Notes from the Publisher

Live jazz is a wonderful experience by itself,

but when you pair it with delicious cuisine, refreshing wine, premium spirits, gourmet chocolate and the added ambiance of visual art, a vineyard or a coastline, it magically transcends into an epicurean heaven.

In Southern California, there are several venues presenting concert series that incorporate much of this delightfulness. Festival of Arts is on the top of that list, offering daily music along with its weekly “Concerts on the Green” and “Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate” at the newly remodeled Laguna Beach venue. At these shows, smooth jazz artists perform on a stage enveloped by a kaleidoscope of mosaics, unique glass creations, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics and more. Plus, the crowning jewel, Pageant of the Masters, features incredible re-creations of works of art, with real people posing to look exactly like their counterparts in the original pieces. The theatrical performances are choreographed to an original score by a live orchestra, with engaging narration, intricate sets and sophisticated lighting in an outdoor amphitheater behind the art show, and are held nightly, July 7-Sept. 1. Festival of Arts is open July 5-Sept. 1.

www.foapom.com

Another fan favorite is Thornton Winery’s Champagne Concert Series in the heart of the Temecula Valley Wine Country. For 30 years, this family-owned vineyard has presented jazz concerts on various weekends from spring through fall. Now, they have added Friday night shows offering a variety of musical genres and cover bands. The entertainment, gourmet-dining options at Café Champagne, wine tastings and tours have become so popular that they have paused their wedding business.

www.thorntonwine.com

Unfortunately, I’m sad to report that the owners of one of my other favorite venues, Grand Tradition Estate & Gardens, have made the opposite decision, choosing to discontinue their Jazz & Wine Festivals this year. Instead, the focus of the 30-acre, floral-and-foliage-filled venue with lush

walking trails and waterfalls in Fallbrook, California, will concentrate on their signature wedding business, private events, botanical tours and dining. The good news is that a nearby North San Diego County venue, Pala Casino Spa & Resort, has booked another season of concerts and events at their outdoor Starlight Theater. And, they also just completed construction on Tourmaline Pools at Pala. This adults-only pool complex features five heated pools with in-water seating, waterfalls, daybeds, fire pits, whirlpools, two expansive hot tubs, 14 luxury cabanas, fireplaces and a fullservice, poolside cafe and bar. Patrons can enjoy a day at the pool, followed by a night of entertainment. There’s plenty to choose from: Kenny Loggins, The Isley Brothers and Babyface to Toni Braxton, comedian Jo Koy and a Food & Wine Festival. For added convenience and pampering, spend the night at the resort, and, after breakfast the next morning, indulge in a massage, detoxifying wrap and/or rose quartz facial at the spa. www.palacasino.com Another casino, Sycuan, in East San Diego County, is presenting an eclectic lineup of music and comedy acts. The Live & Up Close Concert Series features Ozomatli, The Spinners (sold-out), ABBA The Concert (a tribute to ABBA) and Sha Na Na. Plus, in addition to entertainment, gaming and dining, the Sycuan Golf Resort is just 3 miles away from the casino and offers 24-hour shuttle service between the resort-hotel and the casino.

www.sycuan.com

And, for a day of great music with a mini-festival feel near downtown San Diego, Jazz at the Creek is adding a new Creek Festival Village concept that will include a redesigned vendor marketplace filled with fashionable clothing, jewelry, art and food. Plus, fashion shows with styling tips will be featured during intermissions. Of course, there is also a VIP option, with table seating, wait staff and access to the VIP cigar and cognac lounge. Jazz at the Creek is set on the banks of Chollas Creek in the Market Creek Amphitheater. www.jazzatthecreeksd.com To help you plan an exciting, corkpopping summer, check out our Annual Southern California Concert Series Guide, beginning on page 34. There’s nothing like enjoying jazz with great food, wonderful friends and a little wine, art and chocolate!

Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California