August-September 2023

Culbertson B R I A N

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns Tour

> A high-energy, let-yourhair-down-and-dance party

Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival and the 20th Anniversary Gardena Jazz Festival

> Bring joy and unity to their communities

Annual Catalina Island Travel Planning Guide

> Book your stay, then sail away!

JULY 30

Lao Tizer Band ft. Chieli Minucci, Eric Marienthal, and Elliott Yamin

RHYTHM ON THE VINE ® jazz concert series

AUGUST 13

Gregg Karukas, Adam Hawley, and Pamela Williams

AUGUST 27

Hiroshima

SEPTEMBER 10

Saxman Michael Paulo with special guests Larry Braggs & David Garfield

SEPTEMBER 24

Brian Simpson and Jessy J

OCTOBER 8

Kalapana

Scan for more details!

OCTOBER 22

Steve Oliver and Blake Aaron

Produced by Apaulo Productions

Publisher and Managing Editor

Melanie Maxwell

Operations & Distribution Manager

Craig Collier

Contributors

Ken Capobianco Cashmira

Marcia Luttrell

Darcy Peters

Copy Editors

JoAnn Armke

Paula Fitzgerald

Barbara Knox

Brad Sondak

Graphic Design

Gina Mancini

Stephani Rosenstein

Contributing Photographers

Ron Azevedo

John Bivens

Jayne Drooger

Ellis Moore Photography

Leith Ford (Kwik Flash Photography)

Jeremy Fratkin

Cooper Hardwick

David Hopley

Tracy May

Daniel Ray (including cover photo)

Roy Cox Photography

Tucker Tashjian

Smooth Jazz News

5519 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #134 San Diego, CA 92117 858-541-1919

smoothjazznews@aol.com www.smoothjazznews.com

We will publish five issues of Smooth Jazz News in 2023: February-March, April-May, June-July, AugustSeptember and October-November-December.

The publisher assumes no responsibility for claims or actions of its advertisers. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, staff or advertisers. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher.

©2023, Smooth Jazz News | All rights reserved

Smooth-Jazz News/123513291125001

@SmoothJazzNews

The 34th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival is happening Aug. 11-13 at Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach, California, and offers VIP seating, general admission and waterfront cabanas. For more information on this, and other events happening in August and September, check out the calendar section, beginning on page 24.

8 Notes from the Publisher Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California, celebrates 90th year of Pageant of the Masters and honors artists from around the world who embraced their communities and were inspired by one

18 Catalina Island Travel Planning Guide How to get there and where to stay

20 Brian Culbertson

the drive, artistry and vision of this smooth jazz superstar

24 Calendar of smooth jazz events

Jazz Buzz Dave Koz and his sax crew Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius storm the stages this summer, with special appearances by vocalist Maysa

34 Cashmira’s Starguide

35 Smooth Jazz News merchandise Get festival-ready with our gear and summer sale prices

(Photos by Ellis Moore Photography)

Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach, California, offer sumptuous, sensory experiences for eyes, ears and taste buds

When I asked my friend Rhonda Kilpatrick if she’d like to see Pageant of the Masters with me, she said, “Is that a golf tournament?” It’s not. But I’m guessing that might be the first impression most people have who aren’t familiar with the Festival of Arts’ world-famous theatrical interpretation of art through the magic of tableaux vivants or living pictures.

But the festival is not just for art enthusiasts. Jazz and music fans might appreciate Festival of Arts, not only for its professionally juried fine art show featuring paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry and more from Orange County, California, artists, but also for the daily musical performances it offers. Nathan East is scheduled to perform at their Concerts on the Green on Aug. 19, and Gregg Karukas will bring his GK Soul Jazz Party to the Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate series on Aug. 24.

However, as dusk falls, more enchantment awaits a few feet behind the exhibits in the 2,600-seat amphitheater of the Irvine Bowl. That’s where the 90-minute, spine-tingling spectacle of music, storytelling and grand

illusions of Pageant of the Masters begins. This unique theatrical production replicates famous art masterpieces staged by an all-volunteer cast of people in full makeup and custom-made costumes. They are posed to look exactly like their counterparts in the original masterpieces, with large-scale, intricate sets and sophisticated lighting, accompanied by a live, 20-piece orchestra and engaging narrator.

This year’s Pageant celebrates its 90th anniversary with the production of “Art Colony: In the Company of Artists.” This theme draws inspiration from the works of renowned artists from around the world who embraced their communities where they lived and worked and, in turn, influenced one another. The first act brings to life En Plein Air: Monet et Cie with Claude Monet’s “Women in the Garden”; Denizens of the Demimonde: Paris with Henri de ToulouseLautrec’s “Dancing at the Moulin Rouge”; Land of Enchantment with Ernest L. Blumenschein’s “Plaza de Ranchos de Taos”; and, in the second act, East L.A.: Chicano Art with “Lucha Reyes, Mother of Ranchera,” among others. However,

Backstage on the set of “The Sketchers,” a re-creation of John Singer Sargent’s watercolor he painted on the shores of Lake Garda in Italy

Photo by Ron Azevedo

one of the sets that makes this year’s Pageant so special is New York’s Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated art and African American culture in the 1920s and ’30s.

“The Harlem Renaissance was painting and sculptures, but it was also poetry, politics and literature. A time of freedom of expression for people of color previously unknown in America,” explained Diane Challis Davy, Pageant of the Masters director. “African American art and art by women have been underrepresented in the history of American art. I’m pleased we can present the Harlem Renaissance along with other important art colonies of the USA and the world.”

The Harlem Renaissance is considered a golden age in African American culture, manifesting in literature, music, stage performance and art. The era is widely known in pop culture for its nightclubs and music by Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway of the Cotton Club, and Bessie Smith, to name a few. Lesser known to many are the painters and sculptors associated with this vibrant movement. This year’s Pageant shines a light on sculptors Meta Warrick Fuller and Augusta Savage, and painters Archibald Motley and Aaron Douglas.

Kicking off the second act, audiences will see these artists’ work pop to life onstage,

including the signature 16-foot sculpture

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Savage, the late Harlem Renaissance artist, activist and educator. The “Song of the Towers” is part of a four-mural collection series by Douglas, who felt that jazz was a great contribution of African American culture to the world. Fuller’s bronze statue “Emancipation” and Motley’s extraordinary painting “Holy Rollers” are also key highlights during the Harlem Renaissance art colony portion of the show.

“All four of these works of art are new to our stage. I especially admire Aaron Douglas’ style, his colorful silhouette paintings and murals depicting Black history,” added Challis Davy.

“I have selected uplifting musical pieces to complement the four tableaux. Jazz, spirituals, gospel will be represented, along with a song that’s considered an anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing!’ There will be singers!”

The art colony established in Laguna Beach, California, in the early years of the 20th century was the primary inspiration for the 2023 theme.

“We’re excited about the theme, ‘Art Colony,’ because Laguna Beach was really put on the map as such more than 100 years ago,” Challis Davy said. “We don’t acknowledge our local art colony status until the finale of the show, and along the way we will show other art colonies where artists offered support and inspired one another,” she concluded.

With the Pageant’s breathtaking performances and the artistic creations and jewelry in the exhibits, plus classes, tours, a fashion show, and live music every day, all in one scenic location, Festival of Arts is among the best entertainment values and experiences of the summer. Rhonda loved it so much, she’s planning to bring her creative, art-loving daughter!

Pageant of the Masters is presented nightly through Sept. 1, 2023. Tickets start at $35 per person. For more information about the Pageant and Festival of Arts, located at 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, visit www.foapom.com or call 800-487-3378.

“We’re excited about the theme, ‘Art Colony,’ because Laguna Beach was really put on the map as such more than 100 years ago. We don’t acknowledge our local art colony status until the finale of the show, and along the way we will show other art colonies where artists offered support and inspired one another.”

Diane Challis Davy Pageant of the Masters director

Backstage on the set of “Morning Thoughts,” a re-creation of the Roger Kuntz oil painting (Photo: Ron Azevedo)

Pageant cast members replicating Claude Monet’s “Women in the Garden” oil painting (Photo: Ron Azevedo)

East and West, City-Staged Smooth Jazz Festivals ENJOY SPECTACULAR SUCCESS

Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival and Gardena Jazz Festival

By Marcia Luttrell

mooth jazz festivals have remained a vibrant, inclusive community of unity that brings joy to many, even after terrestrial radio stations abandoned the format in the 2010s. And government officials on opposite coasts have taken notice.

The Gardena Jazz Festival, presented by the City of Gardena in California, and the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, started out as local community events but have evolved into travel destinations on the summer festival circuit. Today, they tally annual attendances of more than 7,000 and 3,000, respectively, of both residents and visitors nationwide. Each presents a mix of top-tier headliners while also showcasing up-and-coming talent, but they couldn’t be more different or alike.

Boney James is slated to headline the Gardena Jazz Festival on Aug. 27, at Rowley Park in the Los Angeles suburb of Gardena this year. In Harrisburg, Marcus Anderson (Sept. 9) and Vincent Ingala (Sept. 10) are marquee performers at the two-day Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival at Fort Hunter Park.

In the ’90s, California state Sen. Steven Bradford and his childhood friend, the late Roderick Jones, pondered the possibility of staging a signature event in Gardena.

“We met in elementary school and were friends for over 40 years at the time of his passing,” Bradford recalled.

“I got elected to Gardena City Council in 1997. The city was on the brink of bankruptcy, and we were cutting programs, not adding. He and I grew up dabbling in the music industry as promoters. He

Photo:JohnBivens

Photo:JohnBivens

Above photos: (left) 2022 Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, (center) 2022 Gardena Jazz Festival (right) Adam Hawley and Kat Hawley performing at the 2022 Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival

was the catalyst of pushing me to go forward in establishing the first Gardena Jazz Festival in 2003. It was about uplifting the community and bringing folks together at a time when we were in a bad economic situation.”

In the early days of the festival, admission was free, and Bradford invited notable musicians he knew from the area to entertain.

Brian O’Neal and The BusBoys, bassist Cornelius “Corney” Mims and Grammy Award-winning guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., who attended elementary and high school in Gardena (and who is also a member of the group Jazz Funk Soul with Jeff Lorber and Everette Harp), were among the first performers.

On the other side of the country, the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival was launched in 2006 with the goal to support the local community while attracting tourism to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital.

“We wanted to offer something for everyone with large-scale event programming,” said Michelle McKeown, program manager for the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department.

“In the past few years, parks have been trying to be a culturally diverse, safe place for all different races and creeds.”

Each festival locale offers unique attributes.

Gardena’s Rowley Park was dedicated in honor of city administrator Paul A. Rowley in 1962, and its 17 acres circle a giant magnolia tree.

The quintessential California setting offers a little something for everyone—skate park, baseball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts, children’s play areas and a carpet of green lawn framed by Chinese elms and eucalyptus trees.

Pennsylvania’s Fort Hunter Park, on the other hand, pays tribute to America’s history. Named after the French and Indian War stronghold that once occupied the site, the verdant, tree-studded landscape is situated along the Susquehanna River, the longest watershed on the East Coast.

“Then, we paused and thought, ‘What attracts everybody?’” he said. “All around the world, people have an appreciation for smooth jazz, whether it’s Asia, Europe or here in the United States. The format is soothing, and it appeals to a broader audience.”

Artists such as Dave Koz, Lorber, Stanley Clarke, Keiko Matsui and Hiroshima have graced the stage in Gardena.

“We do it collaboratively with a committee,” Bradford explained.

“Rule No. 1 is we have to bring in artists we can afford, and, luckily, a lot of them have worked with us and adjusted their prices. Some don’t, but many have.”

The Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival lineup is decided by a group that includes McKeown, Parks and Recreation Director Anthea Stebbins and former Parks and Recreation Program Director Larry Moore, who now serves as a consultant. Moore travels to see smooth jazz artists worldwide and makes recommendations.

“Smooth jazz is universal,” McKeown said.

“It’s easy to listen to. It’s relaxing at times. It’s exciting at times. The smooth jazz community is also incredible because they travel all over the country to see their favorite artists.”

Ford/KwikFlashPhotography

The park’s 40 acres include a number of 19thcentury buildings, a covered bridge and the restored Fort Hunter Mansion. A pair of sycamores on the land are said to be more than 300 years old, among the oldest in the state.

While the locations are very different, both festivals have benefited from showcasing smooth jazz artists, many of whom were known to attract a large and loyal fan base.

Bradford considered a gospel event for the first Gardena Jazz Festival, a genre that would appeal to the nearby Hollypark, a predominantly African American neighborhood.

continued on page 12

“Smooth jazz is universal. ... It’s easy to listen to. It’s relaxing at times. It’s exciting at times. The smooth jazz community is also incredible because they travel all over the country to see their favorite artists.”

— Michelle McKeown Program manager for

the Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department

P h o to :

Leith

Wine and cheese booth at the 2022 Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival

Photo:JohnBivens

Sen. Steven Bradford and radio personality Pat Prescott at the Gardena Jazz Festival

continued from page 11

In addition to hosting familiar jazz names, the annual festivals showcase local youth groups and emerging artists. McKeown said festival organizers are proud to bring in up-and-coming musicians such as the popular violinist Daniel D. (aka Daniel Davis).

Last year, the Gardena Jazz Festival introduced Braxton Cook, a saxophonist who was trained at The Juilliard School. “He did an amazing set last year, and people are still talking about him. There is so much talent out there,” Bradford said.

With reasonable ticket prices ($25 general admission tickets purchased before July 27, and $30 thereafter, for Gardena; and $50 for Dauphin County—see festival websites for details), popular artists and the support of sponsors and community volunteers, both festivals have attracted thousands of attendees over the years.

Organizations such as U.S. Bank, Uber, Waste Resources and Amazon have contributed to the Gardena Jazz Festival.

“I’ve been able to build a coterie of sponsors who have supported us, and more importantly, they embraced and appreciate what we do here,” Bradford said.

“It’s not a for-profit venture. When we started, Gardena was in no position to pay for this, so that was the guideline. I had to raise the money for this to go forward. We’ve done so well over the years, that when we have a surplus, we make donations to local nonprofits and youth-based organizations.”

McKeown said the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival also operates much like a nonprofit.

Its sponsors include the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and Health Partners Plans.

An advantage, McKeown said, is that the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners understands and values culturally relevant programming and the economic impact that tourism has on the community.

“Every hotel here has a tax that goes to tourism grants,” she explained.

“Those grants get handed out to different businesses and community

THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY GARDENA JAZZ FESTIVAL

When: Sunday, Aug. 27

Where: Rowley Park, 13220 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena, California

Tickets and information: www.gardenajazzfestival.com, 310-217-9537

Lineup: (gates open at 9 a.m., music starts at 11 a.m.): Boney James, Damien Escobar, The Family Stone, Ragan Whiteside, Brandee Younger and more to be announced

groups to bring more economic development and culturally diverse events to the region. A third of what we bring in is from ticket sales, a third is from sponsorship and a third comes from county tourism grants. It’s not taxpayer-based. We also have volunteers who support us and business sponsorships that are purchased before the event.”

While the Gardena Jazz Festival is a nonalcohol event, a distinctive aspect of the Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival is its relationship with local wineries.

Pennsylvania’s climate and fertile land produce more than 2 million gallons of wine annually, and there are approximately 10 winery vendors at the Dauphin County festival.

“It’s interesting that the wine growth market has been huge in Pennsylvania,” McKeown said.

“Wine slushies are all the rage right now. They take wine and put it into a slushie machine. It’s a cold drink, and it’s lovely!”

To the delight of the planners, both smooth jazz festivals have grown to surpass all expectations.

“We have definitely reached our goal of getting more people to visit and spend money in Dauphin County,” McKeown said.

“I do a report at the end of our shows, and about 80 percent of our guests are from outside of a 90-mile radius of Harrisburg and Dauphin County, which is pretty incredible.”

In addition to enriching and unifying their communities, the events have attracted a national audience.

“If you would have asked me 20 years ago if it would get to the level it is today, I would have said, ‘No way,’” Bradford said with sincerity.

“I pinch myself every year that I go out on that stage and look across the park and see the mass of people, whether sitting at tables or on the hillside with their families. It’s more than I could have envisioned. Rod is looking down and happy with what we achieved in the neighborhood where we both grew up and played sports. That was our home park. It’s something to be proud of, and it put the City of Gardena on the map.”

For more details, visit http://www.gardenajazzfestival.com and https://www.dauphincounty.gov/government/support-services/parksrecreation/festivals-special-events/jazz-and-wine-festival.

16TH ANNUAL DAUPHIN COUNTY JAZZ & WINE FESTIVAL

When: Saturday, Sept. 9, and Sunday, Sept. 10

Where: Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Tickets and information: https://www.dauphincounty.gov/ government/support-services/parks-recreation/festivals-specialevents/jazz-and-wine-festival, 717-599-5188

Lineup: (doors open at 3 p.m.):

Saturday, Sept. 9: Urban Groove Collective, 4:30 p.m.; Nathan Mitchell, 6 p.m.; Marcus Anderson, Lin Rountree and Julian Vaughn, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 10: FAME Jazz Ensemble, 4:30 p.m.; SUCH, 6 p.m.; Vincent Ingala, 7:30 p.m.

Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival patrons taking a selfie

Photo:John Bivens

MARCEL ANDERSON

• “BETTER DAYS” (SINGLE) (MA Music)

Saxophonist Marcus Anderson’s twin brother, male vocalist Marcel Anderson, releases new music.

“Marcel Anderson’s captivating new radio single, ‘Better Days,’ features an incredible collaboration with Rebecca Jade and me,” said Marcus Anderson. “It is a breathtaking masterpiece that will leave listeners in awe and eagerly awaiting the world’s introduction to Marcel’s remarkable voice.”

AvAilAble At: www.marcelanderson.com, iTunes, www.amazon.com, music.apple.com

Website: www.marcelanderson.com

PAUL JACKSON, JR.

• STOMPIN’WILLIE PRESENTS MORE STORIES, PART 1 (M and P Music Factory, Inc.)

Stompin’WilliepresentsMoreStories,Part1, the new EP from legendary guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr., is out now. It includes the hit single “Love Like This.”

“Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp and I were playing at a festival and during sound check, I started playing the guitar part of ‘Love Like This’ by Faith Evans. Jeff said, ‘You need to record that song.’ And, so I did, and featured him on my version. Also featured is my daughter Lindsey on vocals,” Jackson explained.

AvAilAble At: All digital music platforms and www.PaulJacksonJr.com Website: www.PaulJacksonJr.com

jAzz BuZz

By Ken Capobianco

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS SUMMER HORNS TOUR

Ever since Dave Koz created his Summer Horns tour in 2013, featuring some of the world’s finest saxophonists performing with Koz, the show has been one of the highlights of the summer jazz schedule.

For the high-spirited tour this year, the ninetime-Grammy-nominated saxophonist shares the stage with his longtime friends Dutch alto-horn player Candy Dulfer and instrumentalist-composerproducer Eric Darius, while much-heralded vocalist Maysa appears on select dates to perform some of the vocal songs with the sax titans as well as her own music.

It’s a show built for summer fun, with music heavy on funky party tunes geared to get the audience up and in the groove.

“This is a very high-energy, party, let-your-hair-down, and dance show,” said Koz about the collaboration. “That’s always been the intent for the tour, and this year it’s extra funky. For the first time we are having a DJ on the stage. Russell Gatewood is touring with us, so he’ll add another layer we never had.”

Koz has also chosen a great band to accompany him and his guest artists: Randy Jacobs on guitar, Chris Snowden on bass, Carnell

Harrell on keys, and Jamie-Leigh Schultz (the sister of South African multi-instrumentalist wunderkind Justin-Lee Schultz).

The group will perform songs from each artist’s catalog and both of Koz’s Summer Horns albums, Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns and Summer Horns II From A to Z. The good-natured smooth jazz mogul and philanthropist said all three horn players spent many hours carefully curating the music al menu for maximum energy and excitement.

“We tailor-made a set list that plays to our individual strengths and the time of year—summer—that we’re playing. We had meetings about the set and our own repertoires and the Summer Horns records, but we really spent months figuring out the set to create the best summer tour any of us has ever done. That was our commitment from the very beginning.”

Koz, who had recently returned from his three, seven-day, full-ship charter cruises to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, emphasized that the show is true to the roots of Summer Horns.

“The inspiration for the albums and the tour initially was the passion—let’s say collective—of all the horn players who have been

The spirit of summer resonates with a crafted and curated four-star set list

and the succulent life

Candy Dulfer, Dave Koz and Eric Darius performing at Grand Reserve at The Meritage in Napa, California, in July

Photo: selfie by Eric Darius

involved to do an homage to all the great horn bands we grew up listening to like Earth, Wind & Fire; Tower of Power; Chicago; Blood, Sweat and Tears; Sly and the Family Stone, and so many others.

“They were incredible bands that had those unbelievably tight horn sections. They added so much fuel to the musical fire of my youth. That was the golden era of music to me, and I always wanted to do the project, and it morphed into a summer show.”

This summer, he enlisted Dulfer and Darius for the sax summit in part because they all have an easy rapport and musical chemistry. Koz said he has great admiration for them as musicians and people, noting he had a long history with both.

“I met Candy in the mid-’90s, so she’s a dear friend of mine and one of my favorite saxophone players,” he said. “I don’t know many people who are as funky as Candy. She’s one of the first women in jazz who pushed forward and broke the glass ceiling of jazz and created her own lane.”

The 40-year-old Darius was a fan of Koz before becoming one of his most esteemed peers. “Eric was 11 years old when I first met him. His dad brought him backstage to meet me in Clearwater, Florida,” Koz reminisced.

“He was a young sax player who wanted to meet me, and here he is now as one of the premier saxophone players and best performers. I call him the ‘Energizer Bunny’ of smooth jazz—he has so much energy, and this marks the first time we are doing tour together.”

Koz added that he knew they’d have no problem creating something special and unique.

“We’ve spent a lot of time together because Candy has been a mainstay of our cruises, and Eric has been on a lot of them. The chemistry starts from friendship and mutual respect.

“Both of them have a tremendous amount of experience playing in horn sections and with other horn players.”

The mercurial Darius spoke about the tour after playing the first two shows in Florida. He was overflowing with enthusiasm about the performance and crowd response.

“The first shows were amazing,” Darius said. “They were more incredible than I imagined they’d be when we first started talking about this tour.

“I’ve always been big admirers of both Candy and Dave, and for all of us to come together is like a dream come true. And being in front of my hometown fans—I’m from the Clearwater-Tampa Bay area—was extra special. The chemistry we have established even after just three shows is magical.”

Darius emphasized that the musical dynamic among the

three saxophonists was so electric that he couldn’t wait for audiences across the country to experience the live-wire show.

“We are all proficient at what we do, we inspire each other. Candy will do a song, and that will fire up me and Dave, so it will make us take things to that level. It becomes interchangeable energy from one of us to the next, but there’s no ego involved—just us sharing our love for the instrument.”

This is the first time Darius has toured with Koz, a musical idol of his youth, so the tour has special meaning for him.

continued on page 16

“ We are all proficient at what we do … It becomes interchangeable energy from one of us to the next, but there’s no ego involved—just us sharing our love for the instrument.”

—Eric Darius

Photo: Tracy May

Candy Dulfer, Dave Koz and Eric Darius after their July performance at The Sound in Clearwater, Florida

The much-heralded vocalist Maysa appears on select dates to perform some of the vocal songs with the sax titans as well as her own music.

continued from page 15

“Ever since I met Dave, he’s been nothing but so warm and inviting, and we’ve developed this great friendship. But I never thought I’d be touring with him and have the opportunity to share the stage. We are creating magic. I’m blessed to be a part of it.

“Dave is such a visionary who’s always looking to raise people up, and I’m so thankful to be asked to be a part of this. It means so much.”

The musicians will perform in various types of outdoor and indoor venues, so Koz expects each show will have its own flavor.

“It’s a mix of winery dates, outdoor festivals and indoor theaters,” Koz said. “It’s a great mix, and each night gives us an opportunity to tailor each show for that audience. The great thing about the United States is each place has its own personality, and they all respond differently.”

The saxophonist will be updating his fans about the tour on his various social media accounts, which he runs himself instead of having a team like most artists.

“I like to have that engagement with people,” he said. “It’s important— the one-on-one connection. Taking breaks is a good thing at times, though, because social media can be noisy, but when you come back, you do it with renewed energy and spirit.”

Koz, who will be releasing an EP of Disney songs in the fall and performing on his annual Christmas tour—marking its 26th year— later this year, celebrated his 60th birthday in the spring. It was a milestone he embraced.

“I had a small get-together with my family and very close friends. It was very intimate—maybe 20 people—and exactly what I wanted.

“I’ve had an incredible life so far—and I mean this with every fiber in my being—it’s been a magic carpet ride, so this is just the gravy years. I look at this as the beginning of the third act of my life.

“The first two acts have been unbelievable, but I don’t want to repeat them. I want to do something different, but I’m not sure what that entails at this point. However many years I have left, I will create more challenges for myself and put smiles on the faces of people in the way only music can do.”

The 22-date Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour, which kicked off on June 30 in Jacksonville, Florida, continues through the summer, then concludes with two shows at Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series in Temecula, California, Sept. 23-24 (www.thorntonwine.com).

For more information on Koz and this tour, visit www.davekoz.com.

It’s a show built for summer fun, with music heavy on funky party tunes geared to get the audience up and in the groove.

Eric

Darius and Candy Dulfer

Eric Darius and Dave Koz performing at The Sound in Clearwater, Florida

Photo: Jayne Drooger

Photo: Roy C o x P h to o hparg y

Photo: Tracy May

Braxton Brothers, Eric Darius, Bob James, Rebecca Jade, Kilauea, Kayla Waters, Rob Tardik, The Jazz Holdouts, Lemek & Quintin Gerard W., Ronnie Laws, Craig Chaquico, Dotsero and more!

Chris Walker’s Musical Tribute to Al Jarreau with Regina Belle, Bobby Lyle & Eric Marienthal

BONEY JAMES SERGIO MENDES GERALD ALBRIGHT

JESSE COOK MINDI ABAIR KEIKO MATSUI

Catalina Island TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE

Tips to plan your magical musical getaway

By Melanie Maxwell

The enchantment of Catalina Island is only an hourlong boat ride across the Pacific Ocean from Long Beach or San Pedro, California (and a bit longer from Dana Point). Avalon, a 7.7-square-mile sliver of the 176-square-mile island and its only city, is a popular destination year-round, but it’s especially enticing in October when the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival lights up the iconic Catalina Casino Ballroom for two weekends, including Thursday night “Unplugged Under the Stars” concerts in the sand at Descanso Beach.

If you’ve ever considered a trip to Catalina for the festival, or any other time of year, here are some tips to plan your magical musical getaway.

The 2023 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival is scheduled for Oct. 12-15 and Oct. 19-22. For tickets and information, visit www.jazztrax.com, or call 866-872-9849.

GETTING THERE

Catalina Express offers 30 daily departures from ports in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, California.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, special after-performance boat departures are available from Avalon back to Long Beach. www.CatalinaExpress.com • 800-995-4386

Photo : Tucker Tashjian

STAYING THERE

Built in 1990, Omeo Suites Casa Mariquita Hotel is among the newest built of all Catalina Island hotels. Its modern luxury encapsulates quaint and compelling old-world Spanish styling. Although conveniently located right in the town of Avalon and less than a block from the beach, with restaurants, shopping and sightseeing all within a five-minute walk, this hotel is away from the busy main street. Rooms start at $199. Call 626-775-7788 to book now.

229 Metropole Ave., Avalon, California

www.omeo.vip • 310-510-1192

Omeo Suites Hotel Catalina is located steps from the bay! Built in 1916, this historic blue and white Victorian landmark can be seen when entering the harbor. Quietly nestled a few doors from Avalon Bay, this Catalina Island lodging offers all the charm and hospitality of Catalina’s yesteryear, yet you will feel right at home with all the modern amenities and conveniences of today. This AAA-approved property features large verandas with harbor views, a garden courtyard, lounge area and gas barbecue, partial ocean views, deluxe mountain views, standard and terrace rooms, family cottages, flat-screen TVs, DVD, cable, internet and more. Rooms start at $158. Call 626-775-7788 to book now.

129 Whittley Ave., Avalon, California

www.omeo.vip • 310-510-0027

CATALINA EXPRESS

Set Sail to Catalina Island

San Pedro - Long Beach - Dana Point CATALINAEXPRESS.COM | 800.838.6685

Catalina Island is welcoming you back to adventure, relaxation and inspiration. With 3 convenient port locations and up to 30 departures daily, your voyage to paradise is now boarding.

Brian Culbertson

DRIVE. ARTISTRY. VISION.

By Ken Capobianco

Smooth jazz and R&B star Brian Culbertson isn’t one to sit still. The multi-instrumentalist/composer/ producer has been wildly prolific and ambitious over the course of his three-decade-plus career.

In 2021, he released a trilogy of albums, Red, Blue and White, which explore the spectrum of human emotions. They make up the foundation for his upcoming extended tour that runs through next spring.

Over the past decade, the Chicago-area native and resident has grown beyond his recording and touring endeavors. Culbertson became a promoter and created his popular Jazz Getaways, which originated in Napa Valley, California, and branched out to Chicago and New Orleans.

Culbertson the communicator. Understanding the immense power of social media, he wisely continues his thrice-weekly livestream, “The Hang,” which was born during the pandemic to entertain fans and provide a peek behind the curtain of his creative process.

If all of this wasn’t enough, Culbertson has become a painter of abstract music-oriented art, which he sells on his website. And now, he has started a wine club for his fans.

The great keyboardist is obviously extremely determined to maximize his potential while working hard to widen the scope of his career. He feels his nonstop motor and drive to excel are in his DNA.

“There’s an internal drive that keeps me going and motivated,” the 50-year-old musician said recently via phone from his vacation home in Wisconsin. “I always wanted to do the best possible at what I am doing. To do all the things I want to do, there are always two barriers—time and money—so my philosophy is always do the best.

“So, if I can push to do the best within those parameters, I will. I’m never settling, and if I can spend one more day or a few more dollars in order to get better, I will without hesitation. I’m just striving to do my best in whatever thing I undertake and not be afraid to try new things. I guess it’s just part of who I am.”

Of course, the main reason Culbertson has such a large and passionate fan base is his vibrant music blending jazz, R&B and funk. Since his first album, Long Night Out, in 1994, he has expanded his musical reach and explored different aspects of his artistry.

Culbertson the composer. This has never been truer than in his three-color trilogy, which subtly evokes the many different moods of love and life. Red explores passion, Blue casts a melancholy spell, and White offers hope. Though very different than the luminous “Three Colours” film trilogy of the late PolishFrench director Krzysztof Kieslowski, Culbertson’s opus is just as ambitious and emotionally honest.

Culbertson has become a painter of abstract music-oriented art, which he sells on his website.

The musician didn’t intend to release three albums in one year— unheard of these days—but the projects evolved organically, and he found himself with numerous songs that adhered to coherent themes.

“I had no idea I was making three records,” he said. “It just started with writing new songs while I was streaming live on ‘The Hang.’

“I was doing an odd little tutorial on how I write songs—pull back the curtain—and show people how I write and make records, and, all of a sudden, I realized I had almost 30 songs.

which celebrated its 10th anniversary in June. The Chicago offspring is set for Sept. 14-17, and the New Orleans iteration will take place in March 2024.

The yearly events are something Culbertson is proud of and works very hard at planning and executing. Reaching a 10-year anniversary

“I, and everyone watching each week, noticed that they all fell into these different vibes. Sonically, they may have sounded similar, but emotionally they were different—if that makes sense.

“Each song went in a direction. ‘Feel the Love’ and ‘Eyes Closed’ were clearly red, and ‘A Love Lost’ was obviously blue, and on and on. So, it was easy to figure out what went where. The more songs I wrote, I knew I wasn’t writing one record but three.”

Putting out so much music in such a short span of time was common back in the heydays of Stevie Wonder and Elton John, but in 2023, the concept is frowned upon by music insiders afraid to saturate the market.

Culbertson scoffed at such a notion. “These days hardcore fans always want more. It’s like, ‘What do you have now? What’s new this week?’ It’s a different model than waiting 10 years between records like Sade. She’s obviously in her own echelon, but for artists like myself, the more the merrier, so you keep doing it while maintaining the quality.”

Culbertson the showman. Once the esteemed entertainer completes his Chicago Jazz Getaway in September, he will be on the road for the rest of this year and into spring of 2024 with The Trilogy Tour, which he intends to turn into a film. He promises that it will be a spectacle mixing his patented thrilling funky jazz and the moodier new music with emotional gravitas.

“The show will feature half the color trilogy and half will be favorites, which fans always want to hear,” he said. “There will be no saxophone on the tour because there’s no sax on the color trilogy.

“All the new music has a look and a feel and a vibe that’s stunning. I spent two weeks with our lighting director to program different looks and feels for each song. We want to take people on a journey with each song, so every one transports people visually and musically to a new place. It really is special.”

Culbertson the promoter. One of Culbertson’s biggest and most time-consuming projects is his Napa Valley Jazz Getaway,

continued on page 22

“All the new music has a look and a feel andavibethat’sstunning...different looksandfeelsforeachsong.”

Photo: Daniel Ray

continued from page 21 or it would be mayhem. It’s an adult, luxury festival, if you want to call it something, and will remain that.”

The Chicago event reflects the urban environment and musical vibe of the Windy City. “I’m very hands-on with Chicago, where I’m from—both my wife and I,” he said. “This September will be our fifth year. It’s a completely different vibe. People stay right downtown off Michigan Avenue, so it’s great fun.”

He added that he created the New Orleans event out of necessity and a desire to play in the cradle of jazz.

“To be honest, I kept trying to get a gig in New Orleans. I wanted to play the jazz fest or a theater gig, and nothing was doing.

“I realized no one else in our genre was playing there either, so I knew that maybe there’s a hole for this kind of music in New Orleans. There’s plenty of straightahead and heritage jazz, which you would expect, but this kind of contemporary smooth jazz, or whatever you want to call it, is not being represented.”

He paused momentarily, seemingly contemplating the idea of playing New Orleans. “I love New Orleans so much and thought let’s bring our music there. The response has been incredible. We’re almost sold out, and it’s nearly a year away. It’s crazy.”

Culbertson the painter. The pandemic helped many people find new ways to channel their creativity, and Culbertson found himself picking up a paintbrush and channeling his inner Basquiat. He started painting bold, expressive works based on musical ideas (he has a gallery of works on his website brianculbertson.com).

“I always wanted to be a painter,” he reflected. “I have a painting app on my iPad and was playing around with ideas and came up with this concept of doing musical artwork that was more, say, graffitiesque looking, but everything is in musical notations.

“To me, all the musical artwork out there is just a little cheesy. That might just be my impression, but that’s how I feel. It’s pretty and nice but nothing more. I wanted to throw in bold colors and use slash marks—slash marks are notations for keeping time and moving forward. Or I use chord changes. In the beginning, I did a lot. I did 50 paintings quickly, but I’ve slowed down since I started touring.”

ON TOUR

Sept. 14-17

Brian Culbertson’s Chicago Jazz Getaway Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park and various venues

Chicago, Illinois www.jazzgetaway.com

Nov. 4

The Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort Daytona Beach, Florida www.floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007

Even though he has started a wine club (for more information, check his website) and has other endeavors forthcoming, including a relaxation album to help people sleep, Culbertson said he always finds time to keep his life in balance and appreciate life away from music and art.

“I’ve got a house in the middle of the woods in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where I spend quite a bit of time. It’s a touristy lake town with lots of woods still. You can’t find that in Chicago.”

This summer, Culbertson is concentrating on creating a studio he intends to add to the vacation home.

“I’m planning on spending part of the time with a studio designer and an architect to build a new studio up here starting next year,” he said. “I’m taking Hang Club on the ride too, as I’ll be filming the building process from design concepts to finish the build over the next two-plus years. It should be fun.

“I’ll also spend part time this summer in Studio A in Chicago doing some songwriting. Of course, I’ll definitely find some time to get out on the Jet Ski, too!”

Culbertson and his wife, Michelle, enjoy spending their summers chilling at home or at their lake house. However, next summer, he’s planning a trip to Italy, prompted in part by his new partnership with Dexibell Keyboards, which is based outside of Rome.

“I’m playing the Dexibell S10 keyboard now onstage and in-studio. Working directly with their head of engineering to make tweaks to the software, which is really cool,” Culbertson explained. “I’m also working with both Dexibell and Mason & Hamlin, my piano company, to help collaborate together with some exciting new things in the future; stay tuned!”

Culbertson in chill mode. Even though he intends to add a working space to the lake house, Culbertson still uses the vacation home as a refuge from life as a musician and the noise that comes with American life.

“If you spend too much time in the hustle and bustle, you can get nutty, so this is to get away from that. I’ve been a city guy all my life, and I turned 50. I said to myself, ‘You know what? I need to chill out.’

So, I love to sit in the backyard and make a fire in the fire pit.

March 14-17, 2024

Brian Culbertson’s New Orleans Jazz Getaway

JW Marriott New Orleans and various venues New Orleans, Louisiana www.jazzgetaway.com

June 5-9, 2024

Brian Culbertson’s 11th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway

The Grand Reserve at Meritage and The Westin Verasa Napa Napa, California www.jazzgetaway.com

“I started coming up here to go swimming or take nature walks. Or I sit and watch television or look outside at the turkeys mating, as they are now,” he laughed before gathering himself and turning serious. “I genuinely love it. It connects me to nature. We all need that thing that grounds us and helps us put things in perspective.”

For more information on Culbertson and all of his endeavors, including The Trilogy Tour, visit www.brianculbertson.com.

Brian Culbertson at the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway

Photo: Jeremy Fratkin

AUGUST

3

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring the Tony Guerrero Quintet with Lia Booth, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom.com/events/art-jazzwine-chocolate/, 949-494-1145 (Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate pairings—for those aged 21 & over—are an additional $25. Limited reserved seating is available for an additional $50.)

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Mindi Abair, 7 & 9pm, Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C., www.bluesalley.com

4

Mindi Abair, 7 & 9pm, Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C., www.bluesalley.com

5

Live from La Costa featuring Pablo Cruise, 7:30pm, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California, https:// livefromlacosta.com/

Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Brian Bromberg’s Unapologetically Funky Big Bombastic 12-piece Band, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom. com/events/concerts-on-the-green/, 949-494-1145 (Free admission with purchase of Festival of Arts ticket. Limited seating in reserved section available for $60 per person.)

Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series featuring Michael Lington & Howard Hewett, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

6

Adam Hawley, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

10

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate with Friends featuring Hussain Jiffry, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom.com/events/art-jazzwine-chocolate/, 949-494-1145 (Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate pairings—for those aged 21 & over—are an additional $25. Limited reserved seating is available for an additional $50.)

The Blue Note Groove Cruise with Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour featuring Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius & special guest Maysa, 7:30pm, aboard The Cornucopia, departs from Pier 40, Houston St. at West Side Hwy., New York, New York, www.smoothjazznewyork.com

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

11

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 8pm, Parx Xcite Center, 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, www.davekoz.com

34th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival featuring The Soul of Jazz with Brian Simpson, Phil Perry, Jessy J, Marion Meadows & Jackiem Joyner; Maxi Priest & Erin Stevenson, gates open at 5pm, show begins at 6pm, Rainbow Lagoon Park, 400 E. Shoreline Dr., Long Beach, California, www.longbeachjazzfestival.com, 562-424-0013

CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 8pm, Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, Ohio, https://fraze.com, 937-296-3300

Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Grant Geissman “BLOOZ & More” with special guest Tom Scott, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom. com/events/concerts-on-the-green/, 949-494-1145 (Free admission with purchase of Festival of Arts ticket. Limited seating in reserved section available for $60 per person.)

34th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival featuring Norman Brown, Will Downing, Pieces of a Dream, Richard Elliot, Mike Phillips & Kim Scott, gates open at 11am, show begins at 1pm, Rainbow Lagoon Park, 400 E. Shoreline Dr., Long Beach, California, www.longbeachjazzfestival.com, 562-424-0013

Nothin’ but the Sax featuring Tony Exum Jr., Dee Lucas & Marqueal Jordan, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

13

34th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival featuring Kenny Lattimore, Marcus Miller, Najee, Myron McKinley, Al Williams Jazz Society & Lin Rountree, gates open at 11am, show begins at 1pm, Rainbow Lagoon Park, 400 E. Shoreline Dr., Long Beach, California, www.longbeachjazzfestival.com, 562-424-0013

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 8pm, Richmond Jazz & Music Festival, Maymont, 1700 Hampton St., Richmond, Virginia, https:// richmondjazzandmusicfestival.com

Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series featuring Gregg Karukas,

Adam Hawley & Pamela Williams, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Vintner’s Garden, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 951-696-0184

17

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Billy Valentine, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom.com/ events/art-jazz-wine-chocolate/, 949-494-1145 (Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate pairings—for those aged 21 & over—are an additional $25. Limited reserved seating is available for an additional $50.)

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

18

Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr., 7 & 9:15pm, Middle C Jazz Club, 300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, North Carolina, https://middlecjazz.com/, 704-595-3311

19

Live from La Costa featuring the San Diego Smooth Jazz All-Stars with Rebecca Jade, Darryl Walker, Patrick Yandall, Darryl Williams & Kevin Flournoy, 7:30pm, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California, https://livefromlacosta.com/

Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Nathan East & special guest, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom.com/ events/concerts-on-the-green/, 949-494-1145 (Free admission with purchase of Festival of Arts ticket. Limited seating in reserved section available for $60 per person.)

Jazzmopolitan! featuring Take 6, Peter White with Michael Paulo, Melissa Morgan, special guest artists Tia Carrere & Daniel Ho & introducing Chris Chatman, 7:30pm, The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, California, www.musiccenter.org/visitexplore/visit-explore/campus/ walt-disney-concert-hall, email LXVENTERPRISES@GMAIL.COM

40th Annual Norfolk Waterfront

Jazz Festival featuring Jazz Funk Soul with Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr., 7:30pm; Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius & special guest Maysa, 9:30pm, Town Point Park, 120 W. Main St., Norfolk, Virginia, https://festevents.org/ events/2023/jazz-fest

Oli Silk, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series featuring George Benson, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

20

Scottland Concerts presents Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad featuring Rick Braun, 3pm, Lewis Creek Amphitheater, 56001 Hwy. 41, Fish Camp, California, http://www.YosemiteJazzTrain.com

21

Music Monday featuring Poncho Sanchez, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

24

Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, St. James Live, 3220 Butner Road, Suite 240, Atlanta, Georgia, www.stjamesliveatl.com, 404-254-3561

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Gregg Karukas—GK Soul Jazz Party, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom.com/events/art-jazzwine-chocolate/, 949-494-1145 (Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate pairings—for those aged 21 & over—are an additional $25.

Limited reserved seating is available for an additional $50.) 25

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius & special guest Maysa, 8pm, McFarlin Auditorium-SMU, 6405 Boaz Lane, Dallas, Texas, www.davekoz.com

DW3: A Tribute to the Legends of Music, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 26

Marcel Anderson, 8pm, Bond Brothers Eastside, 602 E. Chatham St., Cary, North Carolina, www.bondbrothersbeer.com, 919-650-1125

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius & special guest Maysa, 7pm, Brown Theater, 501 Texas Ave., Houston, Texas, www.davekoz.com

Rick Braun, 6pm, Fresh Coast Jazz Festival, Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, http://www.rickbraun.com

Nicole Henry, 8pm, Redlands Bowl Performing Arts, 25 Grant St., Redlands, California, www.nicolehenry.com

A Night of Duets & Love featuring Darryl Walker & Erin Stevenson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27

20th Anniversary Gardena Jazz Festival featuring Boney James, Damien Escobar, The Family Stone, Brandee Younger, Ragan Whiteside & more, gates open at 9am, show begins at 11am, Rowley Park, 13220 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena, California, www.gardenajazzfestival.com, 310-217-9537

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius & special guest Maysa; Jazz Funk Soul with Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr. & more, 6:30pm, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, California, www.hollywoodbowl.com

Nicole Henry & Paul Taylor, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining

on page 26

Erin Stevenson

Maxi Priest

Norman Brown Pieces of a Dream Mike Phillips Will Downing Richard Elliot Kim Scott

Kenny Lattimore

Najee Al Williams Jazz Society

Marcus Miller Myron McKinley Lin Rountree

The Soul of Jazz featuring Brian Simpson, Phil Perry, Jessy J, Marion Meadows and Jackiem Joyner

continued from page 25 & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series featuring Hiroshima, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Vintner’s Garden, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 951-696-0184

31

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Scott Wilkie, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California, www.foapom.com/events/art-jazzwine-chocolate/, 949-494-1145 (Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate pairings—for those aged 21 & over—are an additional $25. Limited reserved seating is available for an additional $50.)

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Keiko Matsui, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

SEPTEMBER

1

Keiko Matsui, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

2

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius & special guest Maysa, 3pm, 12th Annual John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival, Oak Hollow Festival Park, John Coltrane Statue, S. Hamilton St. at Commerce Ave., High Point, North Carolina, https:// coltranejazzfest.com, 336-819-5299

12th Annual Jazz at the Creek “Family Reunion” featuring Kirk Whalum; Kevin Flournoy & Friends with Rebecca Jade, Shannon Peterson & Lamont Dozier Jr.; Darryl Williams with B. Thompson, 2pm, Market Creek Plaza Amphitheater, 310 Euclid Ave., San Diego, California, www.jazzatthecreeksd.com, 858-650-3190

Keiko Matsui, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

3

ABC11 presents Smooth Nights with Jonathan Butler, Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, 7pm, Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy., Cary, North Carolina, www.rickbraun.com

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius & special guest Maysa, 7:30pm, Lowcountry Jazz Festival, Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun St., Charleston, South Carolina, https://gaillardcenter.org, 843-724-5212

Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr., noon, Riverfront Jazz Festival, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Theater Complex, 1309 Canton St., Dallas, Texas, www.tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival.org

12th Annual Jazz at the Creek “Sunday’s Best” featuring Norman Brown; Lao Tizer Band with Karen Briggs & Eric Marienthal; Aretha Scruggs, 2pm, Market Creek Plaza Amphitheater, 310 Euclid Ave., San Diego, California, www.jazzatthecreeksd.com, 858-650-3190

Keiko Matsui, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

7 Gregg Karukas, 8pm, Rams Head Tavern, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Gerald Albright, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

8

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 7:30pm, The Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga, California, www.mountainwinery.com, 408-741-2822

G e n e r a l A d m i s s i o n G e n e r a l A d m i s s i o n $ 3 0 $ 3 0

B o x S e a t i n g B o x S e a t i n g $ 7 5 p e r s e a t $ 7 5 p e s e a t

Gates open at

Erin Stevenson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Gerald Albright, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

9

16th Annual Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival featuring Urban Groove Collective, 4:30pm; Nathan Mitchell, 6pm; Marcus Anderson, Lin Rountree & Julian Vaughn, 7:30pm, Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, www.dauphincounty.gov/ government/support-services/parksrecreation/festivals-special-events/ jazz-and-wine-festival, 717-599-5188

An Evening of Jazz: Phil Perry, Peter White & Vincent Ingala, Paul Taylor & Nicole Henry, 7pm, Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, Georgia, http://mablehouse.org

Jeff Kashiwa, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

www.gardenajazzfestival.com Artists & times are subject to change.

Gerald Albright, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series featuring RnR with Rick Braun & Richard Elliot, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

16th Annual Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival featuring FAME Jazz Ensemble, 4:30pm; SUCH, 6pm; Vincent Ingala, 7:30pm, Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, www. dauphincounty.gov/government/ support-services/parks-recreation/ festivals-special-events/jazz-andwine-festival, 717-599-5188

Tom Braxton, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Gerald Albright, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Gardena Jazz Festival @GardenaJazzFestival

Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series featuring Michael Paulo, Larry Braggs & special guest David Garfield, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Vintner’s Garden, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery. com, 951-696-0184

14

Brian Culbertson’s Chicago Jazz Getaway Welcome Dinner & Jam Session featuring Marqueal Jordan, Michael Lington, Patches Stewart & more, 6pm, Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S. Wabash, Chicago, Illinois, www.chicagojazzgetaway.com (for VIP & Platinum patrons)

15

Brian Culbertson’s Chicago Jazz Getaway VIP & Platinum Party featuring Marqueal Jordan & Mike Manson, 1pm, The Art Institute, Stock Exchange Room, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Illinois; Brian Culbertson & Friends with Peter White & DW3 (for VIP, Platinum, Gold & Single Friday patrons), 7pm, The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, International Ballroom, 200

N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, Illinois, www.chicagojazzgetaway.com

Mindi Abair, 9:30pm, Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, 135 Congress St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire, www.mindiabair.com

16

Brian Culbertson’s Chicago Jazz Getaway Brian Culbertson & Friends Concert featuring Gerald Albright, Alex Bugnon & Michael Lington, 7pm, The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, International Ballroom, 200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, Illinois, www.chicagojazzgetaway. com (for VIP, Platinum, Gold & Single Saturday patrons)

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 8pm, Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara, California, www.lobero.org, 805-963-0761

Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Paul Jackson Jr. & more, 6pm, Overton Park Shell, 1928 Poplar Ave., Memphis, Tennessee, www. pauljacksonjr.com

Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series featuring Brian Simpson & Jessy J, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Vintner’s Garden, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 951-696-0184

Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series featuring Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns tour with Candy Dulfer & Eric Darius, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

Music Monday featuring Eric Marienthal & special guest Brian , 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Desert Jazz Escape Welcome Event featuring Adam Hawley & The , 6:30pm, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Backyard Masters Plaza, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, https://desertjazzfestival.com,

, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Desert Jazz Escape featuring comedian Jonathan r, 9pm; , 10:30pm, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Ambassador Ballroom, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, https://desertjazzfestival.com,

Desert Jazz Escape featuring Cindy , 8pm; All-Star Jam, 10:15pm, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Ambassador Ballroom, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, https:// desertjazzfestival.com, 707-546-1212

NILS, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series featuring Jeffrey Osborne with Darryl Williams, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

NOTE: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of the listings contained in this calendar, events may be postponed or canceled without notice. Artists, events, venues, dates and show times are all subject to change without notice. Smooth Jazz News is not responsible for any cancellations, changes or the accuracy of any concert, festival, cruise or brunch information contained in advertisements and/or editorial published in this magazine, which has been provided by outside sources. Please confirm all information with the organizer directly before making any plans.

PETER WHITE & VINCENT INGALA, PAUL TAYLOR & NICOLE HENRY, KEIKO MATSUI, RANDY JACOBS

JAZZ BRUNCHES

AUGUST

6

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine

Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

13

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

20

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine

Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

SEPTEMBER 3

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

10

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

17

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by Marcus Anderson & Marcel Anderson, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

24

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Photos: Cooper Hardwick

Jazz Up Your Pup’s Grooming Routine!

AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2023

CASHMIRA’S STARGUIDE

Leo July 23 - Aug. 22

You’ve been working on an important project, and finally someone is paying attention. You can certainly use the support that could assist you in finishing up successfully. Then, reap the rewards for all your hard work.

Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Don’t be afraid to broach a difficult subject with a close friend or partner. It is important to say what you’ve been thinking. Remember to express yourself in a loving and caring way. Be optimistic about your future, and communicate that clearly.

Libra Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

The time is right to address some shared financial issues with those involved. You haven’t been willing to raise the topic, but you need to be responsible for yourself and your partners. Remember to pay attention to this investment.

Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

So much has been happening lately. You will soon be having a medical procedure, but no worries, all will be well. In fact, you will be feeling better than ever. Continue to make the most of your free time, and keep your eyes wide open to possibilities for big changes.

Sagittarius Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

You have developed a method for your job, and it has worked for you in the past. If you are considering some changes, the only person who needs to make a judgment is yourself. Change is good, but you may not find it valuable. Make good choices.

Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Some may feel your creativity doesn’t fit the job you have. Your unusual ideas just might help you to become even more successful. Sit back and watch your results while others are still bickering about the changes.

There is something satisfying about having the last laugh.

Aquarius Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

It might be hard but try to stay out of judging friends and co-workers. You are wishing folks could be a little more professional, but that really isn’t your bailiwick. Be aware of your own behavior, and if you’re not negatively impacted, let the others go.

Pisces Feb. 19 - March 20

You’ve made some travel plans and have secured all the appropriate arrangements. It’s a big trip that should be fantastic. You absolutely have earned it, so don’t let anyone try to forestall the whole idea by bringing up requests and complaints.

Aries March 21 - April 19

There is no reason to shy away from talking about money with your partner. It might not be a topic you really want to discuss, but it’s best that you are both on the same page. You might discover some ways you both can address your monetary issues.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

You may have been having some feelings of irritation and resentment for someone in your life, but take the time to move past that, and you will find someone who needs help. Remember to lead with empathy and lend a compassionate ear.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

Someone you care for is having health problems, and you want to help. Leave recommendations to the professionals to make sure the correct advice is provided. You can always offer a shoulder to cry on and help with day-to-day responsibilities.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

You’ve been getting some comments about your spending habits. Others may think some of those luxury purchases are frivolous or wasteful. But if you have the money, do you really care what others think about it?

BOOK REVIEW

“The Creative Act: A Way of Being”

By Rick Rubin with Neil Strauss Penguin Press• 2023• 432 pages•$32

Reviewed by Darcy Peters

Rick Rubin is a well-known and extremely revered music producer. He began his career in hip-hop, and eventually became partners with Russell Simmons, founding Def Jam Recordings. Rubin has worked in many other genres, including country and pop, and was credited with helping Johnny Cash revive his career. The late country icon attributed his success with 10 more albums to the barefooted, quasi-Zen producer, who also became his cherished friend.

Rubin is famous for his unique manner of assisting his clients. He can listen to music with his eyes closed, lying down or swaying to the sounds. Many of the musicians he consults feel he provides them with the space to create. The act of artistry is the impetus behind this book, where Rubin offers many techniques about being creative and living the creative life.

Rubin states: “As artists we seek to restore our childlike perceptions: a more innocent state of wonder and appreciation not tethered to utility or survival. What we create allows us to share glimpses of an inner landscape, one that is beyond our understanding. Art is our portal to the unseen world.”

He feels nature can provide much inspiration. “Material for our work surrounds us at every turn. It’s woven into conversation, nature, chance encounters and existing works of art.”

He advises ways to increase creativity: “To support our practice, we might set up a daily schedule, where we engage in particular rituals at specific times every day or week … the gestures we perform don’t need to be grand. Small rituals can make a big difference. In service of this robust instinct, consider submerging yourself in the canon of great works. Read the finest literature, watch the masterpieces of cinema, get up close to the most influential paintings, visit architectural landmarks.”

Rubin offers suggestions on accessing your creative side: “Oscar Wilde said that some things are too important to be taken seriously. Art is one of those things. Setting the bar low, especially to get started, frees you to play, explore, and test with attachment to results.”

He explains: “Some musicians, for example, do a better job of writing melodies while driving than sitting in a room with an audio recorder on. Instead of sounding like others, value your own voice. Develop it. Cherish it.”

Rubin describes other processes, including: “If it’s music you’re listening to, consider closing your eyes. You may find yourself getting lost in the experience. When the piece ends, you might be surprised by where you find yourself. You’ve been transported to another place. The place where the music lives.”

He advises keeping a dream journal. “Inspiration, vary your inspiration, consider varying your inputs. Turn the sound off to watch a film. Listen to the same song on repeat, read only the first word of each sentence in a short story, arrange stones by size or color, learn to lucid dream.”

While listing many thought-provoking methods to access the creative life, Rubin also says thoughts and habits not conducive to the work include feeling inadequate or procrastinating.

This No. 1 New York Times best seller has received lavish praise, including from author Anne Lamott, who called it: “A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment.”