of Power is scheduled to headline this 16th annual event in the shaded performance pavilion at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Lisa Fischer, and her Caribbean-inspired band Grand Baton, is also on the lineup. Jazz fans […]

Partying with Euge, Peter White & Keiko!

Peter White with his daughter Charlotte & wife Robin at Spaghettini (Photo by David Hopley)

What would a Smooth Jazz News anniversary party be without a few genre stars celebrating with us? Thankfully, we didn’t have to find out. Peter White, Euge Groove and Keiko Matsui joined us on Feb. 8 for the last of two brunch parties commemorating our 15th year of publication. And, DW3 was onstage in the […]