In Memory of Willie Payne
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Willie was a positive person, and rather than mourn his loss with sadness, he’d probably prefer that we celebrate the fun times we had with him.
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Camella and Richard Elliot’s 2019 Halloween Bash
By Melanie Maxwell Heidi Klum may be the queen of Halloween for the fashion and acting crowd, but in the smooth jazz world, Camella Elliot and her GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist husband, Richard Elliot, slay the holiday with dragons, skeletons, ghouls, goblins and a DW3 dance party! Camella’s decor, both inside their home and throughout their vineyard […]
RIP: Alphonse Mouzon, Legendary Jazz Drummer
Alphonse Mouzon (Nov. 21, 1948-Dec. 26, 2016) It is with great sadness we report that legendary jazz drummer Alphonse Mouzon passed away today after a recent battle with neuroendocrine carcinoma, a rare form of cancer. He was 68 years old. Mouzon, who was born in Charleston, South Carolina, was a charter member of the group […]
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 […]
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 […]
Partying with Euge, Peter White & Keiko!
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 […]
AARP is HIP!
The crowd was still buzzing about Patti Austin’s Friday night performance when I arrived at AARP’s Ideas@50+ conference at the San Diego Convention Center on Saturday morning . Of course, when I heard these comments I dug into my bag and handed the person or group (obviously jazz fans) a copy of the latest issue […]
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. […]
Ticket giveaway for JazzTrax in Big Bear Lake!
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 […]
Jackiem Joyner’s new CD, Evolve, is available now!
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 […]