February-March 2024

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4 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 5

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6 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS

CONTENTS Publisher and Managing Editor Melanie Maxwell Operations & Distribution Manager Craig Collier Contributors Cashmira Marcia Luttrell Darcy Peters

Black History Month is celebrated each February in the U.S. with concerts, rallies, parades, parties and other festivities to commemorate the contributions of African Americans who changed the world.

Copy Editors JoAnn Armke Barbara Knox Brad Sondak Graphic Design Gina Mancini Contributing Photographers Cover photo of Maysa Roy Cox Photography Ellis Moore Photography Cooper Hardwick Doug Mackenzie Raj Naik Roy Cox Photography Lori Stoll Bill Uhrich 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 2024: February-March, April-May, June-July, AugustSeptember and October-November-December.

The publisher assumes no responsibility for claims or actions of its advertisers. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, staff or advertisers.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without ­prior written p­ ermission from the publisher.

©2024, Smooth Jazz News | All rights reserved

Smooth-Jazz News/123513291125001 @SmoothJazzNews

Smooth Jazz News salutes the pathfinders of African American equality

8 Notes from the Publisher

19 Calendar of smooth jazz events

Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide

12 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest

28 Smooth Jazz News merchandise

An insider update on Smooth Jazz News content The 10-day, countywide extravaganza in Reading, Pennsylvania, features smooth jazz, traditional jazz, R&B, funk, blues, art and education

15 FREE-CD offer

Receive a FREE CD when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at the 33rd Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, Pennsylvania

16 Maysa

The Baltimore-based singer-songwriter shares a very personal story, while her three-decade career earns a busy touring schedule, including two shows at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, Pennsylvania

Cool concert apparel: new hoodies, plus hats, fleece jackets, golf shirts, T-shirts and tank tops

29 Smooth Jazz News home delivery Subscribe today!

30 Book Review

“World Within a Song: Music That Changed My Life and Life That Changed My Music,” by Jeff Tweedy

30 Cashmira’s Starguide Winter horoscopes

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 7

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8 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS

The Smooth Jazz News 24th Anniversary Brunch Party celebration at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California, was an epic display of what the smooth jazz life has to offer — fine cuisine, wine and cocktails; camaraderie among musicians and fans; and the best music on the planet performed by the ultimate party band, DW3, and our special guest artists.

Because a serious, unexpected complication of a routine kidney stone procedure landed me in the hospital for more than five weeks, I was unable to attend my own party.

However, Craig Collier was an excellent host, along with Brenda Madruga, hostess.

Photos by Ellis Moore Photography

Please enjoy these scences from our celebration!

Mindi Abair with Omar Viramontes (left) and his fiancé Lindsey Webster (center)

Lindsey Webster with (left to right) Eric Guerra, Lori Stoll and Omar Viramontes

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 9

Photo by Ellis Moore Photography

Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Brunch in Seal Beach, California

Our musical guest artists jammin’ with DW3 (DamonReel, Eric Mondragon and Billy Mondragon) at the Smooth Jazz News 24th Anniversary Brunch Party at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California included Rick Braun, Mindi Abair, Lindsey Webster, Michael Lington and Mariea Antoinette continued on page 10

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

continued from page 9

In addition to our guest musical artists, we were honored to host the following advertisers and Smooth Jazz News supporters: Kathy Payne (Owner, Payne Pest Management), Terri Paulo (Apaulo Productions, Who Produces Grooves At The Westin, South Coast Winery’s Rhythm On The Vine And Live From La Costa, with

her Husband Michael Paulo), Steve Chapman and Bud Harner (Chapman & Co. Management), Danila Eusebi (Thornton Winery), Nikki Sweeney and Evette Benjamin (Gardena Jazz Festival And City Of Gardena), Marilyn James and Rick Phetteplace (2 Jazz Fanatics), Rex Sampaga (Ras Music Group), and more.

Billy Mondragon (DW3) and Mindi Abair

Photos by Ellis Moore Photography

Eric Mondragon (DW3), Michael Lington and Rick Braun

Laurie Sisneros, Rebecca Jade and Cary Hardwick

Lindsey Webster, Mindi Abair and Rebecca Jade

Emma Braun and Laurie Sisneros

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 11

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

BERKS JAZZ FEST Photo by Raj Naik

APRIL 5-14 | BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Nicole Henry

Rick Braun

BERKS COUNTY CUES ITS 10-DAY JAZZ CELEBRATION IN PENNSYLVANIA

Brian Culbertson

By Marcia Luttrell

RIGHT OFF THE TOP OF HIS HEAD, John Ernesto can name the seating capacity of any venue in Reading, Pennsylvania, where, for more than three decades, world-class musicians have performed annually at the city’s Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest.

Consider the Miller Center for the Arts, for instance, where this year’s festival audience can see pianist Keiko Matsui perform with the Reading Pops Orchestra on April 7.

“That’s about 500 seats,” said Ernesto, the festival’s general manager since 1994.

Ernesto is known to embrace a challenge.

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 13

How about the capacity of the Scottish Rite Cathedral, where the 2024 Berks Jazz Fest lineup includes Marcus Miller with Jonathan Butler on April 5, and Brian Culbertson: The Trilogy Tour, performing on the final day of the festival, April 14.

“That’s a 1,300-seat auditorium,” he said confidently, adding, “I have counted a few chairs in my day.”

Presented by the nonprofit Berks Arts Council and supported by the hotel and business community through sponsorships, the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, celebrating its 33rd year, offers more than 50 free and ticketed concerts, staged in multiple indoor venues.

Over the years, Ernesto has done a whole lot more than count chairs.

He has supported the Berks County-based festival since its 1991 inception, and one of his many responsibilities is booking all of those performers at appropriate venues, where the goal is to fill every seat.

Today, the festival is known for attracting thousands of fans from all over the world, who travel to Reading to experience all genres of jazz, along with funk, gospel, big-band and R&B music.

“I had to learn what worked in what room,” said Ernesto, who will step down from the general manager position next year. The Berks Arts Council will choose his replacement.

“There were several agents that were helpful from the very beginning, and I’m still working with some of them. But the festival then is not the one that we have today.”

The inaugural Berks Jazz Fest was a two-day event that showcased straight-ahead jazz musicians. But when Ernesto took over as general manager in 1994, the festival’s business model changed.

That year, contemporary jazz radio was at the pinnacle of its popularity.

“I tell everybody, if it wasn’t for smooth jazz radio, the festival would not be where it’s at today,” Ernesto explained.

“There was an opportunity for the festival to change in direction and broaden its appeal. We hadn’t created an identity. I thought,

Marcus Anderson

‘how do we create a brand?’ We partnered with WJJZ in Philadelphia and other smooth jazz stations in the area, and all of a sudden, it was crazy. There were millions of people listening to this music.

Everyone in the contemporary jazz world wanted to grow and work together to get this music out to the public. We were selling a lot of tickets.”

When the festival reached its 10th year, it expanded its run from four to 10 days. Media outlets declared Reading to be a “jazz mecca.”

Smooth jazz recording greats such as Rick Braun, Peter White, Richard Elliot, Dave Koz and Mindi Abair were often part of the performance lineup, along with vocal talent such as Peabo Bryson, Maysa, Roberta Flack and Patti Austin.

Though many years were successful, there were times when the future of the festival was threatened.

“Two things happened, and we had to pivot from a marketing standpoint,” Ernesto remembered.

“Contemporary jazz radio went away, and the record industry imploded. A lot of festivals didn’t make it. Fortunately, we had a database of fans. And the fans were still there. Social media came at the right time, and it allowed us to connect more directly with them.

You have to transition, and we never looked back. We were always looking forward to keep the festival going.”

The biggest challenge that Ernesto faced was keeping the festival afloat during the pandemic.

In 2020, two weeks before the festival’s 30th anniversary, the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest had record sales. Then, with the announcement of mandatory social distancing, all of the performances had to be postponed. There were concerts staged in 2021 and 2022 that were moderately successful, but the efforts to relaunch Berks Jazz Fest required an exhausting effort.

Kim Scott

continued on page 14

Kirk Whalum

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

continued from page 13

“When I sit and look back at my jazz fest journey, it is our friends, the artists, sponsors, and everyone involved in the community that made this happen, and it is something I’ll never forget. The festival has become what it has because of the people that gave their time and talent to make this a success.”

John Ernesto

hrich

by Bill U Photo

“I cherish the relationships I created with the artists over the years,” Ernesto said.

“When I sit and look back at my jazz fest journey, it is our friends, the artists, sponsors, and everyone involved in the community that made this happen, and it is something I’ll never forget. The festival has become what it has because of the people that gave their time and talent to make this a success.”

Richard Elliot

Michael Paulo

Photo by Lori Stoll

Photo by Lori Stoll

Photo Doug Mackenzie

“We had to call all of the artists, and rebuild everything,” Ernesto said with a sigh.

“People were glad we did it, but it was really hard. In 2023, we were back on track. But what transpired since 2020 has a lot to do with my decision to take a break and step back.”

Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest owes its survival and long-standing popularity to the committed relationships that have formed over three decades.

Unlike New York or Philadelphia, the city of Reading has a friendly, community vibe. Many residents look forward to participating in a musical event that has contributed millions of dollars to its economy through tourism. Hundreds of volunteers participate, year after year, by assuming different responsibilities, from picking up artists at the airport to checking tickets.

There also are unique events that bring multiple generations together, such as getJazzed, a music education program that offers workshops and summer camps for local and regional students.

Musicians connect on a more personal level at jam sessions, like the annual Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam on April 11, hosted by Braun and Gerald Veasley, two musicians Ernesto considers to be close friends.

The festival has always been a family affair for Ernesto, who names his wife, Suzie, a jazz singer, a critical support and mentor. His oldest daughter’s birthday usually coincides with the festival, and it has been celebrated backstage with a cake. Ernesto fondly remembered Koz playing Happy Birthday to her on his saxophone. His grandson, Owen, age 11, plays saxophone and has enjoyed meeting many of the professional musicians.

Peter White

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 15

WHEN April 5-14

WHERE Various venues throughout Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Main venues include: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Grand Ballroom, 701 Penn St., Reading; Scottish Rite Cathedral, 310 S. 7th Ave., W. Reading; and Miller Center for the Arts, Reading Area Community College, 4 N. 2nd St., Reading.

GETTING THERE Flights are available into the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), approximately 65 miles from Berks County.

STAYING THERE www.berksjazzfest.com/hotel-information

TICKETS AND INFORMATION Visit www.berksjazzfest.com

LINEUP Below is a partial list of the major concerts. For the complete lineup, visit the festival website.

Friday, April 5 Marcus Miller and Jonathan Butler........................................6 p.m.

Scottish Rite Cathedral Saturday, April 6 Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin, and Kirk Whalum.................noon DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Grand Ballroom Incognito with Maysa..........................................................9:30 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Grand Ballroom

BIG DEAL FROM

SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Going to the 33rd Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest?

PICK 1 free get a

FREE CD

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

33rd Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest April 5-7 and April 11-14

Various venues throughout Reading, Pennsylvania www.berksjazzfest.com

Thursday, April 11 Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam, hosted by Rick Braun and Gerald Veasley, featuring Eric Darius, Rebecca Jade, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Nicole Henry, Jean Baylor, Marcus Baylor, Brian Bromberg, Michael Paulo, Everette Harp, Ray Fuller, Tom Zink, Tony Moore, Bobby Lyle, Lin Rountree, Curtis McCain and more...................................................................................7 p.m.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Grand Ballroom Friday, April 12 West Coast Jam featuring Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Peter White and The West Coast Horns.......................................................6 p.m.

Scottish Rite Cathedral Saturday, April 13 Eric Darius and Rebecca Jade, plus Rhythm & Groove Tour: Brian Simpson, Marion Meadows and Steve Oliver..............noon DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Grand Ballroom Sunday, April 14 Brian Culbertson: The Trilogy Tour...........................................4 p.m.

Scottish Rite Cathedral

*This free-CD offer is a special promotion only available at the 2024 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, 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.

MAYSA

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

ON HER OWN AND ON A ROLL

BY MARCIA LUTTRELL

Maysa Leak’s soulful voice, renowned for its sultry, breathy tone and a soaring range that glides over the hills and valleys of a song, has traveled long and far.

Best known by her mononym Maysa, the Baltimore-based singer-songwriter has spent three decades in the music industry, won multiple music awards, a Grammy nomination and garnered hundreds of four-star album reviews from devoted fans.

Photo by Roy Cox Photography

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 17

Yet, in terms of financial success, the classically trained former background singer for Stevie Wonder remains an underrecognized talent.

Maysa hopes to change that with her recently released 14th solo studio album, Music for Your Soul.

The double-album set, which landed among the Top 100 albums on the Billboard Smooth Jazz charts and won a SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Award last year, invites her worldwide listeners to accompany her on a musical journey that visits the many themes of love, from the passionate and the romantic to the spiritual.

Maysa was represented by a variety of labels before deciding to take a bigger role in managing her career, so in 2018, she launched her own label, Blue Velvet Soul.

She also is active on social media, hosting her Kitchen Karaoke Sundays on Facebook Live, maintaining her web page (maysa.com) and posting on Instagram Maysa Leak (@maysaleakmusic).

“I’m trying to figure out why I’m not rich because I work so hard,” she said with a chuckle.

“But to go out on my own and to put this record out is one of the best choices I’ve made in my life. I started writing Music for Your Soul in 2020 around the pandemic time. We were going through so much at that time. I wanted to make music that would soothe people.”

Her tour to support the album includes a sold-out engagement at Spaghettini on Feb. 24 in Seal Beach, California.

In April, Maysa will perform two shows at the Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, Pennsylvania: she’s featured in the Women in Jazz III concert, and she will reunite with the long-running British funk-jazz band Incognito, a group she’s performed off and on with for most of her career.

Incognito has more than 40 past members from all over the world, including many notable musicians who went on to become solo recording artists.

In the 1990s, Maysa auditioned for Incognito over the phone and was immediately hired by producer-guitarist Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick, who co-founded and continues to lead the group.

Maysa moved to London in 1992 and recorded a remake of Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” which became a hit single for Incognito and helped the band gain an international audience.

During the ’90s, while performing as a soloist with Incognito, Maysa experienced a life-changing event that continues to resonate through her music. She fell in love with a percussionist who did not make a commitment to her.

Maysa’s longing and frustration inspired Incognito’s producer, Bluey, to co-write the song “Deep Waters,” a single from the band’s critically acclaimed Positivity (1993) album.

Maysa’s emotive rendering of the song includes the lyrics: Is it a crime for me to be feelin’ this way I’m goin’ out of my mind, and there’s no change from my runaway love Is it a dream that I’m throwin’ in the wishin’ well I’m losin’ control, body and soul, standin’ here waitin’ for a train that may never come.

Maysa’s love affair with the percussionist produced a pregnancy, and in 1999, though her doctor approved traveling to Japan for a tour date with Incognito, she gave birth to a premature baby boy.

She named him Jazz because she “wanted to see his name everywhere.”

“I remember every moment of that ordeal,” Maysa said.

“My water broke when I was 25 weeks pregnant, and my son was born in the hospital in Osaka. Bluey had to scramble to get singers for the shows because I needed a C-section and I was totally out.”

“I’m trying to figure out why I’m not rich because I work so hard,” said Maysa with a chuckle. The classically trained former background singer for Stevie Wonder remains an underrecognized talent.

She’s ready to change that.

Three days after surgery, nurses put Maysa in a wheelchair and rolled her down the hospital corridors to see her son for the first time. She stretched out her arms to cradle her newborn.

“The nurse shook her head, like she was so sad for me,” Maysa recalled.

“She motioned for me to put my hand out. I did, and my child fit in my hand. The interpreter tried to tell me Jazz would never speak or walk or eat on his own.”

Maysa refused to accept that prognosis.

“When we would have the meetings with the interpreter and every time the doctor said the third or fourth negative thing, I would say, ‘Jazz is just fine, thank you.’ The doctor said to the interpreter, ‘Does she understand English?’”

Maysa was desperate to return to America with her child, but at a weight of less than 2 pounds, baby Jazz was too weak to fly.

She consulted with counselors from the March of Dimes Foundation, the nonprofit organization dedicated to “preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.” Maysa was advised to return to Baltimore and wait until her son gained enough weight to travel by air.

“I was so distraught,” Maysa recalled. “I did not want to leave my son. But another great thing that happened is that I called White House correspondent April Ryan because I went to Morgan State University with her. April said, ‘Let me call you back.’ She called Al Gore, and he gave her the number of the embassy and the man who would help me. I had to fill out a lot of paperwork and declare Jazz was an American born in Japan and get a passport. And I had to sign a declaration that said I’m not abandoning my son, and that I will come back for him as soon as he is able.”

While in Japan, doctors and nurses diligently cared for baby Jazz. He was fed donated breast milk by Japanese mothers, and he underwent a laser eye surgery to correct his vision. continued on page 18

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

continued from page 17

“I want to relate to people; that’s why I make music.

I want to know after 33 years that my music has healing properties. Definitely.” – Maysa Before Maysa left, she sang “get healthy, don’t worry because mom is coming right back” into a tape recorder for hospital staff to play, and when she returned to Baltimore, she called the hospital daily until her son was able to join her in the U.S. Today, Jazz is a healthy young man who graduated college with honors and is pursuing a career as a photographer and videographer.

Maysa has recorded two special songs that pay tribute to him.

For years, she was a spokeswoman for the March of Dimes.

She recorded public service announcements along with the song “You Are Not Alone,” to support the nonprofit’s mission to raise awareness and funding for new mothers of babies born too soon.

The album Out of the Blue (N-Coded Music, 2002) includes an upbeat Latin-flavored title song co-written by Rex Rideout, with joyful lyrics that begin:

Out of the blue into my heart, Wasn’t expecting you so soon but I’m so glad you’re here in my life.

Now everything is gonna be alright.

Now that her son is grown, the single mother considers the songs from Music for Your Soul her children. There are 19 cuts that marry the genres of soul, R&B and smooth jazz, from mellow ballads to must-dance numbers.

The album also includes impressive guest artists, such as saxophonist Kirk Whalum, vocalist Chris Walker and Special EFX guitarist Chieli Minucci.

Does Maysa have a favorite cut?

“Oh wow,” she enthused.

“They are all my babies, so if I had to choose one, let me see. One of my best love songs is ‘Time Can Heal (a Broken Heart).’ Time can heal everything. I like to talk to people about the pain of a breakup. You think about all those memories and the good stuff. My mom was really good at helping me to remember the negative stuff. She would say ‘Remember when he said this and when he did that?’ She would make me laugh and it would help me get over it. People say, ‘Maysa, you tell so much of your business at your shows. But people come up to me after every show, and they say, ‘Thank you for your stories, you help me so much, you don’t even know.’ That means everything to me. I want to relate to people; that’s why I make music. I want to know after 33 years that my music has healing properties. Definitely.”

For more information about Maysa, visit her website, www.maysa.com.

ON TOUR FEB. 24

Spaghettini Fine Dining and Entertainment Seal Beach, California www.spaghettini.com

APRIL 6

Photo by Roy Cox Photography

Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest

Incognito with Maysa DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading Reading, Pennsylvania www.berksjazzfest.com

April 13

Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest

Chris “Big Dog” Davis presents Celebrating the Women in Jazz III featuring Maysa, Melba Moore, Nicole Henry, Paulette McWilliams, Althea Rene, Jeanette Harris Scottish Rite Cathedral West Reading, Pennsylvania www.berksjazzfest.com

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 19

CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS FEBRUARY 2 Will Downing, 7:30pm, The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500

3 Eric Darius, 8pm, King Center Studio Theatre, 3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, Florida, https:// bmgconcerts.com, 321-783-9004

9 A Night of Duets & Love featuring Darryl Walker & Erin Stevenson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining &

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

10 Eric Darius, 8pm, Buena Vista Theater, 501 W. Cesar Chavez Blvd., San Antonio, Texas, www.buenavista.live

12 Music Monday featuring Eric & B. Valentine with special guest Peter White, 6:30pm, pre-show event with the Valentines, 5pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www. spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

15 DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Mindi Abair Wine & Jazz Tour 2024, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

16 Eric Darius, 7pm, Middle C Jazz Club, 300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, North Carolina, https://middlecjazz.com/ Mindi Abair Wine & Jazz Tour 2024, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle,

Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

17 Eric Darius, 8:45pm, Middle C Jazz Club, 300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, North Carolina, https://middlecjazz.com/ Grooves at The Westin presents Peter White & special guest vocalist Spencer Day, 7pm, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Westin Grooves Backyard, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, https://groovesatthewestin.com, 951-696-0184 Nils, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch continued on page 20

GROOVES AT THE WESTIN FEB 17 | MONTH OF LOVE

9th Annual Concert Series

Peter White & special guest Spencer Day

APR 6 | THE MUSIC OF AL JARREAU

Band Reunion featuring Chris Walker, Neil Larsen, Tris Imboden, Lenny Castro, Kiki Ebsen, Felicia Collins, Michael Paulo, Patches Stewart & Freddie Washington

MAR 16 | SMOOTH JAZZ ALLSTARS Brian Simpson, Darryl Walker, Brian Bromberg, Michael Paulo & Paul Brown

RANCHO MIRAGE GOLF RESORT & SPA RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIF.

GroovesAtTheWestin.com | Tickets available at TIX.com

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

continued from page 19 Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Mindi Abair Wine & Jazz Tour 2024, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

18 Mindi Abair Wine & Jazz Tour 2024, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

Jam with Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun, Jeff Kashiwa, Henry, Taylor, Jacobs, 11pm; After-Concert Meet & Greet, 11:30pm; After-Concert Hang, midnight, The Daytona Hotel, 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, Florida, https://floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007 Poncho Sanchez, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

23

22

Daytona Jazz Weekend hosted

by Mindi Abair, featuring Keiko Matsui (with special guest Jeff Kashiwa) & Boney James, 7pm; Friday Night Jam with James, Matsui, Kashiwa, Abair, Peter White, Rick Braun, Paul Taylor, Nicole Henry & Randy Jacobs, 11pm; After-Concert Meet & Greet, 11:30pm; After-Concert Hang, midnight, The Daytona Hotel, 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, Florida, https://floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007

Daytona Jazz Weekend hosted

by Mindi Abair, featuring Randy Jacobs, Paul Taylor & Nicole Henry, Abair, 7pm; Thursday Night

Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona, www.rialtotheatre.com, 520-740-1000

19 Music Monday featuring Michael Lington & special guest Regina Belle, 6:30pm; pre-show event with Lington & Belle, 5pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

24 Daytona Jazz Weekend featuring Mindi Abair & Peter White unplugged, noon, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona 500 Club, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, Florida, https://floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007 Daytona Jazz Weekend hosted

by Mindi Abair, featuring Peter White & Vincent Ingala, RnR (Rick Braun & Richard Elliot), 7pm; optional wine tasting event with Abair & Eric Guerra, 4pm; Grand Finale Jam with Abair, Nicole Henry, Keiko Matsui, Jeff Kashiwa, Paul Taylor, Elliot, Braun, White, Ingala & Randy Jacobs, 11pm; After-Concert Hang, midnight, The Daytona Hotel, 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, Florida, https:// floridasmoothjazz.com, 386-681-7007 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa, Arizona, www.mesaartscenter.com, 480-644-6500

25 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, Balboa Theatre, 868 4th Ave.,

San Diego, California, www.sandiegotheatres.org Nothin but the Sax featuring Tony Exum Jr., Dee Lucas & Marqueal Jordan, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

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

27 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, California, www.citynationalgroveofanaheim.com, 714-712-2700

28 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, 8pm, Crest Theatre, 1013 K St., Sacramento, California, www.brianculbertson.com/tour, 916-476-3356

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 21

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4

1 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 7:30pm, Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St. SE, Salem, Oregon, www.elsinoretheatre.com, 503-375-3574

2 Maysa, 6 & 9pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, The Moore Theatre, 1932 2nd Ave., Seattle, Washington, www. stgpresents.org/moore/events, 206-467-5510

3 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 6pm, The Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main St., Boise, Idaho, www. egyptiantheatre.net, 208-387-1273 Adam Hawley Album-Release Party, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

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

5 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, Fremont Theater, 1035 Monterey St., San Luis Obispo, California, www.fremontslo.com, 805-329-5725

6 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, Golden State Theatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey, California, www.goldenstatetheatre.com, 831-649-1070

7 Special EFX featuring Chieli Minucci & special guest Karen Briggs, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

Bob James Trio, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 7:30pm, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Fred Cavli Theatre, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, California, www.bapacthousandoaks.com, 805-449-2787

8 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa, Access Showroom, 7300 N. Aliante Pkwy., N. Las Vegas, Nevada, www.brianculbertson.com/tour, 702-692-7777 (sold-out) Erin Stevenson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Bob James Trio, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

9 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa, Access Showroom, 7300 N. Aliante Pkwy., N. Las Vegas, Nevada, www.brianculbertson.com/tour, 702-692-7777 Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Bob James Trio, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

10 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa, Access Showroom, 7300 N. Aliante Pkwy., N. Las Vegas, Nevada, www.brianculbertson.com/tour, 702-692-7777 Bob James Trio, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729

continued on page 23

E S T. 2 0 0 4

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APRIL 4-6, 2024 Reserve Now!

844-810-8205 WeekendOfJazz.com

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

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 23

continued from page 21

14 Brian Culbertson’s New Orleans Jazz Getaway, 7pm, The Civic Theatre, 510 O’Keefe Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana, www. brianculbertson.com/ tour, 504-272-0865 (sold-out) DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

15 Brian Culbertson’s New Orleans Jazz Getaway, 7pm, The Civic Theatre, 510 O’Keefe Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana, www.brianculbertson. com/tour, 504-272-0865 (sold-out)

16 Brian Culbertson’s New Orleans Jazz Getaway, 7pm, The Civic Theatre, 510 O’Keefe Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana, www.brianculbertson. com/tour, 504-272-0865 (sold-out) Grooves at The Westin presents the Smooth Jazz All-Stars featuring

Brian Simpson, Paul Brown, Brian Bromberg, Darryl Walker & Michael Paulo, 7pm, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Westin Grooves Backyard, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, https://groovesatthewestin. com, 951-696-0184 Kayla Waters & Jazmin Ghent, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

17 Brian Culbertson’s New Orleans Jazz Getaway, 7pm, The Civic Theatre, 510 O’Keefe Ave., New Orleans, Louisiana, www.brianculbertson. com/tour, 504-272-0865 (sold-out) DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

20 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, The Paramount Theatre,

713 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas, www.austintheatre.org, 512-474-1221

21 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 7:30pm, Will Rogers Auditorium, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth, Texas, www.brianculbertson.com/ tour, 817-392-7469

22 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 7:30pm, National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St. SW, Albuquerque, New Mexico, www.nhccnm.org, 505-246-2261

23 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 7:30pm, Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm Place, Denver, Colorado, www.paramountdenver.com, 303-623-0106

24 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 7pm, Steelhouse Omaha,

1100 Dodge St., Omaha, Nebraska, www.steelhouseomaha.com, 402-345-0606 Althea Rene & Jeanette Harris, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

26 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 7:30pm, Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines, Iowa, www.hoytsherman.org, 515-244-0507 Chris Standring, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

27 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 7:30pm, Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet, Illinois, www.rialtosquare.com, 815-726-6600 continued on page 25

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

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F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 25

continued from page 23

28 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 7:30pm, Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota, www.hennepintheatre trust.org/theatres/pantages-theatre DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

29 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

30 Brian Culbertson, The Trilogy Tour, 8pm, Soundboard Theatre, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit, Michigan, www.brianculbertson.com/ tour, 313-309-4614 (sold-out)

Eric Darius, 5 & 8pm, The Smith Center, Myron’s, 361 Symphony Park Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada, https://thesmithcenter.com Will Donato, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 NOTE: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of the listings contained in this calendar, events may be postponed or canceled without notice.

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

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

Photos by Cooper Hardwick

jazz bruNches

Spaghettini’s Legendary Champagne Brunch in Seal Beach, California NOTE: Spaghettini offers weekly Sunday Brunches with performances in its lounge. As of press time, lounge seating was still available for the brunch dates and shows below (all others have sold out). However, seating in the restaurant’s dining rooms is often available.

Please check directly with Spaghettini for brunch reservations at 562-596-2199, or visit www.spaghettini.com.

FEBRUARY 11 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

18 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

Q&A Panel with Mindi Abair, Nicole Henry, Keiko Matsui, Jeff Kashiwa, Paul Taylor, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Peter White, Vincent Ingala & Randy Jacobs, 10:30am, The Daytona Hotel, 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach, Florida, https://floridasmoothjazz. com, 386-681-7007 Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge by Maysa Leak, 11am, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199

MARCH

25

3

Daytona Jazz Weekend Sunday Brunch with the Artists & Artist

Spaghettini’s Gospel Sunday Brunch with performances in the lounge by

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

10 Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge

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

17 Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge

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

24 Spaghettini’s Legendary Brunch with performances in the lounge

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

31 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, 562-596-219

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 27

JUNE 27 JUNE 28 JUNE 29 JUNE 30 JULY 1

A N N I V E R S A R Y C E L E B R A T I O N

HOSTED BY DW3

While Spaghettini may be turning 36, we are also celebrating our 20 years with DW3 and the decades of relationships we have with some of our other incredible artists.

These 5 days will include very special performances and events you won’t want to miss, including: • 6 Live Shows • Late Night Cigar Hang • Sunday Brunch • Wine Tasting • Beer Tasting • Private Anniversary Dinner • DJ Will Performing Through All 5 Days • All-Star Jam With Artists Yet To Be Named • VIP Package With Private Lounge

Celebrating 20 years with Spaghettini

ALSO FEATURING Poncho Sanchez

Celebrating 30 years Michael Lington

Celebrating 30 years Rebecca Jade

S E A L

B E A C H, C A

VISIT SPAGHETTINI.COM FOR MORE INFO, THE LATEST UPDATES, AND TICKETS @SpaghettiniSB

Celebrating 10 years Eric Marienthal

Celebrating 30 years

AND MORE...

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

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

BOOK REVIEW “World Within a Song: Music That Changed My Life and Life That Changed My Music”

By Jeff Tweedy FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

CASHMIRA’S STARGUIDE Aquarius Jan. 20 - Feb. 18

You usually like to go your own way, but others have made some plans for you. Try to seriously consider all the benefits of making some of these lifealtering decisions. Responsibility isn’t always the enemy.

Pisces Feb. 19 - March 20

Leo July 23 - Aug. 22

You’ve been dealing with a lot of heavy issues. If you can clear up your financial mistakes, you can allow yourself to breathe freely for a change.

Face the music, and accept some help for a change. Trust in that assistance, and move forward.

A financial partnership is in the offing, and it is looking great. This could be a major change in your life, so do your due diligence and verify the terms. Stay positive, and keep on top of these changes. It could be a whole new life.

Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Aries March 21 - April 19

Libra Sept. 23 - Oct. 22

Those who may find themselves commenting on your personal life had better watch it now. You are feeling a bit short tempered and cranky for an abundance of reasons.

So, folks should tread carefully until you are able to be more tolerant and even-handed in this type of situation.

Taurus April 20 - May 20

We all procrastinate, but you have a big project that is way behind, and it’s time to get on it. You’ve been avoiding this for too long, and things are going to go bad soon. Don’t be too proud to admit you need help, and approach those who can assist with a little humility.

Gemini May 21 - June 21

Let’s face it, you need a social life.

Commitments at home take up all your time, but now you should pay a little attention to what makes you happy. Visit some friends. Relax a little. All those responsibilities will still be there.

Cancer June 22 - July 22

Demands made by your loved ones can be frustrating and maddening.

Try to stay as cool as you can while negotiating all the various chores and commitments. Remember to make some time for yourself in your hectic schedule.

You have been inundated with offers lately. Invitations for social activities and potential career interests. Trying to make sense of all this requires you to make some decisions and figure out what will really make you happy.

You have been wanting to do some home renovations, but stop and consider everything before completing the entire project. The costs can be punishing, so maybe you should make small updates first before you overspend.

Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 21

You’ve been dreaming of foreign shores. Perhaps a trip can satisfy these yearnings for a bit. Or, maybe a big move could be monetarily beneficial.

You won’t know until you take some action. Trust your always-practical self.

Sagittarius Nov. 22 - Dec. 21

Remember that your friends care for you, so don’t take offense when they offer their concerns. They may not have all the facts before making judgments, so take a breath before you respond in anger. Talk it out.

Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 Hmm … your friends are asking an awful lot of questions lately. What is behind all of this? Take the time to drill down and discover what is going on.

You don’t want to risk friendships by overreacting.

Penguin Random House 2023•256 pages•$26 Reviewed by Darcy Peters Jeff Tweedy is the frontman and songwriter for the Grammy-winning band Wilco. He is also an essayist and author, and with this book he illustrates his talents in that genre, providing a list of 50 songs with explanations of the impact of the music or lyrics that have affected his life. He writes: “What’s important to me is to convey how miraculous songs are. It doesn’t matter how many people hear ‘A Day in the Life,’ there is only one version that belongs to you.” He finds creating connections through music his life’s work.

We all know how some songs remind us of certain people, places or times.

Somehow, we remember the words to a song we haven’t heard in years.

Many of the songs listed in the book remind the author of different people and places. The Leo Sayer song “Long Tall Glasses” reminds Tweedy of his father. Though he didn’t actually like the song, his memory connects with his father jumping up each time the singer discovers he can dance. “Every now and then I throw this song on, and as I sit and listen, as this smug bauble of pop arcana winds its way through the paths in my mind that it’s beaten down to dust, the memories of my father become so vivid I swear I can smell him.

I am with him again. But this time without judgement. Only joy for his joy.

Name something else in the world that can do that.” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is another song that reminds Tweedy of a parent. He recalls his mother’s childlike joy while watching the annual showing on television of “The Wizard of Oz.” “It’s as perfect a memory as I have of my mother, and it’s a perfect song. No one will ever write one better.”

In his piece regarding “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” Tweedy describes the respect he has for Dylan’s songs. “And whether they admit it or not (or in some cases whether or not they’re even aware of it), I believe every songwriter wants some piece of what Dylan has.”

The author also discusses Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” “If somehow you aren’t familiar with this song, please go listen to it now if you can. Trust me, you need it. And if it doesn’t keep you company for a long time, I hope you have a song that feels, to you, the way I’ve described this one. I’d be lost without it. So, it’s a good thing it can’t be taken away from me. Not even if I never heard it again. It is a part of the world I live in. Like air and water.”

In discussing ABBA’s song “Dancing Queen,” Tweedy addresses the divide between disco and rock among musicians. “To me the weird part is ever feeling like I had to hate something so clearly irresistible. And, to this day, “Dancing Queen” is the song I always think of when I THINK I don’t like something. It taught me that I can’t ever completely trust my negative reactions.”

Tweedy’s observations and often lyrical writing make this slim book a pleasure to read.

F E B R U A RY/M A RC H 2024 | 31

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

KENNY G

BRIAN CULBERTSON

CANDY DULFER

BONEY JAMES

KOOL AND THE GANG

MARCUS MILLER

PETER WHITE

JEFFREY OSBORNE

RICHARD ELLIOT

DAMIEN ESCOBAR

SPYRO GYRA

RICK BRAUN

SISTER SLEDGE

ERIC DARIUS

JONATHAN BUTLER

ALTHEA RENE

KEN FORD

DOWN TO THE BONE

CINDY BRADLEY

ADAM HAWLEY

REBECCA JADE

NATHAN MITCHELL

JEANETTE HARRIS

BOBBY LYLE

VINCENT INGALA

RAGAN WHITESIDE

JJ SANSAVERINO

ROMAN STREET

LEMEK

ERIN STEVENSON

THURSDAY AFTER PARTY

BRIAN SIMPSON & JACKIEM JOYNER

FRIDAY AFTER PARTY

VINCENT INGALA

SATURDAY AFTER PARTY

MARCUS ANDERSON

SUNDAY AFTER PARTY

FOUR 80 EAST