14 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS continued from page 13 Culbertson. Giving newer artists ready to make the leap to the big stage that chance is just a natural evolution to keep the festival sound fresh, young and contemporary.” Although Culbertson and James aren’t on this year’s lineup, White returns—sharing the stage with Rick Braun and Richard Elliot, as well as performing on a popular solo lunch cruise. ere is one act that will have limited performances in the U.S. this year, and luckily, that one will be at Seabreeze. “Dave Koz and his latest Summer Horns show from last summer was the talk of the live smooth jazz touring circuit in 2025,” Carter said. “Everyone that saw the show said it was one of the best shows they’ve ever attended. “ e concept is showcasing the timeless horn band hits of the ’70s and ’80s from Earth, Wind & Fire to Chicago, Tower of Power and beyond. It’s a funky, feel-good celebration with brass blazing and groove popping. And what makes it unique is Dave picked the hottest and top talent to pull o a show like this, including Je Bradshaw, Marcus Anderson, Marcel Anderson, Leo P. and Evan Taylor. Summer Horns takes us back to all the big monster horn hits we all grew up with and delivers a standout, upbeat performance that will get the entire crowd on their feet. e Summer Horns vibe even inspired our 2026 Seabreeze Jazz Festival poster and T-shirt with the introduction of our own ‘Cool Jazz Cat’ with a ’70s retro vibe. It was created by Pat Krygowski, a digital artist from Poland.” Carter said that his lineup also balances mainly instrumental smooth jazz with a sprinkling of vocals—from classic Motown, R&B, adult contemporary pop and some funk. “Like the radio format, it’s all about the balance,” he said. “Overall, Seabreeze fans know they will experience a fun, upbeat, instrumental smooth jazz-based show with some select vocal acts for some variety and to get the crowd up and dancing. “With Dave Koz Summer Horns, we wanted to mix retro sounds with current smooth jazz. e Commodores, Morris Day and e Time and Will Downing provided a great variety of hits, danceable moments and sultry love songs. WithBillboardNo. 1 hitmakers like Peter White, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot and others, we present the smooth jazz genre’s top core artists with 30-plus years of hits. “ e goal is to have the fans experience music they know, yet get excited about talent that will take the smooth jazz genre forward. Yesterday. Now. And tomorrow. New artist placement in the show is part of the puzzle—a great mosaic of positive vibes, up-tempo fun and seeing great friends amid the backdrop of Panama City Beach’s sugar sand beaches and exciting attractions.” With a bustling festival schedule, including lunch and dinner cruises and a erparties, it can be di cult to t in the other attractions this Emerald Coast community boasts. at’s why last year, Carter changed the festival start time from noon to 1:30 p.m. “We felt it gave fans more time to schedule a trip to the beach, a late-morning shopping excursion and other free time to discover all that Panama City Beach has to o er,” Carter said. “Not every festival has over 124 stores, a huge Ferris wheel, an IMAX movie theater, along with great restaurants right across the parking lot from the show. e Panama City Beach City Pier and beach is within a short walk from the festival gates as well. And now open for 2026, we have both a new Topgolf at Pier Park and a new Pirates dinner theater just north of the Seabreeze performance area—more exciting attractions to make the perfect vacation.” However, there is plenty inside the festival grounds, including a food court and vendor marketplace. Food trucks serve up Southern culinary delights and typical festival fare, plus a few new additions. “We will have the Duplin Winery for the rst time doing a free wine tasting in the food court area,” Carter announced. “ ey opened a 38,000-square-foot winery in Panama City Beach featuring their selection of ‘cool, sweet and easy’ sipping wines. “Vagabond Kitchen & Tap House from New Jersey will be coming. ey were featured on the Food Network’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ twice. “Umami Asian cuisine will feature fresh sushi. “Ben’s Gourmet was featured on ‘Shark Tank,’ and will bring his delicious, uniquely light-breaded sh and chicken to Seabreeze. “Coastal Fizz o ers chocolate-dipped strawberries and bananas, along with other natural treats. “African Marketplace will be showcasing merchandise they actually sourced and purchased from African villages the owner grew up in,” Carter added. Rick Braun Richard Elliot Peter White Photo: Lori Stoll Photo: Lori Stoll Photo: Raj Naik
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