June-July 2025

ISSUE NO. 214 JUNE | JULY 2025

DAVE KOZ

Launches his nationwide “Summer Horns” tour with youthful additions and a full horn section

ANNUAL JAZZ CONCERT SERIES GUIDE The many sounds, sights and tastes that follow jazz across California

DARNELL “SHOWCASE” TAYLOR From sizzling guitar sideman to front stage

SAN DIEGO SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL Seaside urban vistas with a live smooth jazz soundtrack—so perfect!

2 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS

7:00 to 8:30 PM

July 12 Jonathan Butler

July July19 19 Brian BrianSimpson Simpson and and

Jackiem JackiemJoyner Joyner

July 26 Rick Braun SCAN FOR DETAILS & RESERVATIONS

Enjoy a soulful treat at these free community concerts.

Reserved concert seating in front of the stage is included with a prix fixe meal at LB Steak, The Slanted Door or Alora Social. Or choose patio seating or takeout on the lawn in Alexander Square. Visit us for details.

citycenterbishopranch.com | San Ramon, CA

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 3

4 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS

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July 2 - August 29, 2025 at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, CA

Discover something new at every turn explore original artworks meet the artists ehin them an en oy live music y some of Southern California s top performers. Enhance your visit with art classes gui e tours an more.

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*Closed July 4. ee we site or

ours.

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See t he en t i r e dail y m us ic s ched u le and lea r n abo ut r e s e r ed s ea t in a t

www. Lag u naFe st i v alofA rts. o r g

650 LAGUNA CANYON ROAD, LAGUNA EAC , CA ( 800 ) 487 - 3378 • @FESTIVALPAGEANT

A 3 NN RD UA L

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 5

The Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend Hosted by ERIC DARIUS

Fri & Sat, July 18 & 19

Oct 30 - Nov 2, 2025

Ruth Eckerd Hall

Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront

starring

2-Day Jam Passes Available While Supplies Last

• •

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS PEABO BRYSON PETER WHITE BRIAN MCKNIGHT JONATHAN BUTLER KEIKO MATSUI PLUS MANY MORE!

•

727-791-7400

Presented & Produced by

FloridaSmoothJazz.com 386-681-7007

The Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation

Artists, days, dates and times subject to change. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

hosted by

at

PETER WHITE

April 30 -May 3, 2026

featuring BONEY JAMES • PETER WHITE

JONATHAN BUTLER • KEIKO MATSUI RnR feat RICK BRAUN & RICHARD ELLIOT PAUL TAYLOR & MICHAEL LINGTON • RANDY JACOBS DARREN RAHN, GREG MANNING & REBECCA JADE Special Guest VINCENT INGALA

FloridaSmoothJazz.com 386-681-7007

6 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS

Photo: Jurgen Reisch

brian simpson

Publisher and Managing Editor Melanie Maxwell Operations & Distribution Manager Craig Collier

Rick Braun

Contributors Ken Capobianco Cashmira Copy Editors JoAnn Armke Barbara Knox Brad Sondak Graphic Design Gina Mancini Contributing Photographers Cover photo: Dave Koz by Colin Peck Pete Clingan Will Downing Erin Blair Studio Kyle Fierro Tyler Franz Ash Gupta Harper Hardwick David Hopley Curtis McElhinney (CurtisVision.com) Raj Naik Nathan Phillips Bobby Quillard Daniel Ray Jurgen Reisch Leslie Schneider Aric Thompson Darnell Wade 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.

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 p­ ermission from the publisher. ©2025, Smooth Jazz News | All rights reserved

Smooth-Jazz News/123513291125001 @SmoothJazzNews

Photo: Bobby Quillard

Are you looking for a smooth jazz adventure this summer? A fun girls’ getaway?

A couple’s weekend or road trip? The City Center Bishop Ranch Smooth Jazz Series this July in San Ramon, California, is a perfect choice!

Jonathan Butler

Photo: Raj Naik

SMooth Jazz News

Set in the courtyard of an upscale shopping center surrounded by restaurants, stores, jewelers, nail and hair salons, this series offers three free concerts (with stage-front seating options) featuring smooth jazz stars.

For more information on this and other events happening in June and July, check out the calendar, beginning on page 28, and our Annual Jazz Concert Series Guide on pages 37-44.

CONTENTS 8 Notes from the Publisher

24 Dave Koz

14 DISCover New Music

28 Calendar of smooth jazz events

16 The 7th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival

37 Annual Jazz Concert Series Guide

A circle of friends stay connected at Mindi Abair’s birthday celebrations For your summer soundtrack

A top-of-the-line show in a scenic setting

19 FREE CD-with-subscription offer

When you subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, June 21-22

20 Darnell “Showcase” Taylor

When he’s not touring with Brian Culbertson, this popular guitarist shines in the spotlight with solo gigs and releasing his own music

A magical alignment of stars: Koz and Bob James . master a musical supernova in Just Us Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide Smooth jazz for everyone—go thrifty or splurge!

45 Smooth Jazz News merchandise

Get festival-ready with our concert clothing.

Receive a free gift when you purchase on-site at the 2025 San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival.

46 Smooth Jazz News subscription

Subscribe to the print issue online, by mail, phone or at our booth during the 2025 San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival

46 Cashmira’s Starguide Summer horoscopes

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 7

RHYTHM ON THE VINE

®

jazz concert series

SUNDAY, JULY 20

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3

Hiroshima

Smooth Jazz All Stars Benefit Show

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31

Tom Braxton, Rebecca Jade, & Andrea Lisa

An Evening of Yacht Rock with Tris Imboden Yacht Stars

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Al Jarreau Reunion Band featuring Chris Walker

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Kalapana 50th Anniversary Celebration

34843 Rancho California Road | Temecula, CA 92591 | (951) 696-0184

8 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS

Artist Nick Egan and Eric Guerra Eric Guerra, Mindi Abair and Peter White

Photos: Curtis McElhinney

Mindi Abair and Jenifer Wilson

M I N D I A B A I R ’S

Photos: Curtis McElhinney

B I R T H DAY B A S H—

th e be at go es on fo r 25 -p lu s ye ar s

Steve Chapman, Melanie Maxwell, Mindi Abair, Jenifer Wilson, Kelly Cole

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 9

Friendships happen naturally among people party is a chance to really connect in a at their workplaces or in interest groups that “We see each other at shows chill environment. And there’s wine … draw them together. Jazz fans are famous for or in working situations and cake!” the jubilant camaraderie that reaches across There was also food, catered by Mizlala. throughout the year, but venues and from city to city.

“It’s one of my favorite restaurants, Musicians are sympatico souls who also Mediterranean-themed, and it’s within keeping real relationships develop deep bonds with one another in a walking distance from our home is important to me, and this workplace that is nationwide. Hang time at in Hollywood. They serve charred concerts and festivals are premium moments party is a chance to really cauliflower, crispy herbed broccoli and the because of the demands of being touring connect in a chill environment. best falafel and chicken shawarma. Their professionals who travel from gig to gig, hummus with pita bread is amazing. We And there’s wine … and cake!” had it all!” coast to coast and around the globe.

Saxophonist Mindi Abair has become Abair admitted that it became a – MINDI ABAIR the great universal connector. Because challenge to continue having her party in friendships are so important to her, she Hollywood—where she’s hosted it for more throws an annual birthday bash and invites everyone she loves and than a decade—because she and her husband moved into a home they cares for. It’s a reunion of musicians and those who work with them. bought in the Napa Valley Wine Country last year.

“I’ve thrown a birthday party every year at my house for at least “I love where I live now, but I miss my friends in Southern 25 years. I feel that it’s a great chance to stay in touch with friends California. So, it’s more important than ever to stay connected. every year,” she said the day after her latest bash on May 10. For the We’ve rented out our house in Hollywood, so I asked my friend first time, it wasn’t held at her Hollywood, California, home. Instead, Jeff Greenberg, who owns The Village Recorder, if I could use his everyone gathered to celebrate with her and her husband, Eric ‘house,’ and he said yes.

Guerra, at The Village Studios in Los Angeles.

“We were able to have a beautiful get-together in a legendary and “We see each other at shows or in working situations throughout historic recording studio that I’ve made a lot of music in over the continued on page 10 the year, but keeping real relationships is important to me, and this

b o m C lu a ti o n s d JA Z Z .c rv W IN E a n t P ri o ri ty Re se e G rs Membe

J O I N U S F O R I N T I M AT E G R O U P E X P E R I E N C E S I N T H E W O R L D S ’ M O S T FA M O U S W I N E R E G I O N S W H I L E YOU INDULGE IN THE FINEST WINE, MUSIC AND FOOD HOSTED BY MINDI ABAIR & ERIC GUERRA

5 STAR HOTELS • DAILY SHOWS • SMALL GROUPS • PRIVATE WINE TASTINGS MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANTS • CULTURAL EXCURSIONS • CONCIERGE SERVICES PROVENCE, FRANCE

PORTO, PORTUGAL

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We e k # 1 : O c t o b e r 1 9 - 2 4 , 2 0 2 5 We e k # 2 : O c t o b e r 2 6 - 3 1 , 2 0 2 5

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We e k # 1 : A p r i l 2 6 - 3 0 , 2 0 2 6 We e k # 2 : M a y 3 - 7 , 2 0 2 6

KIRK WHALUM

MINDI ABAIR

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R E S E R VA T I O N S : W W W. W I N E A N D J A Z Z . C O M / A D V E N T U R E S

10 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

Mindi Abair and Ellis Hall performing Photos: Curtis McElhinney

continued from page 9

years. It was perfect. I even did a session there right before the party.

Bobby Lyle played on my new album that drops June 13. He asked me to play on his album, so I recorded my tracks right before the party in Studio D. Now that’s perfection,” she exclaimed.

Abair also had one of her dreams come true in that same Moroccan Room where her party was held.

“I am a super fan of Booker T. Jones. I mean … he was the bandleader for Stax Records. He created that sound that’s basically the soundtrack to American music. I was always asking if people knew him because I wanted the chance to write and record with him.

I finally found the right person, the head of Concord Records, John Burk, who introduced us and set up a songwriting session. The only thing I had to do was find a place with a B3 organ … not every place has one just sitting around. My friend Jeff offered up The Village Recorder for the writing session. And when I arrived, there was this

beautiful, huge red room with nothing in it but a B3 organ. That’s where Booker and I wrote together.

“We’ve written three songs together and recorded two of them, ‘Addicted to You’ from my Wild Heart CD and ‘Make It Happen’ that appeared on my Best of Mindi Abair CD and Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers Live in Seattle. What an incredibly inspiring room to write with him in.

“And cut to Saturday night … wow … it was the perfect room for my birthday … so many friends … I love this room!”

Those friends included Ellis Hall, who accompanied Abair on piano and vocals throughout the evening. Guitarist Peter White had just flown in from a gig in the Midwest. Other musician friends in attendance were vocalists Robbie Wyckoff (currently with Pablo Cruise), Rebecca Jade and her husband, Rico Curtis; drummers

Bill Wilson, Kathy Payne, Mindi Abair and Rico Curtis

Rebecca Jade, Craig Collier and Peter White

continued on page 12

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 11

JOIN US FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE 2025!

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B P M W I T H B R I A N B R O M B E R G, PA U L B R O W N & M I C H A E L PA U LO

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12 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

continued from page 10

Jamey Tate and Phil Jones (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, James Taylor, Jackson Browne and more); and keyboardist Tommy Coster Jr. (“He was my keyboardist in college. He played my senior recital with me at Berklee.

When I moved to LA, I begged him to move, as I didn’t know anyone, and had no one to play with me. He finally agreed to move and stayed on my couch for a few weeks until he could find a place,” Abair said.)

Kathy Payne, owner of Payne Pest Management and sponsor of Mindi Abair’s Wine and Jazz New Year’s Eve in San Diego, was also there. She mingled with other guests such as Bill and Jenifer Wilson, owners of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, California; Kelly Cole (host of Magic 92.5’s “Quiet Storm” and former music director at KiFM 98.1); Pat Prescott (retired from 94.7 The Wave in Los Angeles); and Craig Collier (Smooth Jazz News).

Abair’s manager, Bud Harner, and his wife, Debra, were there with Chapman & Co. Management President Steve Chapman. Plus, an abundance of music industry executives, songwriters, authors, artists, attorneys, fashion designers and photographers.

The friendships Abair has made throughout her career, and the stories she has to tell about so many of them, including her surprise wedding to Guerra with Dave Koz officiating during her 2019 birthday bash, are as iconic and historic as the studio in which we were all celebrating.

For more information about Abair, her tour schedule, Wine and Jazz Adventures and her New Year’s Eve celebration, visit www.mindiabair.com.

Steve Chapman and Kelly Cole

Eric Guerra Photos: Curtis McElhinney

“We were able to have a beautiful get-together in a legendary and historic recording studio that I’ve made a lot of music in over the years. It was perfect.”

– MINDI ABAIR

Mindi Abair, Eric Guerra, Jenifer and Bill Wilson

Mindi Abair’s birthday bash in the Moroccan Room at The Village Studios in Los Angeles

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 13

continued on page 18

14 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

KIM SCOTT • LIVIN’ IT UP

ROB ZINN • “WEEKEND GAMES” (SINGLE)

(Innervision Records)

(Rob Zinn Music)

Flutist Kim Scott’s sixth album, Livin’ It Up, was produced by Grammy winners Paul Brown and Kelvin Wooten along with Billboard hitmakers Greg Manning and Michael Broening. Scott combines classical, jazz, R&B, Latin and pop to form a sound that has earned her multiple Billboard No. 1 singles, a Billboard No. 1 album, Billboard’s Song of the Year, and 2024’s Smooth Jazz Network’s Artist of the Year.

Available at: www.amazon.com, iTunes, https://music.apple.com, https://cdbaby.com, www.spotify.com, https://tidal.com, www.deezer.com, www.kimscottmusic.com Website: www.kimscottmusic.com

MICHAEL CATES • “77 HOURS” (SINGLE)

(Sonic Redoubt Entertainment) Infectious! Captivating! Diverse!

Saxophonist Michael Cates’ latest release, “77 Hours,” featuring Grammy-nominated pianist virtuoso Rob Mullins, and mixed

by Greg Manning, will take the listener on an artistic, synergistic ride. From pulsating beats to intrinsic improvisation, this tune will satisfy any jazz-blues lover’s musical appetite. Cates’ composition and saxophone prowess shine on this one!

Available at: www.amazon.com, https://music.apple.com, www.spotify.com and all digital service providers Website: https://michaelcates.com

Rob Zinn’s latest single, “Weekend Games,” featuring Michael Paulo, is an exploration of romance and chemistry. The sultry vibe that unfolds throughout the song creates a rich, immersive atmosphere, drawing listeners into a world of anticipation and subtle desire. It’s intriguing how the song portrays a journey where two hearts cautiously, yet passionately, navigate their connection—playing on the tension between patience and boldness. The narrative’s relatable, yet provocative, nature promises to keep listeners engaged, wondering where the game of attraction might lead.

Available at: iTunes, www.Amazon.com, www.spotify.com, www.Pandora.com, https://tidal.com, www.deezer.com Website: www.robzinn.com

3RD FORCE • LIFEFORCE

(Baja/TSR Records) Nearly a decade after the release of their last album, 3rd Force is back with an infectious and eclectic smooth jazz musical journey with their new album, Lifeforce. It features a collection of songs with an array of longtime friends and deserving musicians from around the globe.

In all, 17 different players infused their talents into Lifeforce.

Available at: iTunes, www.Amazon.com, www.Deezer.com and wherever great music is sold Website: www.3rdforcemusic.com/

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

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 15

ERIC MARIENTHAL & FRIENDS

FEATURING

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16 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

7th A nnual

S A N D IEG O

SMOOTH JA ZZ

FEST IVAL JUNE 21-22

Rady Shell amplifies the concert experience in San Diego is hosting and performing at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival

Photo: Aric Thompson

E R I C DA R I U S

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 17

BRIAN CULBERTSON

Photo: Daniel Ray

O CTO B E R LO N D O N

WILL D OW N I N G

By Melanie Maxwell San Diego is not only America’s Finest City, but it’s also home to one of the country’s finest smooth jazz festivals. On the Embarcadero with harbor and downtown skyline views and cool breezes, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park remains the perfect setting for the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival. And, with Eric Darius returning as festival host and Brian Culbertson headlining on Saturday, June 21, it’s certainly going to be a party! However, Kim Benoit, president of Rainbow Promotions and producer of the event, is equally excited about Sunday’s headliner, October London.

“October London is certainly a surprise for some, but he’s been on our radar for a while,” said Benoit. “We featured him at the Long Beach Jazz Festival last year after discovering his unique blend of classic soul and modern R&B. His live performance was

captivating—smooth, soulful and reminiscent of Marvin Gaye with a modern twist.”

Benoit said her booking of another rising star, saxophonist Erisa Nicole, will also bring a fresh sound and new energy to the festival. “She is someone festivalgoers will be talking about after the show,” she enthused.

“Brian Culbertson, Eric Darius and Norman Brown are always crowd favorites, and we’re thrilled to have them this year,” said Benoit.

However, she always likes to include other great talent that may not be a staple on the festival circuit, such as saxophonist Jeanette Harris.

“While she may not be on every festival lineup, she’s undoubtedly the sax queen of smooth jazz, boldly redefining the genre with her electrifying performances,” Benoit explained. “Her dynamic stage continued on page 18

18 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

continued from page 17

presence and uplifting musical plans to expand that section energy create an irresistible to support local artisans and force that captivates bring in more variety for fans audiences everywhere. to enjoy.

We believe she brings a “Our goal for 2025 is to strong, soulful dynamic that continue delivering a worldwill resonate well with the class experience that blends San Diego audience.” great music with a scenic, In addition to a great comfortable setting,” Benoit venue and lineup, food and said. “The Rady Shell offers merchandise vendors are waterfront views, amazing an appealing aspect of an acoustics and plenty of room ideal festival. The Rady Shell to relax and enjoy the music.

— Kim Benoit houses on-site restaurants Whether you’re in reserved and beverage bars through seating or the general admission its culinary program, The lawn, we want every guest to Shell Provisions. Instead of typical festival fare, patrons can dine on feel immersed in the sound, the vibe and the community. dishes from The Shell’s local partners, including Chef Richard Blais, “The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival is more than just a weekend Urban Kitchen, Lola 55 and a few food carts. The menus include such of music—it’s a celebration of the genre’s evolution, a chance to selections as pan-seared Atlantic salmon, roasted chicken marsala, discover new talent, reconnect with barbecue-rub tri-tip, carne asada and carnitas tacos, burritos, street favorites and enjoy the beauty corn, pizza, Old Bay fried chicken tenders, salads, burgers, kettle of San Diego’s bayfront. We corn, ice cream, cookies and the like. Cocktails, beer and wine are also encourage fans to come early, available for purchase. explore the venue, support In the Marina section’s stage-front table seating, patrons can order our vendors, and, food and beverages from waitstaff, or they can preorder their meals. most importantly, One thing is not changing. Benoit is keeping the popular tradition enjoy the vibe,” of on-site vendors. Patrons who enjoy shopping will find clothing, she concluded. jewelry, art and merchandise, including Smooth Jazz News. And, she

Photo: Raj Naik

“The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival is more than just a weekend of music—it ’s a celebration of the genre’s evolution, a chance to discover new talent, reconnect with favorites and enjoy the beauty of San Diego’s bayfront.”

BPM featuring Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown and Michael Paulo

JEANETTE HARRIS

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 19

T H E R A DY S H E L L

at Jacobs Park in San Diego, California

BIG DEAL FROM

SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Going to the 7th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival?

WHEN: June 21-22

WHERE: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park 222 Marina Park Way San Diego, California

GETTING THERE: Flights are available into the San Diego International Airport (SAN), approximately 4 miles from the venue.

STAYING THERE: The Hilton San Diego Bayfront, located at 1 Park Blvd., is the festival’s official host hotel.

For reservations or information, call 619-564-3333.

PARKING: Parking is available at the San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Dr., for a fee.

Visit www.theshell.org/plan-your-visit/directions-and-parking

PICK 1 free FREE CD get a

*

when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at our booth during the

San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival June 21-22 The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park San Diego, California www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com

TICKETS AND INFORMATION: Visit www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com, or call 619-235-0804

LINEUP: Saturday, June 21 (gates open at 2:30 p.m., music starts at 3 p.m.): Jeanette Harris....................................................................3:05 p.m.

Jackiem Joyner...................................................................4:15 p.m.

Photo by David Hopley

BPM featuring Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown and Michael Paulo.............................................................5:40 p.m.

Will Downing........................................................................7:05 p.m.

Brian Culbertson..................................................................8:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 22 (gates open at 2:30 p.m., music starts at 3 p.m.): Erisa Nicole...........................................................................3:05 p.m.

Down To The Bone..............................................................4:15 p.m.

Norman Brown.....................................................................5:40 p.m.

Eric Darius.............................................................................7:05 p.m.

October London.................................................................8:30 p.m.

Lineup and show times are subject to change without notice.

*This free-CD offer is a special promotion only available at the 2025 San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, while supplies last, and CD selection is subject to change without notice.

This offer is not available when ordering by phone, mail or online.

CDs are provided compliments of record labels and artists.

Richard Elliot

20 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

DARNELL “Showcase”

TAYLOR

DELIVERS A TAPESTRY OF SOUNDS In a world that likes to classify musicians by genre to make them easily digestible, Darnell “Showcase” Taylor is adamant about pushing artistic boundaries and resisting easy definitions.

The veteran guitarist, who has played with an array of musicians in gospel, jazz and funk/R&B that include Brian Culbertson, Marcus Anderson and Byron Cage, is branching out on his own with his second solo album, Worth the Wait. It explores his expansive musical range, liquid guitar style and superb songwriting.

While he has made a name for himself as a sizzling guitar sideman, Worth the Wait finds Taylor in his element, delivering a tapestry of sounds that draws on his many influences. He gets funky as easily as he slips into Afrobeat or breezes through sleek, multidimensional jazz. All played with an honesty and passion that’s often lacking in pop music today.

“I’ve always been someone who will color outside the box, even when I was in kindergarten, I tried different things,” said Taylor via

Photo: Will Downing

By Ken Capobianco

phone recently from his home in North Carolina. “If you were to tell me I had to make a smooth jazz record, I’d say ‘What is that?’ Music is music. I like different styles of music, and this particular album demonstrates that.”

The skilled guitarist is an enjoyable conversationalist, referencing different artists he’s worked with, and is easy with a story or a laugh.

He spoke enthusiastically about his long-gestating second album that took him four years to make.

“My goal was to showcase—no pun intended—the different sides of my music, so that’s why it is so diverse in sounds and styles,” he emphasized.

“I wrote, produced, mixed and did everything on this record. It was important for me to show what I can do. I got the name ‘Showcase’ because I’m talented in so many areas and can showcase that.”

He insisted that while he loves playing with Culbertson now and is extremely grateful for all the opportunities the jazz world has given

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 21

continued on page 22

“I’ve always been someone who will color outside the box, even when I was in kindergarten, I tried different things.”

Photo: Will Downing

him, he hopes to avoid being pigeonholed as a solo artist.

He wants people to listen with open ears. Among the guests on his album are his former boss, Anderson, on one of the record’s triumphant tracks, “Africa,” and the mercurial hip-hop original master of ceremonies, Big Daddy Kane, who drops crisp couplets on the joyous “Party.”

“When people in popular culture hear jazz or smooth jazz, they think that’s sleepy music, but when they hear what I’m doing, they are surprised, even though it’s instrumental music,” Taylor said. “Instrumental music in our culture has a certain perception or stigma—people think it’s going to bore them—so it’s often a challenge for someone like me to get people to listen and hear what I’m doing with it.

“It says more about the culture, though, than the music. So, I bring my personality, and I want the music to reflect that. I came from the gospel and R&B world when I migrated into smooth jazz, playing with Marcus and Brian. Before that, my music was very funk-driven, so I wanted to bring that to smooth jazz.”

Taylor’s road to this point in his career has had many detours and destinations. He grew up in North Carolina and found his way into the national music world as a touring musician before he was 20 years old. From humble beginnings, big things often come.

“My parents weren’t musical in the traditional sense, but my mom and sister sang at church—they weren’t serious—and there was gospel and soul music playing in my house,” he reflected. “My dad loved soul music. Johnnie Taylor, Little Milton, music like that. I had soul running through my veins.

“I started with piano lessons, but because my instructor didn’t make it fun, and I found it mundane, I moved to trombone. I quit that because I didn’t like how it made my lip feel,” he said with a big laugh.

“After awhile, my parents bought me a guitar, and it called me. I couldn’t figure out if I wanted to play lead guitar or bass, but I then saw Prince on television. The power with which he played, and how he commanded the stage. Right there, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

He was recruited to play guitar in his teens for a local female gospel singer and began touring the country before turning professional and lighting stages on fire with his virtuoso playing.

Taylor said that he came into his own as a player somewhere between 2006 and 2010, when he started booking more high-profile gigs.

“I used to wonder if my sound would be accepted with all these great players out here. But I was getting recognition for my sound and my performance,” he said.

22 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

ON TOUR

In addition to tour dates with Brian Culbertson (Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, June 4-7; and The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, June 21), Taylor is performing the following solo gigs:

June 6

Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway “Wine Down” The Westin Verasa Napa, Solera Courtyard Napa, California www.jazzgetaway.com

Aug. 31

Photo: Will Downing

Spaghettini Seal Beach, California www.spaghettini.com

continued from page 21

“I was playing with a gospel quartet out of New York, Darrell McFadden and the Disciples, who ironically were playing traditional Southern-style gospel. It’s very guitar-heavy music, so I was out front, and then I played with Byron Cage, who plays more contemporary gospel.

“Throughout this time, I was evolving as a player. I moved on to work with Marcus Anderson. He encouraged me to get out front more and find my lane. I was comfortable being a supporting player at the time, but it was Marcus who gave me the confidence to do my own thing. That advice was a pivotal point in my career.”

Taylor added that he vividly remembers the other major moment in his life when he knew that he had arrived and became fully confident in his playing.

“I was playing with Anthony Hamilton in 2011, and we were opening for Prince during the Welcome 2 America tour. Marcus was also in the band—he went on to play with Prince’s New Power Generation right after

that,” Taylor said. “While I was setting up during soundcheck, Prince was playing ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ on the piano.

“When he finished, he came over to me, and said hello, and it was mind-blowing—a defining moment because his recognition was a stamp of approval. Meeting and talking to my idol was everything, and he knew about me as a player because Prince noticed everything about guitar playing and musicianship.”

Taylor, a longtime spokesman for Ibanez guitars, is proud to represent North Carolina, which has nurtured some of the greatest musicians—from John Coltrane to Roberta Flack, Nina Simone, Thelonious Monk and George Clinton. His old bosses, Anderson and Hamilton, are also Tar Heel peers.

He can’t say if there’s something in the water of North Carolina that develops great artists, but he has an idea about the secret to the hometown success. “It must be the buttered grits and bacon grease,” the amiable guitarist laughed. “I’ve never thought about it, but considering how many there are, that must be it.”

Although he’s on the road frequently as a member of Culbertson’s touring band, Taylor said he dedicates his downtime to his family. The married father of a young girl knows that quality time is even more important than keeping time.

“I enjoy spending time with my family because that is very rare with how often I’m on the road. That’s a big priority. As a musician, you have to make time and dedicate yourself to them.

“I love to travel too, but I also really love gardening, believe it or not, planting flowers and doing yardwork. Everyone in my neighborhood knows that if you come by my place, my grass is going to be on point—manicured. I look at that as a reflection of me. I’m going to look good, sound good and present myself with an A-plus manner. What I have reflects me, and I take pride in it.”

Taylor maintained that in the often chaotic, unpredictable life of a musician, there’s one constant for him.

“My faith is everything to me. I am grounded and rooted in God. I was raised that way, and I’ve seen God’s work in my life.

“There have been too many miracles that have happened in my life.

He took me from a small town in North Carolina to work with Brian Culbertson and all the amazing artists I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with.”

He slowed his thoughts to reflect on his life and added: “And he allowed me to meet my idol, Prince. That just doesn’t happen by accident.

“My daughter is a miracle child, too. Our doctors told us we’d never have kids, but we kept believing and praying. And we were blessed with my daughter after God led us to the right doctor who directed us to the issue.

“And now she’s 11 years old and as beautiful and healthy as ever.

So, my faith has kept me going throughout my life. I genuinely believe that you have to have faith and things will work out.”

For more information on Taylor, visit www.showcasedent.com.

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 23

24 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

DAVE KOZ

Bringing up a new generation of stars, recording a brilliant collaboration, producing sold-out cruises, thrilling fans with seasonal tours, supporting his cherished charities and more!

By Ken Capobianco very so often in pop and jazz, there is a musical celestial alignment, when superstar musicians collaborate to create music that amplifies the best artistic qualities of both artists to celebrate life.

Think Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse, or David Bowie and Freddie Mercury.

Add Dave Koz and Bob James to that list.

The contemporary jazz stars recently released their first duet album, Just Us, a lyrical, lovely set of unadorned songs recorded live and acoustic in James’ home in northern Michigan. It’s a remarkable triumph for the artists who are among the standard-bearers of contemporary jazz.

The mix of originals and covers of American standards is intimate and nuanced.

It reveals new dimensions and nuances with each listen. Just Us transcends the familiar “unplugged” method of recording, which often feels like a kitschy gimmick to recycle old music.

“There was an immediacy, intimacy, vulnerability and a purity that was not necessarily in any of my music or his,” said Koz, recently via phone.

Photo: Ash Gupta

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 25

“We were in a situation of hearing our instruments without any competition for the sonic space. You hear just this gorgeous grand piano sound. I’ll remind you that I’ve been making records in different ways all my life, where you can go back and fix things or add multiple tracks.

“But this was one time you hope you get it right, and there were a lot of mistakes and imperfections, but those are what gave the music so much personality.”

Koz, of course, is a popular and critically acclaimed saxophone colossus in contemporary jazz—a master stylist whose influence is wide ranging. His longtime friend, James is a world-renowned keyboardist-songwriter-arranger-producer who transcends musical genres.

Like many discoveries, Just Us wasn’t planned—it evolved out of a burst of creativity and inspiration. As the 62-yearold saxophonist explained, all it took was some splendid isolation together for the musicians to mine magic.

“We never decided to do an album together,” he said. “But I had invited Bob to

Koz said he finds inspiration in all aspects of his life, even the most quotidian and mundane events and encounters. Since his first solo album in 1990, he has been spinning gold out of hay. be an artist on one of our luxury cruises we debuted last September, called Somma. I love Bob, and we have collaborated on each other’s projects.

“I knew he’d be great, and everyone would love him. He agreed under one condition: He wanted to record a couple

of songs—just him and me—and give it to the guests. There were 600 guests on the cruise. He thought about a 7-inch vinyl with two songs on it.

“In advance of the cruise, I went to his home in northern Michigan, and we recorded the two songs. They came fairly quickly, and we thought we’d do a few more, and that first session we recorded four songs.

We weren’t making an album, though, just recording songs for the cruise guests. Before I left, I told him I didn’t think we were done and asked to come back in six weeks to continue recording. We recorded five songs when I went back, and the songs were either ones we wrote together or ones he or I composed or covers from the Great American Songbook.

Before we knew it, we had an album, but we never set out to make one.”

One of the songs on the record is a gorgeous, emotionally true “New Hope,” which resonates in this uneasy era as a ballad for personal growth and possibility.

It was born out of a trip Koz took abroad.

“I started that song but couldn’t finish it,” he explained. “I was on a trip to Saudi continued on page 26

Photo: Tyler Franz

Dave Koz at home with his dog, Buddy Boy

Dave Koz and Bob James signing copies of their Just Us CDs

Photo: Pete Clingan

Dave Koz sampling cocktails on his site survey for his 2026 South America cruise aboard the Celebrity Equinox

26 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

Photo: Tyler Franz

Dave Koz and Bob James composing songs for their Just Us record at James’ northern Michigan home continued from page 25

Arabia with a collaborator of mine, Todd Schroeder, after being invited to play there. We were in this very foreign land, experiencing things we had never experienced, and being pushed and pulled in wonderful new directions.

“There was a lot of hope in that, in the sense of traveling the world and opening yourself up to different cultures. And I told Todd about the song I had unfinished, and he said, ‘Let’s go to the lobby where there’s a piano and finish it.’”

The always engaging and thoughtful musician explained that the two friends completed the song and evaluated what they’d created.

“We came up with the title to reflect what we were feeling at the time. This is a very difficult time with massive change on the horizon, and the foundational things we have relied on for so long are in question. It’s an uncomfortable time for many, so we absolutely need to rely on that hope to get us through. If people can find hope in that song, then we’ve done our job.”

Koz said he finds inspiration in all aspects of his life, even the most quotidian and mundane events and encounters. Since his first solo album in 1990, he has been spinning gold out of hay.

“Most creatives, be it painters, poets, movie directors and musicians, we are living our lives and creating our art,” he explained.

“What you experience in your life—the small things like going to the local coffee shop and ordering a cappuccino, or going to a museum— those strands find their way into your work, even if you can’t trace

it specifically, a lot of times. There’s just a sense that life finds its way into your music.”

After 35 years as a solo artist, Koz is now one of the Jedi masters of jazz whose influence can be heard in the music of many of his younger peers. His brand of Kozplay is timeless and speaks to all ages.

The ever-curious saxophonist finds inspiration and hope in the sounds of Generation X and Z artists who are experimenting with technology and the boundaries of jazz. His last album from 2021 was a collaboration with guitarist Cory Wong, The Golden Hour, which stretched him in new directions.

“I find great inspiration in the younger generation,” he said.

“Now that I’ve gotten to this golden era in my life in the early 60s and sort of considered an elder statesman, so the one hat I like to wear is that of mentor.

“I like working with young artists, and maybe they learn something—I hope they do, and maybe they don’t—but I always learn something from them. That’s how you grow and learn, and I value it.”

He added that he reconfigured the lineup of Summer Horns for this year’s tour by working with younger players he admires.

The band includes Marcus Anderson; his twin brother, vocalist Marcel Anderson; trumpeter Evan Taylor; Jeff Bradshaw on trombone; and viral sensation baritone saxophonist Leo P. “This is what gets me excited. Not doing the old Summer Horns, but doing Summer Horns with a new twist and introducing these talented people to our audience. We are making a single for this tour, but it’s not finished yet. There will be new Summer Horns music this year. It will be a full horn section—the first time we’ve had that, so I’m excited about the new music and shows.”

Like many discoveries, Just Us wasn’t planned—

it evolved out of a burst of creativity and inspiration …

All it took was some splendid isolation together for the musicians to mine magic.

Koz will also be heading out this summer on another of his jazz cruises, which travels to northern Europe for the first time.

“I can’t wait for this one. Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands,” he said. “People will be able to be exposed to the fjords, Northern Lights, and thermal baths. Just an incredibly rich experience to feel what it’s like to be on this planet and what it has to offer. It’s some of the most breathtaking places in the universe.”

He maintained that while he’s not as in the weeds with the nuts and bolts of the cruise planning as he once was, he’s still quite hands-on and works to make it one of the best experiences of his patrons’ lives.

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 27

“I love being the host and always emphasize the hospitality. This is more than a floating jazz festival—it’s a community. It’s a parallel universe to what we normally experience in our lives.

“Everyone is seen and respected, and that’s why I think the cruises are successful. We have all ages and races and religions and Democrats and Republicans. Gays and straights. Everybody is there, and for one week, everybody is cool with each other. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that was the way it was in the real world? The bottom line is that’s the power of music.”

When he’s not making music, Koz continues to be a dedicated philanthropist who works intimately with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which supports ill children. It’s one of his commitments to the future.

“Starlight’s mission is helping children who have been hospitalized for a long period, and we have raised well over $2 million,” he affirmed. “My team and I have gotten to the point where we’ve redoubled our efforts to get even more involved because a lot of the things that the world has relied on to take care of the kids are in question or jeopardy right now. We are talking about children, and for them, I’m in and always there.”

With so much on his plate, Koz said he remains focused on what’s ahead of him and doesn’t plan too far into the future for his music decisions. His main goal is moving forward and continuing to evolve.

“I take it a year at a time,” he said. “Look at this year. I had to decide to do another Christmas tour, and we decided to do it, but I don’t know if I will do it next year until we get there.

“I’m still engaged in my career because I love performing and recording and all the other aspects of my life. I’m very grateful for everything I have. It’s very precious to me. I want to continue to do it, yet I also want to grow as an artist and have some downtime to unplug.

“You never know what will happen if you have the time away.

Last year, I didn’t do a summer tour, and that’s when I got together with Bob and recorded this album. So going forward, I’ll find more time and space to experience and enjoy life, and maybe draw inspiration from that. That’s powerful.”

For more information on Koz, including his complete tour and cruise schedules, visit www.davekoz.com.

ON TOUR June 7-14 and June 14-21 DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS AT SEA 2025 Ports of call at Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands Full-ship charter aboard Holland America’s ms Rotterdam www.davekozcruise.com July 18 3RD ANNUAL CLEARWATER SMOOTH JAZZ JAM Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor and Marcel Anderson Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, Florida www.rutheckerdhall.com/events/detail/clearwatersmooth-jazz-jam Aug. 31 SMOOTH SUMMER JAZZ Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor, Marcel Anderson and special guest Regina Belle Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, California www.davekoz.com/tour March 22-30, 2026 (sold-out) DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS AT SEA-SOUTH AMERICA 2026 Ports of call at Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina Full-ship charter aboard Celebrity Equinox www.davekozcruise.com Photo: Nathan Phillips

28 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS JUNE

www.jazzgetaway.com (for VIP, Platinum & Gold patrons only)

4

Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway featuring Gerald Albright, Culbertson, The World Famous Show (between sets), doors open at 6pm, concerts start at 7pm, Grand Reserve at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com

Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway Welcome Dinner & Jam Session, hosted by Culbertson, featuring special guests Marqueal Jordan & more TBA, 7pm, Solera Courtyard, The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com (for VIP & Platinum patrons only)

5 Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway “Wine Down” featuring complimentary wine tasting & performances by Peet Project, hosted by The World Famous Show, 1:30pm, Solera Courtyard, The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa, California,

6 Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway “Wine Down” featuring complimentary wine tasting & performances by Eric Marienthal, Darnell “Showcase” Taylor & Marqueal Jordan, hosted

by The World Famous Show, 1:30pm, Solera Courtyard, The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com (for VIP, Platinum & Gold patrons only)

WEST COAST GROUP BENEFITS AND OMNI LA COSTA PRESENTS

LIVE from La Costa

Summer Concert Series

JUNE 14TH

Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway featuring Stokley, Boney James, The World Famous Show (between sets), doors open at 6pm, concerts start at 7pm, Grand Reserve at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com

The Braxton Brothers, 7:30pm, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California, https://livefromlacosta.com/events

7

Blue Note Jazz Festival, hosted by Arsenio Hall, featuring The Isley Brothers, De La Soul, Derrick Hodge with special guest D Smoke, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bill Charlap, Keyon Harrold, Lakecia Benjamin, Pedrito Martinez, Brandon Woody, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble at UCLA, LA County High School for the Arts, gates open at 1:30pm, music starts at 3:30pm, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, California, www.hollywoodbowl. com/bluenote

Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway featuring The Bar-Kays, Damien Escobar, Sheila E., Culbertson, The World Famous Show (between sets), doors open at 3pm, concerts start at 4pm, Grand Reserve at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com Jeff Kashiwa, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Patrick Lamb, 7pm, Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel, 16415 Sioux Conifer Road, Watertown, South Dakota, www.patricklamb.com

8 Will Donato & Blake Aaron, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

12

BLAKE AARON

BRAXTON BROTHERS

JEFF KASHIWA

Patrick Lamb & Lin Rountree, 8:30pm, The Iridium NYC, 1650 Broadway, New York, New York, www.patricklamb.com

13

JULY 26TH

Patrick Lamb, 7:15pm, Vic’s, 355 Promenade Pl., Las Vegas, Nevada, www.patricklamb.com, 725-755-5299

14

DW3 BAND

GREGG KARUKAS

ILYA SEROV

SHOWS START AT 7:30PM FOR MORE INFO & TICKETS WWW.LIVEFROMLACOSTA.COM PRODUCED BY APAULO PRODUCTIONS OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA 2100 COSTA DEL MAR RD, CARLSBAD, CA 92009

BPM: Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown & Michael Paulo, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545 Live from La Costa featuring Blake Aaron, Jeff Kashiwa &

Patrick Lamb, 7:15pm, Vic’s, 355 Promenade Pl., Las Vegas, Nevada, www.patricklamb.com, 725-755-5299

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

15 Blue Note Jazz Festival, hosted

by Arsenio Hall, featuring Grace Jones; WILLOW; Stanley Clarke N-4EVER; The Soul Rebels with special guests Rapsody, Goapele & Brandee Younger; Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet featuring Julian Lage, Asante Santi Debriano & Will Calhoun; Weedie Braimah & The Hands of Time; Mohini Dey; DC6 Singers Collective; LAUSD Beyond the Bell All-City Jazz Big Band, gates open at 1:30pm, music starts at 3:30pm, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, California, www.hollywoodbowl. com/bluenote

16 Eric Marienthal’s Concert Series with special guest Nathan East, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 29

21 Patrick Lamb with Jason Scheff, 8pm, The Kenley Amphitheater, 403 N. Wasatch Dr., Layton, Utah, www.patricklamb.com 7th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, hosted by Eric Darius & Friends, featuring Jeanette Harris, Jackiem Joyner, BPM (Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown & Michael Paulo), Will Downing, Brian Culbertson, gates open at 2:30pm, music starts at 3pm, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, California, www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival. com, 619-235-0804 Jazz Funk Soul featuring Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber & Paul Jackson Jr., 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

22 Patrick Lamb & Lin Rountree, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramshead onstage.com, 410-268-4545

Spaghettini’s Anniversary Weekend featuring DW3 & special guests, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

28 Brian Simpson with Jessy J, 7pm, Thornton Winery’s Annual Champagne Jazz Series, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099

29 Brian Simpson & Steve Oliver, 3pm, Yosemite Jazz Train, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, Lewis Creek Amphitheater, 56001 Hwy. 41, Fish Camp, California, www.YosemiteJazzTrain.com

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

7th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, hosted by Eric Darius & Friends, featuring Erisa Nicole, Down To The Bone, Norman Brown, Darius, October London, gates open at 2:30pm, music starts at 3pm, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, California, www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com, 619-235-0804

JULY

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

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

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

26 Spaghettini’s Anniversary Weekend featuring DW3 & special guests, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27 Patrick Lamb, 7 & 9pm, Scullers Jazz Club, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, Massachusetts, www.patricklamb.com, 617-562-4111

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

2

3 Rob Zinn, 6:30pm, Branford Jazz on the Green, Branford Green, 1019 Main St., Branford, Connecticut, https://branfordjazz.com, 203-488-8304 Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring The Amanda Castro Band, 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 and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with the purchase of festival admission. Wine and chocolate flight (for those aged 21 and over) are an continued on page 30

continued on page 26

30 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

continued from page 29 additional $30. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/events-mmm/ art-jazz-wine-chocolate or call 800487-3378.

DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Acoustic Alchemy, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

4 Brian Simpson, Althea Rene & Marion Meadows, 8:30pm, Ocean City Jazz Festival, lot corner of Island Dr. & Carver St., N. Topsail Beach, North Carolina, www.bsimpsonmusic.com

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 and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 festival admission. For more information, visit www.foapom. com/events/concerts-on-thegreen or call 800-487-3378.

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 and 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.

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

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

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

5

6

Patrick Lamb, 9pm, The Funky Biscuit, 303 S.E. Mizner Blvd., Royal Palm Place, Boca Raton, Florida, www.patricklamb.com, 561-465-3946

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

Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Brian Bromberg & Friends, 1pm,

Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series featuring Derek Bordeaux Motown Tribute, 5:30pm,

10 Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Nathan & Noah East, 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 and the concert.

Limited free seating is available for each concert with the purchase of festival admission. Wine and

chocolate flight (for those aged 21 and over) are an additional $30.

For more information, visit www. foapom.com/events-mmm/art-jazzwine-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

12 Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 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 and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 festival admission. For more information, visit www.foapom. com/events/concerts-on-thegreen or call 800-487-3378.

City Center Smooth Jazz Series featuring Jonathan Butler, 7pm, City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, California (Concerts are free,

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 31

1ST ANNUAL

HOSTED BY Tommy Davidson DAVID BENOIT • JAZZ FUNK SOUL (Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp, & Paul Jackson Jr.) CHANDRA CURRELLEY • SPECIAL EFX ALLSTARS • NORMAN BROWN • JENNIFER HOLLIDAY KAREN BRIGGS • ERIC DARIUS • KEIKO MATSUI • SONNY EMORY

AUG. 16 & 17

Doors 6PM • Show 8PM

Tickets Available at vystaramphitheater.com Sponsored by

4650 N. HENRY BLVD STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281

but for reserved seating in front of the stage, enjoy a prix fixe meal at LB Steak, The Slanted Door or Alora in City Center. Details and reservations are available at https:// citycenterbishopranch.com/events/ smooth-jazz-series) Down To The Bone, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

13 Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series presents “The Best of the Best” Soul featuring Raffia Thomas & Nicole Jackson Duo, 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 and 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.

26th Annual Eric Marienthal & Friends Jazz Concert benefiting High Hopes Head Injury Program featuring Boney James & special guests TBA, VIP event, live & silent auctions, dinner & dessert, no-host bar, 5pm, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, California, www.highhopes.ws, 949-733-0044 Nicholas Cole, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

15 Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

16 Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 15th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival presents Music at the Manor featuring Blake Aaron & Will Donato, 6pm, Wellspring

Manor & Spa, 11311 Drumsheugh Lane, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com

17 Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Spencer Day, 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 and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with the purchase of festival admission. Wine and chocolate flight (for those aged 21 and over) are an additional $30. For more information, visit www.foapom. com/events-mmm/art-jazz-winechocolate or call 800-487-3378.

15th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival Kickoff Concert featuring Kofi B. & Brian Lenair, 6pm, Newton White Mansion, 2708 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.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 Vogel at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, New Jersey, www.davekoz.com DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr. New Album Celebration, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

18 3rd Annual Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam featuring Peter White; Peabo Bryson 50th Anniversary Tour; Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida, www.rutheckerdhall.com/events/ detail/clearwater-smooth-jazz-jam, 727-791-7400, 800-875-8682 continued on page 32

32 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

continued from page 31 15th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival featuring the Chuck Brown Band, Phaze II, BK Jackson & Phillip “Doc” Martin, noon, Spirit Park at National Harbor, 115 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com 15th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival Summer White Affair & Concert featuring the Gerald Veasley Unscripted All-Stars with Jeanette Harris, Lin Rountree & Nicholas Cole; Nathan Mitchell; Pink Palish; Erin Stevenson, doors open at 6pm, 3-course dinner served at 7pm, concerts start at 8pm, MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino, Grand Ballroom, 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr. New Album Celebration, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

19 3rd Annual Clearwater Smooth Jazz Jam featuring Keiko Matsui, Jonathan Butler, Brian McKnight, 7pm, Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida, www.rutheckerdhall.com/ events/detail/clearwater-smooth-jazzjam, 727-791-7400, 800-875-8682 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida, www.davekoz.com Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Grace Kelly, 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 and 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.

15th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival featuring Julian Vaughn, Marqueal Jordan, We Are One Xperience Band, noon, Spirit Park at National Harbor, 115 Waterfront St., Oxon Hill, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com

15th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival featuring Peabo Bryson, Larry Braggs, Jazmin Ghent & Ragan Whiteside, 6pm, MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino, Grand Ballroom, 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com City Center Smooth Jazz Series featuring Brian Simpson & Jackiem Joyner, 7pm, City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, California (Concerts are free, but for reserved seating in front of the stage, enjoy a prix fixe meal at LB Steak, The Slanted Door or Alora in City Center. Details and reservations are available at https:// citycenterbishopranch.com/events/ smooth-jazz-series) Paul Taylor, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr. New Album Celebration, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 42nd Annual Winter Park Jazz Festival featuring Boyz II Men, Sheila E., Gerald Albright, Ryan La Valette with special guest Selina Albright, B. Thompson, main gate opens at 10am, music starts at 11am, Rendezvous Event Center, 78821 U.S. Hwy. 40, Winter Park, Colorado, www.playwinterpark. com/jazzfest, 970-726-4118

20 Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series featuring 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 and 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.

15th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival All-Star Grand Finale Jam, hosted by Gerald Veasley, featuring Phaze II, Nathan Mitchell, Chelsey Green & The Green Project, Ragan Whiteside, Jazmin Ghent, Larry Braggs, Brian Lenair, Pink Palish, Phillip “Doc” Martin, the Unscripted All-Stars, 7pm, MGM

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 33

National Harbor Hotel & Casino, Grand Ballroom, 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com Songs of Stevie featuring Eric Mondragon: A Tribute to Stevie Wonder, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Jazz Funk Soul featuring Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr. New Album Celebration, 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 Hiroshima, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 844-841-1406 42nd Annual Winter Park Jazz Festival featuring Musiq Soulchild, Kirk Whalum & Mindi Abair, The Dazz Band, Four80East, Hazel Miller & The Collective, main gate opens at 10am, music starts at 11am, Rendezvous Event Center, 78821 U.S. Hwy. 40, Winter Park, Colorado, www.playwinterpark.com/jazzfest, 970-726-4118

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

24 7th Annual Marcus Anderson’s Jazz AND Coffee Escape featuring Tom Braxton, 6:30pm, Hilton Durham near Duke University, 3800 Hillsborough Road, Durham, North Carolina, www.MAJACE.net Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Gregg Karukas-GK Soul Jazz Party, 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 and the concert.

Limited free seating is available for each concert with the purchase of festival admission. Wine and chocolate flight (for those aged 21 and over) are an additional $30. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/ events-mmm/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

25 7th Annual Marcus Anderson’s Jazz AND Coffee Escape featuring preshow with Symbiosis Duo, the Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science Jazz Ensemble conducted by Jayvin Finch, Kenny Lattimore, Kim Scott, Jeff Bradshaw, 5pm, Hilton Durham near Duke University, 3800 Hillsborough Road, Durham, North Carolina, www.MAJACE.net 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 Live from La Costa featuring DW3, Gregg Karukas & Ilya Serov, 7:30pm, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California, https://livefromlacosta.com/events 7th Annual Marcus Anderson’s Jazz AND Coffee Escape featuring pre-show with Symbiosis Duo, Sallie

B. Howard School of Arts & Science Jazz Middle School Ensemble conducted by Jayvin Finch, Marcus Anderson & Marcel Anderson, Lin Rountree, Andréa Lisa, 5pm, Hilton Durham near Duke University, 3800 Hillsborough Road, Durham, North Carolina, www.MAJACE.net Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Poncho Sanchez, 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 and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 festival admission. For more information, visit www.foapom. com/events/concerts-on-thegreen or call 800-487-3378.

City Center Smooth Jazz Series featuring Rick Braun, 7pm, City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, California (Concerts are free, but for reserved seating in front of the stage, enjoy a prix fixe meal at LB Steak, The Slanted Door or Alora in City Center. Details and continued on page 34

34 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

continued from page 33 reservations are available at https:// citycenterbishopranch.com/events/ smooth-jazz-series) The Braxton Brothers, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27 Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series featuring Terry Steele Sings Luther Vandross, 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 and 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.

Special Early Evening Show featuring DW3, 3:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

28 Eric Marienthal’s Concert Series with special guest David Benoit, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

30 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, Sony Hall, 235 W. 46th St., New York, New York, www.davekoz.com, 212-997-5123

31 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt.

Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Tony Guerrero with Lia Booth, 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 and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with the purchase of festival admission. Wine and chocolate flight (for those aged 21 and over) are an additional $30. 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

JAZZ BRUNCHES JUNE 1

6

Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge

by 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 DW3, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

8

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

AUGUST

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

1

15

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)

Spaghettini’s Legendary Father’s Day Brunch with performances in the lounge by Terry Steele, seatings at 10am & 1pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

2 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 and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 festival admission. For more information, visit www.foapom. com/ events/concerts-on-thegreen or call 800-487-3378.

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)

JULY

22 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

28 Spaghettini’s Anniversary Weekend Celebration Saturday Brunch featuring DW3 in the lounge, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

29 Spaghettini’s Anniversary Weekend Celebration Sunday Brunch featuring DW3 in the lounge, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

13

20 15th Annual Lake Arbor Jazz Festival Sunday Jazz Brunch featuring Jonathan Butler, Chelsey Green & The Green Project, doors open at 11am, brunch served at 11:30am, concert starts at 1pm, MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino, Grand Ballroom, 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, Maryland, www.lakearborjazz.com 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

25 7th Annual Marcus Anderson’s Jazz AND Coffee Escape VIP Brunch featuring Doug Wilson, time TBA, Hilton Durham near Duke University, 3800 Hillsborough Road, Durham, North Carolina, www.MAJACE.net

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 (sold-out)

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.

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 35

Scan for tickets & more info

CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF DW3 ON OUR STAGE Join us for 4 days of shows with special surprise guests you won’t want to miss!

DW3 4 DAY CELEBRATION With Surprise Special Guests!

Thursday, June 26 Friday, June 27 Saturday Brunch June 28 Sunday Brunch June 29

S E A L

B E A C H, C A

SPAGHETTINI.com

36 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 37

Annual

JAZZ CONCERT

SERIES GUIDE Be California cool with breezy summertime jazz

By Melanie Maxwell

Smooth jazz outings are fantastic experiences on their own. But when you add art, wine, chocolate, dining, shopping, scenic settings and first-class accommodations, it intensifies the magic of the music.

Photo: Kyle Fierro

continued on page 38

(Left and center) Restaurant dining and poolside food and beverage service at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa (Right) Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate series at Festival of Arts

Photo: Kyle Fierro

38 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

Irvine Bowl, where Festival of Arts’ Pageant of the Masters is held in Laguna Beach, California continued from page 37

Masters. This one-of-a-kind Throughout California this theatrical production of “living summer, a plethora of locales are pictures” brings famous works offering a spectrum of concert of art to life by transforming series. Some are casual and very iconic paintings and sculptures affordable or free; others may be into live stage art with some elevated to a memorable occasion surprising, showstopping with lots of perks and VIP options. moments. All of it unfolds Among the most unique beneath the starry sky, and it’s experiences is presented by accompanied by captivating Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, narration, breathtaking illusions California. There, you can spend and original music performed by the afternoon listening to live a live orchestra. (Performances music, including smooth jazz, Pageant of the Masters will re-create Lee Blair’s for this separately ticketed show, while drinking wine, dining or “Mary by the Sea” oil painting through the magical themed “Gold Coast: Treasures of picnicking. Afterward, browse theatrical production of “living pictures” California,” take place nightly from beautiful paintings, jewelry, glass, July 5 to Aug. 29. Tickets start at ceramics, sculptures, mixed media $47 and may be purchased online at www.PageantTickets.com or and other distinctive pieces from the many artists exhibiting their by phone at 800-487-3378.) works for sale throughout the open-air gallery.

Economy to extravagance, this guide is intended to lead you However, you won’t want to leave when the sun sets. That’s to an extraordinary, memory-making smooth jazz summer when you should stroll to the back of the festival grounds and filled with excitement and surprises! into the 2,600-seat Irvine Bowl amphitheater for Pageant of the

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 39

California Center for the Arts, Escondido Escondido, California | June 13, June 15 and Sept. 27 Lineup

Venue: California Center for the Arts, Escondido,

June 13, 7:30 p.m.: Mike Zito featuring Jimmy Carpenter Band

340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, California

June 15, 3 p.m.: Tommy Castro and The Pain Killers Closer to the Bone Album Release Tour with special guests Sue Palmer and Liz Ajuzie

Getting there: Flights are available into the San Diego International

Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m.: The Family Stone with special guests Sure Fire Soul Ensemble

Parking: Free on-site parking

Airport (SAN), approximately 34 miles from the venue.

Photo: Erin Blair Studio

Tickets and information: www.artcenter.org, 800-988-4253

DW3

June 14: Blake Aaron, Jeff Kashiwa and The Braxton Brothers July 26: DW3, Gregg Karukas and Ilya Serov

Venue: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California

Getting there: Flights are available into the San Diego International Airport (SAN), approximately 32 miles from the venue.

Parking: Self-parking is complimentary for ticket holders.

Valet parking is available for an hourly charge.

Tickets and information: https://livefromlacosta.com/ continued on page 40

UKAS

Lineup (shows at 7:30 p.m.)

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Carlsbad, California | June 14 and July 26

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Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, venue for the Live From La Costa concert series

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Laguna Beach, California

presents ...

Photo: Kyle Fierro

Photo: Kyle Fierro

Festival of Arts

Photos: Kyle Fierro

40 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

(Above left) Jill Maytorena fine art exhibit at Festival of Arts (Above center) Patrons enjoying Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate

continued from page 39

Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate July 3-Aug. 28 Lineup (Thursdays at 5:30 p.m.)

July 3: The Amanda Castro Band July 10: Nathan and Noah East July 17: Spencer Day July 24: Gregg Karukas-GK Soul Jazz Party July 31: Tony Guerrero and Lia Booth Aug. 7: Alex Mendham and his Orchestra Aug. 14: Billy Valentine Aug. 21: Raffia Thomas Aug. 28: Scott Wilkie Band

Venue: Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California

Getting there: Flights are available into the John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Distance to the venue is approximately 13 miles from SNA, 33 miles from LGB, 52 miles from LAX, and 73 miles from SAN.

Parking: There are multiple public parking lots in the City of Laguna Beach, as well as meters, all of which accept credit cards. Laguna Beach Transit also offers free shuttle service to the venue from

locations along Pacific Coast Highway and Laguna Canyon Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Tickets and information: 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 and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with the purchase of festival admission. Wine and chocolate flight (for those aged 21 and over) are an additional $30.

For more information, visit www.foapom.com/events-mmm/artjazz-wine-chocolate or call 800-487-3378.

Concerts on the Green July 5-Aug. 9 Lineup (Saturdays at 1 p.m.)

July 5: Brian Bromberg & Friends July 12: Greg Adams and East Bay Soul July 19: Grace Kelly July 26: Poncho Sanchez Aug. 2: The Lao Tizer Band featuring Elliott Yamin Aug. 9: Brian Simpson

Venue: Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California Getting there: Flights are available into the John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Distance to the venue is approximately 13 miles from SNA, 33 miles from LGB, 52 miles from LAX, and 73 miles from SAN.

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 41

Getting there: Flights are available into the John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and San Diego International Airport (SAN). Distance to the venue is approximately 13 miles from SNA, 33 miles from LGB, 52 miles from LAX, and 73 miles from SAN. City of Laguna Beach, as well as meters, all of which accept credit cards. Laguna Beach Transit also offers free shuttle service to the venue from locations along Pacific Coast Highway and Laguna Canyon Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Photo: Kyle Fierro

Photo: Leslie Schneider

Parking: There are multiple public parking lots in the

Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California

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Soulful Sundays Music Series

continued on page 42

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Tickets and information: 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 and 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.

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 and 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.

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Parking: There are multiple public parking lots in the City of Laguna Beach, as well as meters, all of which accept credit cards. Laguna Beach Transit also offers free shuttle service to the venue from locations along Pacific Coast Highway and Laguna Canyon Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Tickets and information: Guaranteed seating

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July 6-Aug. 24 Lineup (Sundays at 5:30 p.m.)

July 6: Derek Bordeaux Motown Tribute July 13: “The Best of the Best” Soul featuring Raffia Thomas and Nicole Jackson Duo Photo: Kyle Fierro

July 20: Adryon de León July 27: Terry Steele Sings Luther Vandross Aug. 3: Family Style Aug. 10: Lady Parts featuring Crystal Lewis, Lia Booth, Adryon de León Aug. 17: Derek Bordeaux Motown Tribute Aug. 24: Terrell Edwards “The Unforgettable Show”

Venue: Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California

Spencer Day performing at the 2024 Jazz on the Green

Photo: City Center Bishop Ranch

42 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

The 2024 City Center Smooth Jazz Series at Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, California continued from page 41

City Center Smooth Jazz Series San Ramon, California | July 12, 19 and 26 approximately 14 miles from OAK, 25 miles from SFO and 28 miles from SJC.

Lineup (Saturdays, 7 p.m.)

July 12: Jonathan Butler

Parking: Free parking is available at 3001 Bishop Dr., directly across

July 19: Brian Simpson and Jackiem Joyner

from the venue.

July 26: Rick Braun

Venue: City Center Bishop Ranch, Alexander Square, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, California

Getting there: Flights are available into the Oakland International Airport (OAK), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC). Distance to the venue is JONATHA

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Tickets and information: Concerts are free, but for reserved seating

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 43

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa presents Rhythm on the Vine® Jazz Concert Series Temecula, California | July 20-Sept. 28 Lineup: (Select Sundays. Doors open at 6 p.m., VIP meet-and-

Staying there: South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers villas that

July 20: Hiroshima

allow guests direct access to vineyards from their patio. Villas and suites encompass between 490 and 1,150 square feet and feature amenities such as faux and gas fireplaces, soothing deep soaking tubs, plush bathrobes and complimentary Wi-Fi.

greet starts at 6:15 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m., *except)

Aug. 3: Smooth Jazz All-Stars benefiting Michelle’s Place, *6 p.m.

Aug. 17: Tom Braxton, Rebecca Jade and Andréa Lisa Aug. 31: An Evening of Yacht Rock featuring Tris Imboden Yacht Stars Sept. 14: Al Jarreau Reunion Band with Chris Walker

Parking: Free parking Tickets and information: www.southcoastwinery.com, 844-841-1406

Sept. 28: Kalapana 50th Anniversary Celebration

Venue: South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California

Getting there: Flights are available into the Ontario International Airport (ONT), San Diego International Airport (SAN), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Distance to the venue is approximately 58 miles from ONT, 68 miles from SAN, and 98 miles from LAX.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa in Temecula, California

continued on page 44

44 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

continued from page 43

Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment Seal Beach, California | Various dates Various concerts in the Lounge, Thursday-Monday evenings and Sunday Brunch

International Airport (LAX). Distance to the venue is approximately 6 miles from LGB, 16 miles from SNA, and 26 miles from LAX.

Venue: Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch

Parking: On-site self-parking and valet, with overflow lot across the street

Pkwy., Seal Beach, California

Tickets and information: www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Getting there: Flights are available into the Long Beach Airport

Photo: Harper Hardwick

(LGB), John Wayne Airport, Orange County (SNA), and Los Angeles

DW3 performing at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California

14th Annual Jazz at the Oxford Bend, Oregon | Oct. 10, 2025-March 14, 2026 Lineup

Oct. 10-11: Marc Broussard Nov. 14-15: The Soul Collective Dec. 22-23: Patrick Lamb’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” Jan. 9-10, 2026: Gino Vannelli Feb. 13-14, 2026: Danny Seraphine March 13-14, 2026: John Lloyd Young

Venue: Oxford Hotel, 10 N.W. Minnesota Ave., Bend, Oregon Getting there: Flights are available into the Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), approximately 17 miles from the venue.

Tickets and information: www.jazzattheoxford.com, www.bendticket.com

J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 45

Special!

Available at our booth during the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival June 21-22 The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park San Diego, California

Free Gift with Purchase

HOODIES

3X ... $40

Also available in black

HATS

FLEECE JACKETS

Black, White, Navy, Khaki ... $25

M, L, XL ... $45 2X, 3X ... $55

Note: Shipping and handling are additional.

California residents are charged sales tax.

REDUCED PRICES on selected merchandise

46 | S M O OT H J AZ Z N E W S

J U N E / J U LY 2025

CASHMIRA’S STARGUIDE Gemini May 21 - June 21

Sagittarius Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 19

Are you considering a move?

Now is a good time to think about a change, especially if you’ve lived someplace for a very long time.

Home is really where you make it, so don’t worry about leaving a place you’ve lived in for a long while.

You’ve had a lot of frustrations lately.

Work, studies, whatever may be your focus is just not working out. Don’t get angry; there is no reason to become even more frustrated. Take time to look at what your actual goals are, and make a list that can guide you.

Leo July 23 - Aug. 22

The opinion of others has become too important to you over these last few months. Take stock, identify goals and give yourself a good talking to. You are aware of your gifts, and even if you think others don’t give you enough credit, just follow your own path.

Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

You’ve been concentrating on your past too much. Leave yesterday behind. It’s too late to change what has happened to you and by you.

Look toward the future, even if it seems a bit scary. You have what it takes to plan and move ahead.

Libra Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

Let’s face it; your career is your life.

You’re a hardworking person and extremely committed to the job. Just make sure you allow yourself some time to experience the rest of life.

Enjoy your success and the life it affords you.

You’re a great partner, and it is appreciated. Just remember you need to let go occasionally. Togetherness can be constraining if it’s too much.

You have things to do; get out on your own, and you will have some new stories to share.

Aquarius Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

No big vacation for you. You are in the mood to stay home and make the best of it. The savings will show up in your bank account, and you will be able to use that for something great.

Make your home comfortable and a fun place to spend time.

Pisces Feb. 19 - March 20

If there is somebody new in your life, make any concerns you have crystal clear. It is best to address things in the beginning, though it might be a bit embarrassing. Just speaking up can make all the difference in the future.

Aries March 21 - April 19

Relationships can be tough. People grow and change over time, and we just need to be aware of it.

You’ve noticed some shifts in your partner’s behavior, and this calls for conversation and discovery. It could be exciting for you both.

You have been feeling a bit like you’ve woken up on the wrong side of the bed lately. You feel you haven’t been giving others what they expect from you, and you’ve even been feeling unattractive. Now might be a good time to give yourself some alone time to reset.

Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

Taurus April 20 - May 20

You are in the midst of awesome changes, so enjoy them. Keep being curious about all the new places and people. Be aware of all the exciting choices that will make this new life work for you.

You have been feeling the need for community, and you’d like to be a part of something meaningful. Now would be a great time for you to do some research to find something that strikes you as a good possibility. Join in!

GET HOME DELIVERY!

ONLINE at www.smoothjazznews.com CALL 858-541-1919 to charge by phone MAIL the form on this page SUBSCRIBE AT OUR BOOTH DURING THE 7th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival June 21-22 The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park San Diego, California www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com

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Complete this form, and send it with a check or money order for $25* (or use the credit card option) to Smooth Jazz News, 5519 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #134, San Diego, CA 92117.

Home delivery is available to U.S. addresses only.

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J U N E / J U LY 2025 | 47

e r i c d a r i u s

The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival Lake Arbor Jazz Festival

CANN

HEAR CANNONBALL ARTISTS LIVE ON STAGE! m a r c u s a n d e r s o n

NBALL

www.cannonballmusic.com

d a n k u r a m o t o

South Coast Winery's Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series

Marcus Anderson's Jazz AND Coffee Escape

l i n r o u n t r e e

DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS SUMMER HORNS 2025 The Ultimate Summer Party All your horn section favorites in one show featuring

MARCUS ANDERSON saxophone

LEO P baritone sax

JEFF BRADSHAW trombone

EVAN TAYLOR trumpet

MARCEL ANDERSON vocals

July 17 - Vogel at Count Basie Center for the Arts - Red Bank, NJ July 18 - Ruth Eckerd Hall - Clearwater, FL July 19 - Florida Theatre - Jacksonville, FL July 30 - Sony Hall - New York, NY July 31 - Birchmere - Alexandria, VA August 01 - Smart Financial Centre - Sugar Land, TX August 02 - Music Hall at Fair Park - Dallas, TX August 03 - Majestic Theatre - San Antonio, TX August 06 - Mayo Performing Arts Center - Morristown, NJ August 07 - The Amp Ballantyne - Charlotte, NC August 08 - Lexington Opera House - Lexington, KY August 09 - Fraze Pavillion - Kettering, OH August 10 - The Factory - Chesterfield, MO August 12 - Jazz Alley - Seattle, WA August 13 - Jazz Alley - Seattle, WA August 15 - The Meritage Resort And Spa - Napa, CA August 16 - Thornton Winery - Temecula, CA August 17 - Thornton Winery - Temecula, CA August 18 - Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival - Incline Village, NV August 22 - Golden State Theatre - Monterey, CA August 23 - The Mountain Winery - Saratoga, CA August 29 - Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay - San Diego, CA August 30 - The Smith Center - Las Vegas, NV August 31 - Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA

DaveKoz.com

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