August-September 2025 by Smooth Jazz News

ANDRÉA LISA

Revels in the rhythms of South African and New Zealand homelands

CATALINA ISLAND JAZZTRAX FESTIVAL

TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE

How to arrange an easy breezy trip to Avalon

PETER WHITE

Making the best music of his life

23. – 30. October 2026 | River Cruise Edition

VIENNA SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL

RHYTHM ON THE VINE®

jazz concert series

SUNDAY, JULY 20 Hiroshima

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Tom Braxton, Rebecca Jade, & Andrea Lisa

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3

Smooth Jazz All Stars Benefit Show

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31

Al Jarreau Reunion Band featuring Chris Walker

An Evening of Yacht Rock with Tris Imboden Yacht Stars

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

Kalapana 50th Anniversary Celebration

Publisher and Managing Editor

Melanie Maxwell

Operations & Distribution Manager

Craig Collier

Contributors

Ken Capobianco Cashmira

Darcy Peters

Copy Editors

JoAnn Armke

Barbara Knox

Brad Sondak

Graphic Design

Gina Mancini

Heather McKay

Contributing Photographers

Cover photo: Lori Stoll

Pat Benter

Cooper Hardwick

Harper Hardwick

Airic Lewis

Lori Stoll

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 2025: February-March, April-May, June-July, August-September and October-November-December

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers a jazz enthusiast’s dream getaway. In addition to its Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series and great wine, this Temecula, California, venue features private suites and villas, an award-winning restaurant, full-service spa and poolside dining. For information on this and other events happening in August and September, check out our calendar section, beginning on page 20.

The journalism industry rewards our writers for their work

How to get there and where to stay during this fall’s festival

Composing, cruising and concerts energize the renowned guitar stylist. He says he can’t do this forever, but he’s going to try!

20 Calendar of smooth jazz events Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide

29 Smooth Jazz News subscription

Receive five print issues of Smooth Jazz News in your mailbox

30 Cashmira’s Starguide Summer horoscopes

30 Book Review

“Heartbreaker: a Memoir” by Mike Campbell with Ari Surdoval

31 Smooth Jazz News merchandise Stay festival-ready with our gear

PATRICK LAMB

"Rising Star independent Patrick Lamb is unstoppable, definitely not your typical smooth jazz artist” - Atlanta super fan VISIT PATRICKLAMB.COM FOR

JULY10

New York, NY

JULY 12 Houston, TX

JULY 13 Napa, CA

JULY 18 Columbus, OH

JULY 25 Wilmington OH

JULY 26 SAT Bonita Springs, FL

JULY 31 Carmel, IN

AUG 2 Orland Park, Il

AUG 3

Temecula, CA

AUG 8 Alpharetta, GA

AUG 9 Hope, AK  AUG 14 East London,UK

AUG 21 Los Angeles, CA

AUG 22 Wittenberg, WI

jazzattheoxford.com

AUG 28, Mexico City

AUG 29

Huntsville, AL

AUG 30

Huntsville, AL

SEPT 19 Pensacola, FL

SEPT 26 Baltimore, MD

OCT Warren MI OCT 10 Bend, OR

11 Bend, OR

11 St Charles OCT 25th Las Vegas OCT 30 Los Angeles

NOV 1 Las Vegas

NOV 14 Bend, OR

NOV 15 Bend, OR NOV 15 Bend, OR NOV 22 Chile

NOV 25 Argentina

DEC 7 Portland, OR

DEC 10

West Palm Beach, FL

DEC 22 Bend, OR

HARLIE

OUR WRITERS’

Every musician and artist we interview mentions how much education and time practicing they spend honing their skills. And, although they love the accolades they receive from fans, it is the praise from their peers and musical heroes that often means the most to them.

The same is true for the art of writing. Our writers are professional journalists with decades of bylines to their credit. All of us have been gratified to win awards for our work.

Marcia Luttrell’s feature spotlighting the singer Maysa, published in the February-March 2024 issue of Smooth Jazz News, has been recognized twice.

Her Maysa article won first place at the San Diego Press Club’s 51st Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards in the category of magazine entertainment writing.

She is especially proud of this recognition. “For the past three years, I’ve won second or third place for the dance stories I write for The San Diego Union-Tribune arts section,” she said. “In the past, I won both Society of Professional Journalists and San Diego Press Club awards writing for San Diego Magazine. But my first, first-place for a music story in a magazine is the ultimate win!” she exclaimed. Another honor for the Maysa piece was a second-place award in July from the San Diego Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists in the arts and entertainment writing category. These are among the six or seven additional honors she received for her work in other publications.

Our principal feature writer, Ken Capobianco, is loaded with journalism credentials. Here is a fun fact about Ken: He is a two-time winner of the Best Humor Columnist award from the New England Newspaper & Press Association. And, it’s not a stand-alone honor.

Over his 35-plus-year writing career, he’s been nominated for awards many times for contributions to such publications as The Boston Globe, Billboard, The New York Times, Cape Cod Times and Journal of Modern Literature. Ken earned a Master of Arts degree in English literature from Tufts University, and he has taught writing and literature at Northeastern University and journalism at Emerson College. In addition to all that, he’s also the author of two novels.

“In the past, I won both Society of Professional Journalists and San Diego Press Club awards writing for San Diego Magazine. But my first, first-place for a music story in a magazine is the ultimate win!”

— Marcia Luttrell

For me, it was my love of writing and passion for smooth jazz nearly 30 years ago that launched my journalistic endeavors. That journey took me from a lucrative mortgage banking career into the classroom, then onto the printed page as a freelance writer. Interestingly, one of the outlets I wrote for, The Entertainer, Marcia

was also writing for at the same time—although we only recently discovered that fact.

To become proficient at my craft, I completed dozens of college writing courses; attended a dozen more writers conferences; and, in recent years, enrolled in 40-plus online classes learning about a variety of genres, including copywriting, op-eds and essays (one of my nonmusic essays was published in the “Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Clever, Curious, Caring Cat” book in 2021).

I may never amass a body of publication credits like Ken or Marcia have because managing this magazine gives me less time to write. However, I do contribute at least one piece to each issue. So, one of the most memorable moments of my journalism career happened at the American Smooth Jazz Awards in 2010 when I won the “Journalist of the Year” award.

I take as much pride in my writing as I do in publishing Smooth Jazz News. My goal as the publisher is to give our readers the most accurate, informative and engaging content possible. That’s why I seek writers whose work I admire, and I am proud of their achievements.

I felt complimented when Marcia encouraged me to enter some of my articles into a writing competition.

“I would like to suggest that you or Ken submit for this year’s San Diego Press Club,” she said. “That piece you did about the Catalina

Island JazzTrax Festival in 2024 was a wonderful feature. And, Ken’s work is always sincere, knowledgeable and informative. Deserving work is deserving work.”

Well, the deadline to enter the San Diego Press Club’s contest is Aug. 4, a few days after this issue of Smooth Jazz News has been published. The winners will be announced on Oct. 28. I’ll let you know if I make the submission deadline. Wish me luck!

Andréa Lisa

A bright, ascendant star

By Ken Capobianco

Singer-guitarist Andréa Lisa has found her place in the sun. The rising musician has been playing the international music circuit for over a decade, and her determination and undeniable talent have opened doors for the South African native. Now, she is beginning to reap the fruits of her efforts with her first solo album, Silver Lining , and high-profile collaborations with Kirk Whalum and Kool & the Gang.

“People kind of think I’m new, but I’ve been working very hard for a while now, and I’m excited for the opportunities I’m getting,” said the soft-spoken Lisa via phone on a warm summer day from her home in the Los Angeles area.

“I’m proud of Silver Lining but I know there’s a lot more music to make. I’m looking forward to what’s next.”

Her debut showcases Lisa’s lucid, melodic guitar playing and graceful vocals over 12 vibrant songs that explore the search for happiness, identity and the path toward fulfillment. It’s a wonderfully assured record that should turn heads in the music industry and thrill audiences.

“The silver lining of the title represents the journey in life or the bumps and doors that have been closed along the way,” said Lisa. “Those were difficult to go through, but ultimately, once you overcome them, you see how everything can work in your favor, and there are positive things that come from the journey. Sometimes when a door closes, it’s for the good. So, with every dark cloud, there’s something to be appreciated—that ray of light.”

The album opens on a high note with the expressive instrumental “All the Way,” and an inspirational reflection on life, “Beautiful

Photo: Airic Lewis

World.” It gracefully unfolds with a diverse blend of ballads and breezy, funky tracks that emphasize Lisa’s impressive guitar work.

She’s a versatile player who leans heavily on melody. Her vocals on songs such as “Chocolates in Heaven” and “Fire” reflect her diverse influences in R&B and jazz—there are hints of vocalists as disparate as Minnie Riperton, Corinne Bailey Rae or Neneh Cherry in her voice, but she remains thoroughly original.

“As a guitar player, I started out playing strictly classical acoustic guitar and got a great foundation,” Lisa said. “I then went on to study jazz in school. I did listen to Pat Metheny and George Benson, two of the great guitarists who are such melodic players. And I loved to listen to horn players, particularly Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Kirk Whalum and Sonny Rollins, too.

“That’s why I like to play long notes on the guitar. Even though the guitar isn’t an instrument meant for long notes, unless you have a lot of distortion, that’s how I hear. And melody has always been extremely important for me.”

Lisa has been singing since she was young, but didn’t take it seriously until her teens, when she got to demonstrate her vocal prowess by accident.

“I didn’t sing publicly until I was 16, when someone entered me into a school talent contest,” she recalled. “He did it behind my back. He had heard me singing in the music room and told me we should do a duet, which I didn’t want to do. But he applied for us anyway, and we won with me singing ‘My Endless Love.’ I was quite shy, so that was a big thing for me, and it gave me a lot of confidence.”

She developed as a vocalist through school and listening to many of the singers she was exposed to earlier in her life.

“Natalie Cole and Nancy Wilson were my favorites, and I learned from listening to them,” she said. “I did some classical training in high school and jazz training in university. My major was guitar in university, but I also studied vocals.”

While Lisa was born in South Africa, she grew up in New Zealand, where she went to school. She said her music reflects her roots, and her childhood and young adult homelands are still part of her soul.

“I moved to New Zealand at 7 years old. On a deep level, the nature of New Zealand is reflected in my music. When I was growing up, it was very peaceful and promoted being kind and loving. I remember the teachers being so loving and supportive, and I feel I carry that with me.

“It’s about good people, which I feel is a part of me, but musically, I feel I represent more of my South African heritage sonically with rhythm. I love rhythm.”

Even though her initial exposure to South Africa was brief, Lisa has visited the country frequently and absorbed its rich culture and traditions. “I have some memories of my childhood, but my family would go back to visit my grandparents, and my mom would make sure we stayed for a solid amount of time—like a whole month—so I remember South Africa quite well,” she said. “You can’t help but be influenced by it.”

The guitarist eventually put together a band to support her own music once she got to a university in New Zealand. They ended up putting out an EP called So Sweet and traveling the world, including a residency in a Wyndham hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, gigs in France and a long tenure on cruise ships, where she honed her stage chops and randomly met saxophone great Kirk Whalum.

continued on page 12

“I had to get past that resistance and keep going by chipping away song by song to get where I’m going.”

Photo: Airic Lewis

continued from page 11

Since then, she has performed with Whalum, appeared on his Epic Cool album, and moved to the United States. Another major musical break came while she was visiting Los Angeles after recording with Whalum. She said she was acclimating to America and trying to shake off some culture shock when a man approached her at a musical jam session with an invitation. “Out of the blue, he asked, ‘What are you doing tomorrow? I need to introduce you to someone,’” she recounted with bemusement.

“And I went with it. I wasn’t thinking, ‘Who is this strange man wanting to hang out?’ So, we went to George Brown’s studio. Of course, he passed away last year, but he was the main man who wrote all the great Kool & the Gang songs. It was insane when I got to work with the band. It didn’t feel real. I ended up recording on six or seven songs over a few hours. It was magic.” (She appears on Kool & the Gang’s People Just Wanna Have Fun.)

Lisa is already working on her next album. She’s fiercely protective of her music and career, and is working without a manager after her last one recommended that she record with an established producer on Silver Lining instead of agreeing to let her do it herself.

She insisted that she’s learned many lessons in the music business, but one takes priority.

“If you want to get somewhere, you have to do it yourself. Some people are lucky to have a good team around them or have met a

ON TOUR

AUG. 3

Andréa Lisa’s Birthday Bash with special guests Spaghettini, Seal Beach, California https://spaghettini.com

manager they connect with, but I realize that you have to invest in yourself because there’s so much music out there that no one is looking for an amazing guitar player or a singer because of the saturation. There are so many musicians to choose from. You have to put yourself out there to stand out.

“If you don’t, nothing is going to happen. And you have to remember that if someone tells you that you can’t do something, you either believe it to your detriment or put it aside. I had to get past that resistance and keep going by chipping away song by song to get where I’m going. And the journey continues.”

Lisa is completely wrapped up in her career at this point, but she finds peace of mind by getting back to the essence of life and reminding herself of her humanity. She’s an avid biker around her home and along the gorgeous beaches of the Southern California coast.

“I love going outside, and everyone should try this sometime: I like to ground my feet to the grass or the sand or the ocean. We have a lot of energy in our bodies, and even touching trees can balance our bodies. They can pull out all that static energy, so when I’m feeling off-balance emotionally or just not right— say, overwhelmed—I try to get outside and in touch with the environment. I just breathe and be in that moment and process. It can be very healing.”

For more information on Lisa, including her complete tour schedule, visit www.andrealisa.com.

AUG. 17

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California www.southcoastwinery.com 951-696-0184

OCT. 11

Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Catalina Casino, Avalon, California www.jazztrax.com

Photo: Airic Lewis

GIL JOHNSON

• “SMOOTH ONE” (SINGLE) (GSJ Records)

With each release, vocalist Gil Johnson gets closer to a breakthrough on the smooth jazz scene. “Smooth One” is produced by No. 1 hit ensemble Jazz Holdouts and features saxophonists Tom Braxton (Earl Klugh, Tisdale) and Rock Hendricks (Hardcastle, Gaye), along with guitarist Michael Thompson (Michael Jackson, Quincy), and bassists Al Turner (Aretha, Anita, Kem and Klugh) and Bobby Watson (Rufus).

Mixed by Darren Rahn.

AvAilAble At: www.Amazon.com, https://music.apple.com, www.spotify.com and all digital service providers Website: www.giljohnsonmusic.com

NAJEE

• UNDER THE MOON OVER THE SKY (Blue Horn Creative)

Smooth jazz icon and platinum-selling multi-instrumentalist Najee is back with a brand-new single that takes you on a sonic journey to paradise!

“Salvador,” featuring the incredible Brian Simpson on piano, was released July 16 on all digital platforms! This mesmerizing track is the first taste from Najee’s upcoming album, Under the Moon Over the Sky—arriving on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

AvAilAble At: iTunes, www.Amazon.com and most digital service providers Website: www.najeeofficial.com

GABRIEL MARK HASSELBACH

• “FORCE OF HABIT” (SINGLE) FROM COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS (Windtunnel Records)

Gabriel’s first single, “SunSeeker,” from Count Your Lucky Stars, stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for six months, and is now followed by the punchy “Force of Habit” (featuring Andrew Freeman-guitar and Miles Black-piano), and recalls the Hasselbach-Jeff Lorber co-written chart hits over the last dozen years. He also just released an off-the-chain album, Live at the Pender Harbour Jazz Festival .

AvAilAble At: www.Amazon.com, https://music.apple.com, iTunes, www.spotify.com and all digital service providers. Physical CDs at www.GabrielJazz.com. Website: www.GabrielJazz.com

LEMEK

• BOUNDLESS (trippin’ N Rhythm Records)

”As a musician and a music lover, I don’t want to be locked into one thing. I have a wide taste in music, and I have always enjoyed exploring new sonic possibilities.

Boundless is the culmination of all of my musical tastes and styles. It’s got funk, pop and soulful R&B vibes mixed in with a tasteful contemporary jazz sound.

LEMEK will be hosting the Boundless Release Party show on Aug. 11 at Spaghettini.

“I think that listeners will enjoy what Boundless has to offer!” — LEMEK

AvAilAble At: iTunes, www.Amazon.com, https://cdbaby.com, www.lemekyisraelmusic.com and most digital service providers Website: www.lemekyisraelmusic.com

Advertisement: To inquire about placement, call 858-541-1919 or email smoothjazzads@aol.com.

Travel Planning Guide 2025

By Melanie Maxwell

Catalina Island is a dream destination year-round, but it’s especially popular with jazz fans in October. That’s when the JazzTrax logo lights up the 12-story, circular Catalina Casino building, and the sounds of smooth jazz float out from the ballroom’s balcony. While festivalgoers enjoy live performances inside the art deco ballroom, scuba divers, boaters and tourists are treated to a musical background below in Avalon Bay. Planning a visit to Avalon, California, the island’s only town (which takes up just over 2 square miles of the 76-square-mile island), is much easier than most first-timers might think. With the 38th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival happening Oct. 9-12 and Oct. 16-19, now is a great time to make travel arrangements.

CATALINA EXPRESS

Here are some tips for cross-channel transportation and accommodations for a magical adventure 22 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Southern California.

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

Staying there

Hotel Metropole is a top choice for jazz fans and artists alike, although it often sells out in advance. Situated within the Metropole Market Place, this property boasts A Touch of Heaven Day Spa, restaurants, boutiques, fine art, a classic arcade, unique gift stores and more. www.hotel-metropole.com • 800-541-8528

A variety of accommodations are available in Avalon, including hotels and vacation rentals. Check out the JazzTrax Festival Official Hotels Page for preferred properties. www.jazztrax.com/hotels

Tickets & information

www.jazztrax.com

Photo: Pat Benter

Catalina Island is welcoming you for a getaway of adventure, relaxation and fun. Your voyage to paradise is now boarding.

WhitePETER

By Ken Capobianco

Esteemed guitarist-composer-producer

Peter White celebrated his 50th anniversary in the music business and his 70th birthday last year. In an industry obsessed with the newest, fastest and shiniest distraction, these major milestones put him in rare company in pop music.

A caravan of finely crafted songs on the recently released Light of Day is a journey led by a wise guitarist at his peak

Photo: Lori Stoll

The guitarist, best known for his graceful acoustic guitar stylings and expert composing skills, started his career in 1974 as a sideman for folk-rock veteran Al Stewart and released his first solo album in 1990. To loosely paraphrase the Grateful Dead, it’s been a long, wondrous trip for White

“I guess this means I’m a (expletive) survivor,” the musician, who has been adopted by smooth jazz audiences worldwide and found success beyond his imagination, said with a laugh. Speaking from his home after returning from two weeks on the Dave Koz and Friends at Sea full-ship charters to northern Europe, he added: “I’m extremely lucky that I was able to forge my own path, but it’s been a slow process. I’m thrilled to keep making music, and I think I’m making the best music of my life and playing the best shows.

“I’m playing a lot of them. I just got off two weeks on Dave’s cruise, which was great, and I got to play a show with Boney James, which is always a big thrill because he’s such a great artist.

“So, I get to play the music I choose with the musicians I’ve chosen. I’m the luckiest guy alive.”

The genial, witty White is a wonderful storyteller in conversation, and he has a deep knowledge of music composition, pop music history and contemporary artists. He dropped numerous references to The Beatles, who had a profound influence on his melodic style. To make abstract musical concepts concrete, he sang melodies and riffs while explaining how songs were composed. Talking to him is a small tutorial in music as art.

“I wanted the album to have musical continuity from track one to track 10, and I worked it out a long time ago,” White revealed. “It didn’t come together at the end of the process, as usual. I knew how the songs fit together, and I wanted to tell a story by taking the listener on a journey. A lot of modern music is about repetition— maybe because of computers. Sometimes, they are made by computers. I wanted to avoid that.

“I think writing a good song is the balance between something unexpected and something repetitive. There’s always going to be repetition with a chorus, but I think you can go too far in that direction. I wanted a certain element of surprise on this album, so the listener will think, ‘OK, I didn’t expect that’ as they go on the musical journey.”

He thought for a moment and continued with one of his numerous digressions into pop history.

“So, I get to play the music I choose with the musicians I’ve chosen. I’m the luckiest guy alive.”

In February, he put out the transportive album Light of Day, which is one of his finest efforts. It’s a deft mix of ambitious songs and more popleaning jazz. As always with White, since he emerged on the instrumental music scene as a solo artist with Réveillez-Vous in 1990, it’s a song-based album with ambitious compositions such as the epic, eight-minute “Odyssey” and the gently evocative ballads “Enchanted” and “I Love You Still.”

White recruited his friends Rick Braun, Vincent Ingala and saxophonist Ernie Watts to help him. His playing is spirited and as dexterous as always, and the album emerges as a coherent song cycle about moving forward to find solace.

“Sometimes in making this, I thought about my favorite album from the past that mixed repetition and surprise—Sgt. Pepper’s (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band) from The Beatles. There were times in creating when I thought, ‘What would The Beatles do here?’ Not that I’m comparing myself to The Beatles, but I made the record for the people who listen to albums from the beginning to the end and would appreciate the surprises and journey.”

The opening track, “Catalonia,” takes listeners to Spain with its sweeping, romantic soundscapes that Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem would appreciate.

“The first time I was ever in Barcelona was when I was playing with Al Stewart back in 1985 or so, and I had a free day where I walked around the city, going to the zoo and other destinations. That was the inspiration for the song. You hear the sights and sounds of Barcelona, which is in Catalonia, in the song. I’ve been to Barcelona many times since. That first time stuck with me.” continued

Photo:LoriStoll

continued from page 17

The curveball on the record, the complex musical exploration, “Odyssey,” finds White at his peak. Originally written for his last album, Music for STARLUX Airlines, commissioned by STARLUX, was rejected by the airline because it was not predictable and soothing enough.

“This song was a bit unsettling—like life. Remember, an odyssey is an unpredictable journey with ups and downs and twists,” White explained. “A lot of smooth jazz is about ‘Everything is going to be OK,’ and that’s fine. People like that, but life often works out differently. There has to be music for when life doesn’t turn out all well. Ask yourself this: Why do people listen to sad songs? Well, if

“I wanted a certain element of surprise on this album, so the listener will think, 'OK, I didn’t expect that’ as they go on the musical journey.”

you are sad, you want to know that there are people out there who feel your sadness. You get comforted by knowing you are not alone with your sadness.” The millions of people who swear by the music of Billie Holiday and The Smiths can attest to White’s theory.

The guitarist looked back on his career with clear-eyed wisdom. He’s become a popular smooth jazz star, which wasn’t how he planned his career when he started by co-writing Al Stewart’s 1980s pop hit, “Time Passages,” and playing on Stewart’s hugely popular album, of the Cat

“When I started in the music business in 1974, I had no intention to be an artist,” White remembered. “I wasn’t trying to make myself heard over other artists. I just wanted to be a guy in the band. I didn’t have that burden of trying to prove myself as an artist.

“It didn’t even dawn on me to make instrumental music until I was 33. Consider that Vincent Ingala is 32, and he has recorded seven albums,” he laughed. “I definitely started late. I made a conscious decision to branch out.”

bandleader, musician and producer with Stewart. “One year, I heard a song by Al on The WAVE in Los Angeles—‘Ghostly Horses of the album. It is an instrumental, and The WAVE picked it up. And the DJ said, ‘That was Al Stewart.’ I was thinking, ‘No, that’s me,’ and it dawned on me that they are playing a song on which I’m the artist—I’m playing

“I thought, what do I have to do to make sure people know who I am instead of just the guy playing on someone’s track? I had to make a CD and put my name on it. At the time, to get on the radio, you had to be jazz, easy listening or Muzak, but there was very little contemporary

Mangione and Kenny G, but that wasn’t my lane. I had to find my own

Even though he’s a young 70-year-old— rigorously touring and recording some of his best music— White understands that despite the endurance of Buddy Guy, The Rolling Stones and other musicians defying Father Time, he can’t do this forever. But he’s

“People ask me when I am going to retire, and I say, ‘I’m already retired because I’m doing what I love,’” White said. “Mick Jagger keeps

Photo: Lori Stoll

pushing the bar, doesn’t he? We thought it was going to be over when he turned 40. Now he’s 80. How can this fit into any perspective when Mick is 10 years older than me, and he’s still out there shaking his ass,” he laughed. “I don’t know if I can be an exception like him, but I’m going to keep going until it doesn’t make sense or people start telling me it’s time to retire.”

Despite spending many hours on the road and in the studio, White maintains a busy life with his wife, Robin Pao, and their daughter, Charlotte, and doing the things he enjoys. He said that he’s a voracious reader and enjoys playing soccer in the park with his friends near his home in the Los Angeles area. The erudite

“ People ask me when I am going to retire, and I say, ‘I’m already retired because I’m doing what I love . ’”

Stewart, White’s lifetime friend who gained fame for his historical and literary-influenced pop, clearly rubbed off on the thoughtful and wise White.

“I was at Paul Brown’s house once—he’s a friend and produced many of my albums—and his wife, Jackie, once said this to me, ‘You never went to college, but you seem so learned,’” White said, breaking out laughing. “Well, I’m very curious about life and interested in learning. I’m on Wikipedia 10 times a day. That’s one of my hobbies. I’m interested in finding out what happened to people. Before the internet, we couldn’t get those answers.

“And I love to read musician biographies. I’m reading a biography of Paul McCartney called ‘The McCartney Legacy,’ and it’s chockfull of information.”

He is finding happiness in the quotidian things in life, which many of us overlook or neglect. “My daughter is 24—she graduated from college a couple of years ago—and I’m going to get sushi with her tonight. She was on the Dave Koz cruise with me. I love having these times with her.”

He added that last year he had a special reunion that helped put life in perspective and remind him of the things that matter.

“I went to New Zealand and played with my sister’s band for fun. We hadn’t played together in 60 years, when we were kids. We played in a little folk club. She plays the ukulele and tin whistle. It was special. A lady came up to me and said, ‘Are you in a band? You’re pretty good,’” he said, chuckling again.

“And I just said, ‘No, I’m just Michelle’s brother.’ When you get down to basics, that’s why I’m enjoying life. It can be so joyful.”

For more information on White, including his complete tour schedule, visit www.peterwhite.com.

On Tour

Sept. 20

Gulf Coast Jazz Festival

Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center Pensacola, Florida www.gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com

Sept. 29-Oct. 6

Amsterdam Smooth Jazz Festival: River Cruise Edition

Sailing the waterways of Holland and Belgium Aboard the ms Amadeus Brilliant www.smoothjazzeurope.eu

Nov. 8

Jazz Legacy Foundation 13th Annual Gala Weekend

Saturday Night of Elegance (Jazz Attack with Richard Elliot and Rick Braun) Hampton Roads Convention Center Hampton,Virginia www.jazzlegacyfoundation.org

Dec. 14

A Peter White Christmas featuring Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs Altamonte Springs, Florida www.floridasmoothjazz.com

Dec. 30-31

Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando Orlando, Florida www.floridasmoothjazz.com

April 30-May 3, 2026

Daytona Jazz Weekend, hosted by Peter White The Daytona, Autograph Collection Daytona Beach, Florida www.floridasmoothjazz.com

Dec. 9-16, 2026

Rick Braun’s Christmas Market River Cruise 2026 Sailing the waterways from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland

Aboard AmaWaterways AmaPrima www.rickbraun.com/christmasmarket

CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS

AUGUST

Louisville Jazz Festival featuring Najee, Brian Simpson, Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers, 7pm, Iroquois Amphitheater, 1080 Amphitheater Road, Louisville, Kentucky, https://iroquoisamphitheater.com, 502-368-5865

Mindi Abair, Pre-Show Wine & Jazz Tasting, 4pm; shows at 6:30 & 9pm, Blue Note Napa, 1030 Main St., Napa, California, www.mindiabair.com

8th Annual Vanport Jazz Festival featuring Jon B., Leela James, 6pm, University of Portland, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon, www.vanportjazzfestival.com, 503-432-9477 (Ticket Tomato)

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas, www.davekoz.com

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 1st Ave., Dallas, Texas, www.davekoz.com

Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring The Lao Tizer Band with Elliott Yamin, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed

seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 festival admission. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/events/concertson-the-green or call 800-487-3378.

An Evening of Jazz: Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Peter White, 7pm, Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, Georgia, www.rickbraun.com

Mindi Abair, Pre-Show Wine & Jazz Tasting, 4pm; shows at 6:30 & 9pm, Blue Note Napa, 1030 Main St., Napa, California, www.mindiabair.com

8th Annual Vanport Jazz Festival featuring Jazmin Ghent, Kim Waters & Kayla Waters, Avery*Sunshine, Norman Brown & more, noon, University of Portland, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon, www.vanportjazzfestival.com, 503-432-9477 (Ticket Tomato)

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

3

Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series featuring Family Style, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 festival admission. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/ events-mmm/soulful-sundays or call 800-487-3378.

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor,

Marcel Anderson & special guest Peter White, 7:30pm, The Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St., San Antonio, Texas, www.davekoz.com

Andréa Lisa’s Birthday Bash with special guests, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series presents the Smooth Jazz AllStars, benefiting Michelle’s Place, featuring Darryl Walker, Jeff Ryan, Brian Simpson, Yuko Mabuchi, Patrick Lamb, Darryl Williams & special guests, 6pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 844-841-1406

6

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, New Jersey, www.davekoz.com, 973-539-8008

7

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, MaxxMusic at The Amp Ballantyne, 11115 Upper Ave., Charlotte, North Carolina, www.davekoz.com

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Alex Mendham & His Orchestra, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate flight (for those aged 21 & over) are an additional $30. Limited seating is available in a reserved section for an additional fee. For more information, visit www.foapom. com/events-mmm/art-jazz-winechocolate or call 800-487-3378.

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

Patrick Lamb, 7pm, The Velvet Note Acoustic Living Room, 4075 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta, Georgia, www.patricklamb.com, 855-583-5838

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington, Kentucky, www.davekoz.com

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor, Marcel Anderson & opening special guest Peter White, 8pm, Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, Ohio, https://fraze.com, 937-296-3300

Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Brian Simpson, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon

Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 festival admission. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/ events/concerts-on-the-green or call 800-487-3378.

Quintin Gerard W. & Rebecca Jade with special guest LEMEK, 7:30pm, LEX Smooth Jazz Concert Series, Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/ UK Coldstream, 1801 Newtown Pike, Lexington, Kentucky, www.aafinc.com

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

Brass A Blazin’ featuring Michael Cates, Tatiana Tate & Kim Waters, 7pm, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, California, https://bapacthousandoaks.com/ show-details/brass-a-blazin, 805-449-2787

10

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor, Marcel Anderson & Peter White, 7:30pm, The Factory, 17105 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, Missouri, www.davekoz.com

Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series featuring Lady Parts with Lia Booth, Crystal Lewis & Adryon de León, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 festival admission. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/ events-mmm/soulful-sundays or call 800-487-3378.

Terry Steele presents The Divas: A Tribute to the Divas of Music, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

11

LEMEK presents the “Boundless” Release Party, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

12

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

13

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Billy

continued from page 21

Valentine, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate flight (for those aged 21 & over) are an additional $30. Limited seating is available in a reserved section for an additional fee. For more information, visit www.foapom. com/events-mmm/art-jazz-winechocolate or call 800-487-3378.

Patrick Lamb, 6:30pm, Soul Mama, Gantry Hotel, London, Great Britain, www.patricklamb.com

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

Patrick Lamb, 9pm, Soul Mama, Gantry Hotel, London, Great Britain, www.patricklamb.com

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, The Meritage

Resort & Spa, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.davekoz.com

Najee, 8pm, Aliante Casino+ Hotel+Spa, 7300 N. Aliante Pkwy., N. Las Vegas, Nevada, https://aliante.boydgaming.com, www.najeeofficial.com

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

Najee, 8pm, Aliante Casino+ Hotel+Spa, 7300 N. Aliante Pkwy., N. Las Vegas, Nevada, https://aliante.boydgaming.com, www.najeeofficial.com

Justin Klunk featuring special guest Mia Asano, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Stockbridge Jazz Festival, hosted by Tommy Davidson, featuring Norman Brown, Karen Briggs, Eric Darius, Keiko Matsui, Jennifer Holliday, gates open at 4pm, show

starts at 6pm, VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N. Henry Blvd., Stockbridge, Georgia, www.vystaramphitheater.com

Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series presents Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

17

Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series featuring the Derek Bordeaux Motown Tribute, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 festival admission. For more information, visit www.foapom. com/events-mmm/soulfulsundays or call 800-487-3378.

Sway Collective Tribute to Frank Sinatra & Friends featuring DamonReel, 3:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Dave Koz Cruise presents Adam Hawley, 7:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Stockbridge Jazz Festival, hosted by Tommy Davidson, featuring David Benoit, Jazz Funk Soul (Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr.), the Special EFX All-Stars, Chandra Currelley, Sonny Emory, gates open at 4pm, show starts at 6pm, VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N. Henry Blvd., Stockbridge, Georgia, www.vystaramphitheater.com

Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series featuring Tom Braxton, Rebecca Jade & Andréa Lisa, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 844-841-1406

Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series presents Dave Koz & Friends

Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, Nevada, www.davekoz.com

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

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Raffia Thomas, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of

NOVEMBER

7 & 8

Rebecca Jade | Gregg Karukas | Monte Seward | Ilya Serov

BPM Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown, & Michael Paulo

Arts admission. Wine & chocolate flight (for those aged 21 & over) are an additional $30. Limited seating is available in a reserved section for an additional fee. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/eventsmmm/art-jazz-wine-chocolate or call 800-487-3378.

Patrick Lamb, 8 & 10pm, The Baked Potato Jazz Club, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd., Studio City, Los Angeles, California, www.patricklamb.com, 818-980-1615

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center at Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott, Arizona, www.davekoz. com, 877-928-4253

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

22

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party

featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey, California, www.davekoz.com

23

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, The Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga, California, www.mountainwinery.com, 408-741-2822

Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series featuring Mindi Abair & BPM (Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown & Michael Paulo), 7pm, Thornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

24

22nd Annual Gardena Jazz Festival featuring Avery*Sunshine, Arturo Sandoval, Durti-Ryce ft. Deron, Tatiana Tate, the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center Jazz Band, The Inner-City Youth of Los Angeles

Ensemble, gates open at 9am, show begins at 11am, Rowley Park, 13220 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena, California, www.gardenajazzfestival.com, 310-217-9537

Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series featuring Terrell Edwards “The Unforgettable Show,” 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 festival admission. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/events-mmm/ soulful-sundays or call 800-487-3378.

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, 6 & 8:30pm, 2nd Floor Gastown, 300 Water St., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, www.waterstreetcafe.ca/2ndfloor-gastown, 604-689-2832

Music Monday featuring Poncho Sanchez, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old

continued from page 23

Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring the Scott Wilkie Band, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate flight (for those aged 21 & over) are an additional $30. Limited seating is available in a reserved section for an additional fee. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/eventsmmm/art-jazz-wine-chocolate or call 800-487-3378.

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

Patrick Lamb, 7 & 9pm, The Note Jazz Lounge, 200 Oakwood Ave.

N.E., Unit A, Huntsville, Alabama, www.patricklamb.com

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada, www.davekoz.com, 702-749-2000

Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

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

31

Mindi Abair, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage. com/, 410-268-4545

John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival featuring Rick Braun, Peter White, Richard Elliot & more, 3pm, Oak Hollow Park, 1841 Eastchester Dr., High Point, North Carolina, www.coltranejazzfest.com

6

Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival featuring Kofi B., 3:30pm; 3 Alarm Fire with Art Sherrod Jr., Althea Rene & Lin Rountree, 5pm; Urban Guerilla Orchestra, 6:30pm, Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, www.dauphincounty.gov

Terry Steele: A Tribute to Luther, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

7

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, 5pm, Admiral Pub & Grill, 4125 Hastings St., Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, www.AdmiralPub.ca, 604-298-7158

Dauphin County Jazz & Wine Festival featuring Andrew Neu, 3:30pm; Jeff Bradshaw, 5pm; Eric Darius, 6:30pm, Fort Hunter Park, 5300 N. Front St., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, www.dauphincounty.gov

12

N.E., Unit A, Huntsville, Alabama, www.patricklamb.com

Mindi Abair, Pre-Show Wine & Jazz Tasting, 7:30pm; show, 8pm, Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, 135 Congress St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire, www.mindiabair.com

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, California, www.davekoz.com

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

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

30

Mindi Abair, 6:15 & 8:45pm, Middle C Jazz Club, 300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, North Carolina, https:// middlecjazz.com, 704-595-3311

Patrick Lamb, 7 & 9pm, The Note Jazz Lounge, 200 Oakwood Ave.

Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, with special guest Regina Belle, 6:30pm, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, California, www.hollywoodbowl.com

Darnell “Showcase” Taylor, 6:30pm, 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

Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series featuring An Evening of Yacht Rock with the Tris Imboden Yacht Stars, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 844-841-1406

SEPTEMBER

4

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

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

13

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

14

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, 5pm, Admiral Pub & Grill, 4125 Hastings St., Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, www.AdmiralPub.ca, 604-298-7158

Tom Braxton & Michael Fields Jr.: A Tribute to Wayman Tisdale, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series featuring the Al Jarreau Reunion Band with Chris Walker, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www. southcoastwinery.com, 844-841-1406

9th Annual Gulf Coast Jazz Festival All-White Party, hosted by Morris

Baxter & DJ Bambam Belonge, featuring Brian Simpson, Jeanette Harris & Blake Aaron, 7pm, Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, 913 S. I St., Pensacola, Florida www.gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition. com, 850-393-3028

Marcus Adams: A James Ingram Tribute, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

9th Annual Gulf Coast Jazz Festival, hosted by Morris Baxter & DJ Bambam Belonge, featuring Down To The Bone, 2pm; Patrick Lamb, 3:20pm; Alex Bugnon, 4:40pm; Adam Hawley, 6pm; Jeff Lorber, 7:30pm, Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St., Pensacola, Florida, www.gulfcoastsummerfestjazz edition.com, 850-393-3028

9th Annual Gulf Coast Jazz Festival, hosted by Morris Baxter & DJ Bambam Belonge, featuring Rob Zinn, 2pm; Dominique Hammons, 3:20pm; Nathan Mitchell, 4:40pm;

Peter White, 6pm; Gerald Albright, 7:30pm, Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St., Pensacola, Florida, www.gulfcoastsummerfestjazz edition.com, 850-393-3028

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

21

Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

25

28

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

26

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, 5pm, Admiral Pub & Grill, 4125 Hastings St., Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, www.AdmiralPub.ca, 604-298-7158

9th Annual Gulf Coast Jazz Festival, hosted by Morris Baxter & DJ Bambam Belonge, featuring Spyro Gyra, 2pm; Najee, 3:20pm; Mindi Abair, 4:40pm; Jonathan Butler, 6pm; Kirk Whalum, 7:30pm, Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St., Pensacola, Florida, www. gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com, 850-393-3028

The Black Market Trust, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch

Patrick Lamb & Lin Rountree, 6 & 8:30pm, Keystone Korner Baltimore, 1350 Lancaster St., Baltimore, Maryland, www.patricklamb.com, 410-946-6726

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

27

The Family Stone with special guests The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble, 7:30pm, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, California, https://artcenter.org

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

Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, 5pm, Admiral Pub & Grill, 4125 Hastings St., Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, www.AdmiralPub.ca, 604-298-7158

Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series featuring the Kalapana 50th Anniversary Celebration, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 844-841-1406

29

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

In Concert for Cancer ,s 14th Annual Benefit Show Celebrating the Music of Stevie Wonder, featuring Kenny Lattimore, Judith Hill, Danny Seraphine, Mindi Abair & Tony Grant, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

PETER WHITE

jazz bruNches

continued from page 25

AUGUST

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER

7

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

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by Trouble Man: A Tribute to Marvin

Gaye, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

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

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.

Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Brunch in Seal Beach, California

Photo: Harper Hardwick

Photo: Cooper Hardwick

Parmesan-Crusted Sea Bass

Lady Lavender & Sitting Pretty

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025

CASHMIRA’S STARGUIDE

Leo July 23 - Aug. 22

Your social calendar will be packed for the next month or two. You will be surrounded by people during the upcoming weeks. There are weddings, charity festivities and concerts to attend. Make sure you get some rest between dates!

Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Things are looking up at the job. All your hard work will be recognized, and the rewards can be financial. An increase in salary or a promotion may be available. A change in tasks or staff could happen soon.

Libra Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

You might not think you’re adept at anything digital, but it appears the digital world may be knocking at your door. Your job may require you to become familiar with this whole new world, and artificial intelligence may be closer to you than you might think.

Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

You’re lucky to be meeting many new friends. Enjoy getting to know all these folks and hearing their stories. These experiences will make your life so much more full. Continue on this journey and enjoy the surprises around the corner.

Sagittarius Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Frustration has been haunting you; work has been complicated. Some new changes may be the key to a smoother process at work that can leave you open for a little downtime. Of course, for you, that just means another project. Take it easy.

Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

You are an excellent communicator, which will serve you well now. If you are self-employed, you may come up with some new clients. If not, you may be called upon to work on some projects that highlight your talents.

Aquarius Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

Why is it taking so long to get things done? For some reason, it seems everything takes too long, or there are roadblocks to every chore and project you need to complete. Take a breath and just move on. Life is happening.

Pisces Feb. 19 - March 20

If you’ve been making changes to your homestead, the results are going to be extremely positive. Be proud of yourself. If you have been helping others out with their projects, the results will be the same. Good for you.

Aries March 21 - April 19

You are feeling a big burst of energy. It’s a perfect time to get traveling, enjoy some outdoor hobbies and meet up with family or friends. You can use all this positive pizzazz at the workplace as well. Be sure to stand up for new assignments.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

Your financial life is looking good. Are you expecting a raise or searching for a new client? Your chances of success are off the charts! If you are considering selling a house or a boat, the timing is very good at month’s end. Congrats!

Gemini May 21 - June 21

Travel can be financially positive for you. If you are looking to book a trip, chances are you will find a great deal. If you are seeking to make money from the industry, the outcome could be quite profitable. Either way, enjoy!

Cancer June 22 - July 22

The job is treating you well lately. Look for a recommendation from management or some kind of mentorship being offered. Your positive attitude is serving you well, and all eyes are on you. Make the most of it.

BOOK REVIEW

“Heartbreaker: a Memoir”

By Mike Campbell with Ari Surdoval Grand Central Publishing

2025 • 464 pages

Reviewed by Darcy Peters

Mike Campbell was lead guitarist for The Heartbreakers with Tom Petty for more than 40 years. His memoir is crammed with stories about a rags-to-riches life filled with highs and lows, but especially with music. Campbell met Petty when they were both teenagers. Campbell was consumed with learning music and was living on the edge of poverty. He was impressed by Petty’s musical talent and charisma. Soon, they formed a band called Mudcrutch, and the boys played various bars and dumps. They eventually moved west for a record deal with Shelter Records.

When their first record came out, Petty insisted the band change their name to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Campbell acquiesced: “But it was very much his band. Not because he had the record deal with Shelter but because he was the singer and the songwriter. The foundation of all the songs was his rhythm guitar, his lyrics and his singing. Over the years, we saw songs come into the picture in all sorts of conditions—roaring, whispering, limping, stumbling, nodding out. But they were always, in the end, Tom Petty songs. They just were. So, if he wanted to put his name in front of the band’s, it wasn’t just fair, it was accurate.” Campbell accepted this, and tied his career to Petty’s with no regret.

The Heartbreakers continue to tour and open for other bands such as KISS, while continuing to record. Campbell describes in detail the trials and tribulations of touring as well as the many frustrations the band had with management and agreements made with record companies.

Campbell is an extremely shy and private person; he recorded songs and riffs at home and would give them to Petty. They ended up writing several hit songs together. He also co-wrote with Don Henley “The Boys of Summer,” and with Petty for Stevie Nicks “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.”

This man loves music and especially guitars. He could wax poetically about the many guitars he obtained. He describes his 1950 Fender Broadcaster: “It was beautiful, with a maple neck and a one-piece ash body with a rich butterscotch finish and a black Bakelite pickguard. It had brass bridge saddles, with a white-cloth-wrapped bridge pickup with raised pole pieces and a slick silver neck pickup.”

Petty died after their last performance in 2017, which made a huge impact on Campbell. But his love and commitment to music brought him back to work. He was invited to play lead guitar for Fleetwood Mac and played Lindsey Buckingham’s parts. He also put together a new band and did some touring. And, at age 70, Campbell was signed to a record label himself after having braved singing lessons. He tours and records with his band, The Dirty Knobs, and still lives in the same home he bought after the first big check he received as one of the Heartbreakers.

Enjoy this book for the specifics he includes on the business, on the music and on the relationships he has lived. His particular brand of sarcastic humor is also entertaining.