6 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Publisher and Managing Editor Melanie Maxwell Operations & Distribution Manager Craig Collier Contributors Ken Capobianco Cashmira Darcy Peters Copy Editors JoAnn Armke Barbara Knox Brad Sondak Graphic Design Gina Mancini Contributing Photographers Cover photo of Lindsey Webster by Franco Vogt Cover photo of Panama City Beach, Florida, by Jim Still-Pepper Andrew Ficke Photography Pat Benter John Bivens Dan Boissy Jim Clark Will Downing Erin Blair Studio Ovi Horta Jason Myers Raj Naik Nathan Phillips Photography Chase Pierson Bobby Quillard Kristie Schram Calvin Smith Lori Stoll Aric ompson Franco Vogt Smooth Jazz News 5519 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #134 San Diego, CA 92117 858-541-1919 smoothjazznews@aol.com www.smoothjazznews.com We will publish ve issues of Smooth Jazz News in 2026: 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 permission from the publisher. ©2026, Smooth Jazz News | All rights reserved Smooth-Jazz News/123513291125001 @SmoothJazzNews 8 Notes from the Publisher When artists become hosts: a new kind of jazz journey 12 27th Annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival Sold-out before the first note: the magic of the hottest festival on the circuit in Panama City Beach, Florida 17 FREE CD-with-subscription offer When you subscribe toSmooth Jazz News at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City Beach, Florida 17 Smooth Jazz News home delivery Subscribe today: Online, by phone, mail or at our booth during the Seabreeze Jazz Festival 18 Dave Koz’s Somma “Jewels of the Adriatic” Cruise The saxophonist charts a new course with an elevated experience of music, luxury, connection and wellness at sea CONTENTS 22 Lindsey Webster Songs, sound and scenery: inside the singer’s uplifting new era 26 Calendar of smooth jazz events Concerts, cruises, festivals and brunches nationwide 34 Annual Jazz Festival and Cruise Guide Dream it. Book it. Experience it. 2026 jazz destinations: festivals, cruises and global grooves. 46 Book Review “Wings: the Story of a Band on the Run” by Paul McCartney, edited by Ted Widmer 46 Cashmira’s Starguide Spring horoscopes 47 Smooth Jazz Newsmerchandise Get fashion-ready for festival season with our apparel: fleece jackets, golf shirts, T-shirts, tank tops and hats Photo: Raj Naik SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS April is Jazz Appreciation Month. To celebrate, Berks Arts has expanded its 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest to include 33 additional jazz events at 22 venues across Berks County, Pennsylvania (www.berksjazzfest.com). Rick Braun culminates the festivities on International Jazz Day, April 30, with a performance of “Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione” at the Miller Center for the Arts. Check out our calendar section starting on page 26 for information about this and other events happening in April and May.
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