Tag Archives: Mindi Abair

When is the Smooth Jazz News Anniversary Party?

Smooth Jazz News' 15th anniversary parties are scheduled for Jan. 25 & Feb. 8, 2015, at Spaghettini in Seal Beach!

Smooth Jazz News’ 15th anniversary parties are scheduled for Jan. 25 & Feb. 8, 2015, at Spaghettini in Seal Beach!

By Melanie Maxwell

When and where will be celebrating Smooth Jazz News‘ 15th anniversary?

We’re having two brunch parties at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment in Seal Beach, California; Sunday, Jan. 25, and Feb. 8!

Camella & Richard Elliot enjoying the 2014 SJN anniversary brunch at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (Photo by Pat Benter)

Camella & Richard Elliot enjoying the 2014 Smooth Jazz News anniversary brunch at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (Photo by Pat Benter)

We originally hosted small gatherings in one of the private banquet rooms at Spaghettini as a “thank you” to our advertisers, which also included a few artists.

Craig Collier & Sonia Patton enjoying serenade by Phil Perry & Ray Fuller at the 2014 Smooth Jazz News anniversary brunch at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California (photo by David Hopley)

Craig Collier & Sonia Patton enjoying serenade by Phil Perry & Ray Fuller at the 2004 Smooth Jazz News anniversary brunch at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California (photo by David Hopley)

As our business grew, so did our guest list for these annual parties that we used to have in December. We then changed the date to January, and reserved a section of the lounge, where the band (usually DW3) performs. And, our musical guests would sit in with the band.

Because 94.7 The WAVE broadcasts live during brunch, they would announce each surprise guest as they arrived. This attracted huge crowds of jazz fans. Our anniversary celebrations became so popular that we had to hold two separate events to accommodate all of our advertisers. It also gave the general public more opportunity to make individual reservations to enjoy Spaghettini’s legendary brunch and surprise performances by some of their favorite artists. And, we are thrilled that we can share these milestones with our readers.

Because these brunches have sold out in recent years, advance reservations are strongly suggested.

And, although we know where and when, we don’t know who our special musical guests making surprise appearances with DW3. That will be a secret until the day of the event. But, here are some photos of this year’s 14th anniversary celebration.

Mindi Abair & Peter White celebrating Smooth Jazz News' 14th anniversary at Spaghettini in February 2014 (Photo by Pat Benter)

Mindi Abair & Peter White celebrating Smooth Jazz News‘ 14th anniversary at Spaghettini in February 2014 (Photo by Pat Benter)

Rick Braun & Dave Koz sitting in with DW3 at the SJN anniversary brunch at Spaghettini (Photo by Pat Benter)

Rick Braun & Dave Koz sitting in with DW3 at the Smooth Jazz News anniversary brunch at Spaghettini (Photo by Pat Benter)

Christiane, Emma & Rick Braun at Spaghettini in Seal Beach for SJN's 14th anniversary celebration in February 2014 (Photo by Pat Benter)

Christiane, Emma & Rick Braun at Spaghettini in Seal Beach for Smooth Jazz News‘ 14th anniversary celebration in February 2014 (Photo by Pat Benter)

Mindi Abair sitting in with DW3 at the Smooth Jazz News 14th anniversary brunch in February 2014

Mindi Abair sitting in with DW3 at the Smooth Jazz News 14th anniversary brunch in February 2014 (Photo by Pat Benter)

Rick & Emma Braun at the SJN brunch party at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (Photo by Pat Benter)

Rick & Emma Braun at the Smooth Jazz News brunch party at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA (Photo by Pat Benter)

Spaghettini is located at 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California. To make reservations, call 562-596-2199 or visit www.spaghettinisb.com. For more information, check out Smooth Jazz News in print or online, www.smoothjazznews.com.

Choose your “Wild” life at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival!

Avalon Harbor at dusk on Catalina Island

Avalon Harbor at dusk on Catalina Island

By Melanie Maxwell

Of course, there is live music in the Casino Ballroom at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival, Friday through Sunday.

There are also Thursday night “Unplugged” concerts at Descanso Beach (Oct. 9: saxophonist Mindi Abair; Oct. 16: British guitarist Peter White), with seating on the sand, in lawn chairs or at a private cabana.

DJ Jonathan Phillps spinning old-school dance tunes during the JazzTrax After-Party at Descanso

DJ Jonathan Phillps spinning old-school dance tunes during the JazzTrax After-Party at Descanso (photo by Pat Benter)

Then, a few minutes before the 11 o’clock hour on Saturday night things get really wild. That’s when the After-Parties at Descanso Beach start.

Festivalgoers dancing to the sounds of DJ Jonathan Phillips at the Saturday night After-Party on Descanso Beach (Photos by Pat Benter)

Festivalgoers dancing to the sounds of DJ Jonathan Phillips at the Saturday night After-Party on Descanso Beach (Photos by Pat Benter)

You can choose dancing to old-school R&B spun by DJ Jonathan Phillips alongside your fellow reveling festivalgoers until the bartenders yell, “Last call for alcohol!” Or, you can claim a seat around the fire pit a few feet from the serene sea. In either case, food can be ordered and cocktails poured and blended at the outdoor bar and restaurant under the evening sky.

Ladies having a great time at the JazzTrax After-Party (Photos by Pat Benter)

Ladies having a great time at the JazzTrax After-Party (Photos by Pat Benter)

Most likely, you’ll also encounter some of the local wildlife, mule deer, which often ramble around the beachside bash.

Friendly deer hanging out with festivalgoers at Descanso Beach (photo by Pat Benter)

Friendly deer hanging out with festivalgoers at Descanso Beach (photo by Pat Benter)

Which “wild” life do you prefer? Please post your comments. We’d love to hear from you!

Deer munching on a midnight snack, the landscape in front of the Casino (photo by Pat Benter)

Deer munching on a midnight snack, the landscape in front of the Casino (photo by Pat Benter)

The 28th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival is scheduled for Oct. 9-12 and Oct. 16-19.  You can read about it in the current issue of Smooth Jazz News (which is also posted online at www.smoothjazznews.com), which includes our Annual Catalina Island Visitors Guide. That’s where you can find details on how to get there, where to stay, dine, shop, play and plan a spa day!

For festival tickets and additional information, visit www.jazztrax.com.

Peter White celebrates 60th birthday at British pub!

 

Peter White at his 60th Birthday Party at the Robin Hood Pub in Sherman Oaks, California (photo by David Hopley)

Peter White at his 60th Birthday Party at the Robin Hood Pub in Sherman Oaks, California (photo by David Hopley)

Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Warren Hill, Chris Standring, Michael Paulo, Vincent Ingala and a bunch of musicians and other friends celebrated Peter White’s 60th birthday with a Sunday brunch on Sept. 21.

Peter White's 60th birthday party at the Robin Hood British Pub in Sherman Oaks, California (Photo by David Hopley)

Peter White’s 60th birthday party at the Robin Hood British Pub in Sherman Oaks, California (Photo by David Hopley)

Peter chose one of his favorite haunts, the Robin Hood British Pub & Restaurant in Sherman Oaks, California, for the venue. He also selected the menu, a traditional English breakfast buffet with bangers (over-sized sausages), home-fried potatoes, bacon, scrambled eggs, fish and chips, fried tomatoes, beans and peas. But, the party planning and decorating were handled by a group of his friends.

Mindi Abair (center) with her boyfriend Eric Guerra (left) serving up an English breakfast the buffett while Andre Berry (right) looks on (Photo by David Hopley)

Mindi Abair (center) with her boyfriend Eric Guerra (left) serving up an English breakfast the buffett while Andre Berry (right) looks on (Photo by David Hopley)

Charlotte White, Peter and Robin's daughter (photo by David Hopley)

Charlotte White, Peter and Robin’s daughter (photo by David Hopley)

It was an intimate affair that included White’s wife Robin Pao and their daughter Charlotte. Rick Braun, who will be joining Peter and Mindi on A Peter White Christmas tour, couldn’t make it because he was performing back East. But, his wife Christiane, and their children Emma and Kyle represented Rick at this festive occasion.

Christiane Braun, Luis Del Arroz, Peter White & Emma Braun (photo by David Hopley)

Christiane Braun, Luis Del Arroz, Peter White & Emma Braun (photo by David Hopley)

“Usually, we all see each other at shows or music industry events, but last Sunday I loved that we all got together where none of us were working so we could all just relax and catch up,” Peter said.

I don’t know if there was much relaxing, but there certainly was a lot of catching up and goofing around. A photo booth quickly filled up with quests in quirky poses, wearing funny hats, viking helmets, tiaras, satin crowns, over-sized glasses and holding up signs with sayings such as “princess,” “hot” and “someone alert the paparazzi.”

John Mahon (left), Peter White (center), John Menzano (right) & friends at photo booth (photo by David Hopley)

John Mahon (left), Peter White (center), John Menzano (right) & friends at photo booth (photo by David Hopley)

Peter White with Dave Koz, John Menzano, John Mahon, Charlotte White, Kyle Braun & friends in photo booth (photo by David Hopley)

Peter White with Dave Koz, John Menzano, John Mahon, Charlotte White, Kyle Braun & friends in photo booth (photo by David Hopley)

I’ll be writing more about this lively event in the October-November issue of Smooth Jazz News, which features the birthday boy on the cover! Meanwhile, here are some photos from this wonderful celebration (all taken by David Hopley):

Peter White (center) with his friends from Seattle, Chrissy & Eric Yamada (photo by David Hopley)

Peter White (center) with his friends from Seattle, Chrissy & Eric Yamada (photo by David Hopley)

Michael & Teri Paulo with friends at the photo booth (photo by David Hopley)

Michael & Teri Paulo with friends at the photo booth (photo by David Hopley)

Olivia Rox (Warren Hill's daughter), Charlotte White & Emma Braun (photo by David Hopley)

Olivia Rox (Warren Hill’s daughter), Charlotte White & Emma Braun (photo by David Hopley)

Olivia Rox with her parents, Warren & Tamara Hill at the photo booth (photo by David Hopley)

Olivia Rox with her parents, Warren & Tamara Hill at the photo booth (photo by David Hopley)

Eric Guerra, Peter White & Mindi Abair (photo by David Hopley)

Eric Guerra, Peter White & Mindi Abair (photo by David Hopley)

Bud Harner (Chapman & Co. Management) signing Peter White's birthday card (photo by David Hopley)

Bud Harner (Chapman & Co. Management) signing Peter White’s birthday card (photo by David Hopley)

Peter White getting ready to blow out candles on his guitar-shaped birthday cake (photo by David Hopley)

Peter White getting ready to blow out candles on his guitar-shaped birthday cake (photo by David Hopley)

Peter White & Jacqui Brown (Paul Brown's wife) posing for photos while Peter's wife Robin Pao (left) enjoys the fun (photo by David Hopley)

Peter White & Jacqui Brown (Paul Brown’s wife) posing for photos while Peter’s wife Robin Pao (left) enjoys the fun (photo by David Hopley)

Brian Simpson, Dave Koz & "Third" Richardson (photo by David Hopley)

Brian Simpson, Dave Koz & “Third” Richardson (photo by David Hopley)

Warren Hill & Michael Paulo (photo by David Hopley)

Warren Hill & Michael Paulo (photo by David Hopley)

"Third" Richardson, Vincent Ingala & Pat Prescott at Peter White's 60th birthday party (photo by David Hopley)

“Third” Richardson, Vincent Ingala & Pat Prescott at Peter White’s 60th birthday party (photo by David Hopley)

John Mahon (who played drums with Peter live and on his first three CDs, and who now has been percussionist & backing vocals for Elton John for the past 18 years) and Chris Standring (photo by David Hopley)

John Mahon (who played drums with Peter live and on his first three CDs, and who now has been percussionist & backing vocals for Elton John for the past 18 years) and Chris Standring (photo by David Hopley)

Stevo Theard & Jamey Tate (photo by David Hopley)

Stevo Theard & Jamey Tate (photo by David Hopley)

A dessert bar filled with candy! (photo by David Hopley)

A dessert bar filled with candy! (photo by David Hopley)

Guitar-shaped birthday cake (photo by David Hopley)

Guitar-shaped birthday cake (photo by David Hopley)

Peter White with his birthday cake candles (Photo by David Hopley)

Peter White with his birthday cake candles (Photo by David Hopley)

One of two birthday cakes (photo by David Hopley)

One of two birthday cakes (photo by David Hopley)

Peter White, Sherry Fisher & John Barnick (photo by David Hopley)

Peter White, Sherry Fisher & John Barnick (photo by David Hopley)

English breakfast buffet at Robin Hood Pub (photo by David Hopley)

English breakfast buffet at Robin Hood Pub (photo by David Hopley)

Robin Hood British Pub & Restaurant in Sherman Oaks, California (photo by David Hopley)

Robin Hood British Pub & Restaurant in Sherman Oaks, California (photo by David Hopley)

Summer Horns at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series (photo by Ambrosevents/Ellis Moore Photography)

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series (photo by Ambrosevents/Ellis Moore Photography)

“I just got off the Dave Koz cruise, and l coming to see this show again!” a woman exclaim while handing her keys to the valet upon her arrival at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach for the Dave Koz & Friends “Summer Horns” concert.

Dave Koz & Gerald Albright (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Dave Koz & Gerald Albright (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

As I entered the grassy, outdoor amphitheatre overlooking Back Bay at sunset, I spotted a man wearing one of the jazz shirts we sell. I approached him and said, “I recognize that shirt!” Not recognizing me, the person who sold it to him, he responded, “I bought this several years ago at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival.” I told him that he bought it at the Smooth Jazz News booth at that festival in Panama City Beach, Florida. “That’s right!” he said, then explained that he was a subscriber, found out about this show from the ad in the magazine, and flew from Georgia to see Dave Koz & his friends Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot performing one of their final “Summer Horns” shows of 2014.

Summer Horns Encore at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series  (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Summer Horns Encore at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

The standing-room-only crowd danced, cheered and clapped along for two hours of instrumental covers (with vocals by Tracy Carter and Mindi on some of the tunes) from some of the best horn-based songs from bands such as Chicago, Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, James Brown, and an exceptionally soul-stirring rendition of Dave Brubeck’s “Take 5.”

Mindi Abair singing to an excited crowd at the Hyatt (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Mindi Abair singing to an excited crowd at the Hyatt (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

After a week suffering through record heat, humidity and a destructive storm that ravaged parts of Southern California (compliments of Hurricane Odile), it was so refreshing to enjoy cooler temperatures, near the coast, all the while being entertained by Dave Koz & his extremely talented friends!

Here are some other photos from last night’s show:

Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot, Gerald Albright & Dave Koz signing autographs at the Hyatt (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot, Gerald Albright & Dave Koz signing autographs at the Hyatt (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Dave Koz & Mindi Abair (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Dave Koz & Mindi Abair (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Nathaniel Kearny Jr. & Dave Koz (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

Nathaniel Kearny Jr. & Dave Koz (photo by Ambrosevents.com/Ellis Moore Photography)

The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series presents three more shows for its 2014 season: Natalie Cole (Sept. 26), Brian Culbertson (Oct. 3) and Tower of Power with Average White Band (Oct. 10). For tickets or information, visit www.hyattconcerts.com or call 949-360-7800.

 

Ticket giveaway Tuesday!

Enter to win tickets to see Jonathan Butler & Harvey Mason at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series, Friday, Aug. 22 (www.hyattconcerts.com)

Jonathan Butler will be performing at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series on Friday, Aug. 22

Jonathan Butler is scheduled to perform on Friday, Aug. 22, at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series

Congratulations to Pamela Bates of Los Angeles, CA, she won a pair of tickets to see Jonathan Butler & Harvey Mason at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Concert Series on Friday, Aug. 22! Visit www.hyattconcerts.com for show details.

or

The Gardena Jazz Festival featuring Dave Koz & Friends “Summer Horns” with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright & Richard Elliot, as well as Euge Groove, Brian Simpson & more, Sunday, Aug. 24 (www.gardenajazzfestival.com)!

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot will be performing at the Gardena Jazz Festival on Sunday, Aug. 24

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Richard Elliot will be performing at the Gardena Jazz Festival on Sunday, Aug. 24

Euge Groove is scheduled to perform at the Gardena Jazz Festival on Sunday, Aug. 24

Euge Groove is scheduled to perform at the Gardena Jazz Festival on Sunday, Aug. 24

We’ll choose first from those who have commented on blog post https://smoothjazznews.wpengine.com/blog/?p=458, then from entrants of our Win Free Cool Stuff contest, www.smoothjazznews.com/freestuff.php. Good luck!

Congratulations to Lois Bush of Gold River, CA. She won a pair of tickets to the Gardena Jazz Festival, Aug. 24! Dave Koz & Friends “Summer Horns” with Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright & Richard Elliot, along with Euge Groove, Brian Simpson & more are scheduled to perform! Visit www.gardenajazzfestival.com for festival details.

 

Dave Koz Summer Horns “Hot Fun In The Summertime”

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

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"

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