ISSUE NO. 215 AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2025 CATALINA ISLAND JAZZTRAX FESTIVAL TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE How to arrange an easy breezy trip to Avalon FESTIVAL GUIDE ANDRÉA LISA Revels in the rhythms of South African and New Zealand homelands CATALINA JAZZTRAX PLANNING to breezy ANDRÉA rhythms Zealand TRAVEL PLANNING How to easy breezy Revels in the rhythms and New Zealand Making the best music of his life PETER WHITE
2 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS 23. – 30. October 2026 | River Cruise Edition VIENNA SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 | 3
4 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS MORRIS BAXTER | DJ BAM BAM BELONGE 2025 FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: WWW.GULFCOASTSUMMERFESTJAZZEDITION.COM ja
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 | 5 jazz concert series RHYTHM ON THE VINE® SUNDAY, AUGUST Smooth Jazz All Stars Benet Show SUNDAY, AUGUST An Evening o Yacht Rock with Tris Imboden Yacht Stars SUNDAY, ULY Hiroshima SUNDAY, AUGUST Tom Braxton, Rebecca Jade, & Andrea Lisa SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER Al Jarreau Reunion Band featuring Chris Walker SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER Kalapana 50th Anniversary Celebration 34843 Rancho California Road | Temecula, CA 92591 | (951) 696-0184
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 Heather McKay Contributing Photographers Cover photo: Lori Stoll Pat Benter Cooper Hardwick Harper Hardwick Airic Lewis Lori Stoll 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 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 permission from the publisher. ©2025, Smooth Jazz News | All rights reserved Smooth-Jazz News/123513291125001 @SmoothJazzNews 8 Notes from the Publisher The journalism industry rewards our writers for their work 10 Andréa Lisa A wonderfully assured singer-guitarist graces summer stages 13 DISCover New Music New tunes for your summer soundtrack 14 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Travel Planning Guide How to get there and where to stay during this fall’s festival 16 Peter White Composing, cruising and concerts energize the renowned guitar stylist. He says he can’t do this forever, but he’s going to try! South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers a jazz enthusiast’s dream getaway. In addition to its Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series and great wine, this Temecula, California, venue features private suites and villas, an award-winning restaurant, full-service spa and poolside dining. For information on this and other events happening in August and September, check out our calendar section, beginning on page 20. CONTENTS 20 Calendar of smooth jazz events Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide 29 Smooth Jazz News subscription Receive five print issues of Smooth Jazz News in your mailbox 30 Cashmira’s Starguide Summer horoscopes 30 Book Review “Heartbreaker: a Memoir” by Mike Campbell with Ari Surdoval 31 Smooth Jazz News merchandise Stay festival-ready with our gear
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 | 7 jazzattheoxford.com FACILITATED BY GEORGES BOUHEY / STUDIO20 SATURDAYS 11AM-1PM DOORS OPEN 10:30AM @ OXFORD HOTEL BEND PRODUCED BY patrick lamb productions tickets available on bendticket.com FREE MUSIC EDUCATION WORKSHOPS 10 NW MINNESOTA AVE, BEND, OREGON THE SOUL COLLECTIVE NOV 14-15 PATRICK LAMB’S “CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS” DEC 22-23 MARC BROUSSARD OCT 10-11 GINO VANNELLI JAN 9-10 DANNY SERAPHINE FEB 13-14 JOHN LLOYD YOUNG MAR 13-14 PRODUCED patrick BEND, AT THE OXFORD 14TH ANNUAL 2025-26 SERIES JULY10 New York, NY JULY 12 Houston, TX JULY 13 Napa, CA JULY 18 Columbus, OH JULY 25 Wilmington OH JULY 26 SAT Bonita Springs, FL JULY 31 Carmel, IN AUG 2 Orland Park, Il AUG 3 Temecula, CA AUG 8 Alpharetta, GA AUG 9 Hope, AK AUG 14 East London,UK AUG 21 Los Angeles, CA AUG 22 Wittenberg, WI AUG 28, Mexico City AUG 29 Huntsville, AL AUG 30 Huntsville, AL SEPT 19 Pensacola, FL SEPT 26 Baltimore, MD OCT Warren MI OCT 10 Bend, OR OCT 11 Bend, OR OCT 11 Bend, OR OCT 11 St Charles OCT 25th Las Vegas OCT 30 Los Angeles NOV 1 Las Vegas NOV 14 Bend, OR NOV 15 Bend, OR NOV 15 Bend, OR NOV 22 Chile NOV 25 Argentina DEC 7 Portland, OR DEC 10 West Palm Beach, FL DEC 22 Bend, OR PATRICK LAMB "Rising Star independent Patrick Lamb is unstoppable, definitely not your typical smooth jazz artist” - Atlanta super fan VISIT PATRICKLAMB.COM FOR MORE INFO SPONSORED BY Presave at link on Patrick Lamb’s Facebook Fan Page: facebook.com/patricklambmusic PATRICK’S NEW SINGLE! WITH B.SLADE: “I JUST WANNA STOP”
8 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS OUR WRITERS’ Every musician and artist we interview mentions how much education and time practicing they spend honing their skills. And, although they love the accolades they receive from fans, it is the praise from their peers and musical heroes that o en means the most to them. e same is true for the art of writing. Our writers are professional journalists with decades of bylines to their credit. All of us have been grati ed to win awards for our work. Marcia Luttrell’s feature spotlighting the singer Maysa, published in the February-March 2024 issue of Smooth Jazz News, has been recognized twice. Her Maysa article won rst place at the San Diego Press Club’s 51st Annual Excellence in Journalism Awards in the category of magazine entertainment writing. She is especially proud of this recognition. “For the past three years, I’ve won second or third place for the dance stories I write for e San Diego Union-Tribune arts section,” she said. “In the past, I won both Society of Professional Journalists and San Diego Press Club awards writing for San Diego Magazine. But my rst, rst-place for a music story in a magazine is the ultimate win!” she exclaimed. Another honor for the Maysa piece was a second-place award in July from the San Diego Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists in the arts and entertainment writing category. ese are among the six or seven additional honors she received for her work in other publications. Our principal feature writer, Ken Capobianco, is loaded with journalism credentials. Here is a fun fact about Ken: He is a two-time winner of the Best Humor Columnist award from the New England Newspaper & Press Association. And, it’s not a stand-alone honor. Over his 35-plus-year writing career, he’s been nominated for awards many times for contributions to such publications as e Boston Globe, Billboard, e New York Times, Cape Cod Times and Journal of Modern Literature. Ken earned a Master of Arts degree in English literature from Tu s University, and he has taught writing and literature at Northeastern University and journalism at Emerson College. In addition to all that, he’s also the author of two novels. For me, it was my love of writing and passion for smooth jazz nearly 30 years ago that launched my journalistic endeavors. at journey took me from a lucrative mortgage banking career into the classroom, then onto the printed page as a freelance writer. Interestingly, one of the outlets I wrote for, e Entertainer, Marcia “In the past, I won both Society of Professional Journalists and San Diego Press Club awards writing for San Diego Magazine. But my rst, rst-place for a music story in a magazine is the ultimate win!” — Marcia Luttrell WRITERS’
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 | 9 was also writing for at the same time—although we only recently discovered that fact. To become pro cient at my cra , I completed dozens of college writing courses; attended a dozen more writers conferences; and, in recent years, enrolled in 40-plus online classes learning about a variety of genres, including copywriting, op-eds and essays (one of my nonmusic essays was published in the “Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Clever, Curious, Caring Cat” book in 2021). I may never amass a body of publication credits like Ken or Marcia have because managing this magazine gives me less time to write. However, I do contribute at least one piece to each issue. So, one of the most memorable moments of my journalism career happened at the American Smooth Jazz Awards in 2010 when I won the “Journalist of the Year” award. I take as much pride in my writing as I do in publishingSmooth Jazz News. My goal as the publisher is to give our readers the most accurate, informative and engaging content possible. at’s why I seek writers whose work I admire, and I am proud of their achievements. I felt complimented when Marcia encouraged me to enter some of my articles into a writing competition. “I would like to suggest that you or Ken submit for this year’s San Diego Press Club,” she said. “ at piece you did about the Catalina career when Island JazzTrax Festival in 2024 was a wonderful feature. And, Ken’s work is always sincere, knowledgeable and informative. Deserving work is deserving work.” Well, the deadline to enter the San Diego Press Club’s contest is Aug. 4, a few days a er this issue of Smooth Jazz News has been published. e winners will be announced on Oct. 28. I’ll let you know if I make the submission deadline. Wish me luck!
10 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS By Ken Capobianco Singer-guitarist Andréa Lisa has found her place in the sun. e rising musician has been playing the international music circuit for over a decade, and her determination and undeniable talent have opened doors for the South African native. Now, she is beginning to reap the fruits of her efforts with her first solo album, Silver Lining, and high-profile collaborations with Kirk Whalum and Kool & the Gang. “People kind of think I’m new, but I’ve been working very hard for a while now, and I’m excited for the opportunities I’m getting,” said the so -spoken Lisa via phone on a warm summer day from her home in the Los Angeles area. “I’m proud of Silver Lining but I know there’s a lot more music to make. I’m looking forward to what’s next.” Her debut showcases Lisa’s lucid, melodic guitar playing and graceful vocals over 12 vibrant songs that explore the search for happiness, identity and the path toward fulfillment. It’s a wonderfully assured record that should turn heads in the music industry and thrill audiences. “ e silver lining of the title represents the journey in life or the bumps and doors that have been closed along the way,” said Lisa. “ ose were di cult to go through, but ultimately, once you overcome them, you see how everything can work in your favor, and there are positive things that come from the journey. Sometimes when a door closes, it’s for the good. So, with every dark cloud, there’s something to be appreciated—that ray of light.” e album opens on a high note with the expressive instrumental “All the Way,” and an inspirational re ection on life, “Beautiful Andréa Lisa A bright, ascendant star Photo: Airic Lewis
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 | 11 World.” It gracefully unfolds with a diverse blend of ballads and breezy, funky tracks that emphasize Lisa’s impressive guitar work. She’s a versatile player who leans heavily on melody. Her vocals on songs such as “Chocolates in Heaven” and “Fire” re ect her diverse in uences in R&B and jazz—there are hints of vocalists as disparate as Minnie Riperton, Corinne Bailey Rae or Neneh Cherry in her voice, but she remains thoroughly original. “As a guitar player, I started out playing strictly classical acoustic guitar and got a great foundation,” Lisa said. “I then went on to study jazz in school. I did listen to Pat Metheny and George Benson, two of the great guitarists who are such melodic players. And I loved to listen to horn players, particularly Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Kirk Whalum and Sonny Rollins, too. “ at’s why I like to play long notes on the guitar. Even though the guitar isn’t an instrument meant for long notes, unless you have a lot of distortion, that’s how I hear. And melody has always been extremely important for me.” Lisa has been singing since she was young, but didn’t take it seriously until her teens, when she got to demonstrate her vocal prowess by accident. “I didn’t sing publicly until I was 16, when someone entered me into a school talent contest,” she recalled. “He did it behind my back. He had heard me singing in the music room and told me we should do a duet, which I didn’t want to do. But he applied for us anyway, and we won with me singing ‘My Endless Love.’ I was quite shy, so that was a big thing for me, and it gave me a lot of con dence.” She developed as a vocalist through school and listening to many of the singers she was exposed to earlier in her life. “Natalie Cole and Nancy Wilson were my favorites, and I learned from listening to them,” she said. “I did some classical training in high school and jazz training in university. My major was guitar in university, but I also studied vocals.” While Lisa was born in South Africa, she grew up in New Zealand, where she went to school. She said her music re ects her roots, and her childhood and young adult homelands are still part of her soul. “I moved to New Zealand at 7 years old. On a deep level, the nature of New Zealand is re ected in my music. When I was growing up, it was very peaceful and promoted being kind and loving. I remember the teachers being so loving and supportive, and I feel I carry that with me. “It’s about good people, which I feel is a part of me, but musically, I feel I represent more of my South African heritage sonically with rhythm. I love rhythm.” Even though her initial exposure to South Africa was brief, Lisa has visited the country frequently and absorbed its rich culture and traditions. “I have some memories of my childhood, but my family would go back to visit my grandparents, and my mom would make sure we stayed for a solid amount of time—like a whole month—so I remember South Africa quite well,” she said. “You can’t help but be in uenced by it.” e guitarist eventually put together a band to support her own music once she got to a university in New Zealand. ey ended up putting out an EP called So Sweet and traveling the world, including a residency in a Wyndham hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, gigs in France and a long tenure on cruise ships, where she honed her stage chops and randomly met saxophone great Kirk Whalum. “He had heard my band perform and asked me for my contact information. And understand, I’ve always been a huge fan of his. He said, ‘We have to do something together someday.’ I wasn’t sure if he meant it,” Lisa said. “One day, months later, I woke up and I had an email from him. He said, ‘I’m doing this new record and would love you to play on it. You can record a guitar solo in New Zealand and send it over to me.’” Her band was on hiatus, so Lisa offered to fly to the States and cut the track with Whalum. “He asked me when I was coming, but I had no idea—I had no plans—so I chose a random month. And he said, ‘Oh, no, I’m afraid that’s a bit late,’ and he told me when he could do it. I said, ‘Oh, I can do it then, no worries.’ He always laughs about that story. I would have dropped everything to work with Kirk.” She traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, and recorded the guitar solo Whalum had requested and “Get Your Wings Up” from Whalum’s 2019 album, Humanité. publicly until I was 16, when someone school talent contest,” she recalled. y back. He had heard me singing and told me we should do a duet, to do. But he applied for us with me singing ‘My Endless ‘My Endless shy, so that was a big thing for lot of con dence.” a vocalist through school many of the singers she was her life. Nancy Wilson were learned from listening did some classical school and jazz training in was guitar in university, vocals.” born in South Africa, she grew where she went to school. She re ects her roots, her roots, and young adult part of her soul. her soul. Zealand at deep level, the Zealand is re ected I was growing peaceful and kind and loving. teachers being so supportive, and I feel I his. He said, ‘We have to do something together someday.’ everything to work with work with Kirk.” “I had to get past that resistance and keep going by chipping away song by song to get where I’m going.” continued on page 12 Photo: Airic Lewis
12 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Since then, she has performed with Whalum, appeared on his Epic Cool album, and moved to the United States. Another major musical break came while she was visiting Los Angeles a er recording with Whalum. She said she was acclimating to America and trying to shake o some culture shock when a man approached her at a musical jam session with an invitation. “Out of the blue, he asked, ‘What are you doing tomorrow? I need to introduce you to someone,’” she recounted with bemusement. “And I went with it. I wasn’t thinking, ‘Who is this strange man wanting to hang out?’ So, we went to George Brown’s studio. Of course, he passed away last year, but he was the main man who wrote all the great Kool & the Gang songs. It was insane when I got to work with the band. It didn’t feel real. I ended up recording on six or seven songs over a few hours. It was magic.” (She appears on Kool & the Gang’s People Just Wanna Have Fun.) Lisa is already working on her next album. She’s ercely protective of her music and career, and is working without a manager a er her last one recommended that she record with an established producer on Silver Lining instead of agreeing to let her do it herself. She insisted that she’s learned many lessons in the music business, but one takes priority. “If you want to get somewhere, you have to do it yourself. Some people are lucky to have a good team around them or have met a manager they connect with, but I realize that you have to invest in yourself because there’s so much music out there that no one is looking for an amazing guitar player or a singer because of the saturation. ere are so many musicians to choose from. You have to put yourself out there to stand out. “If you don’t, nothing is going to happen. And you have to remember that if someone tells you that you can’t do something, you either believe it to your detriment or put it aside. I had to get past that resistance and keep going by chipping away song by song to get where I’m going. And the journey continues.” Lisa is completely wrapped up in her career at this point, but she nds peace of mind by getting back to the essence of life and reminding herself of her humanity. She’s an avid biker around her home and along the gorgeous beaches of the Southern California coast. “I love going outside, and everyone should try this sometime: I like to ground my feet to the grass or the sand or the ocean. We have a lot of energy in our bodies, and even touching trees can balance our bodies. They can pull out all that static energy, so when I’m feeling off-balance emotionally or just not right— say, overwhelmed—I try to get outside and in touch with the environment. I just breathe and be in that moment and process. It can be very healing.” For more information on Lisa, including her complete tour schedule, visit www.andrealisa.com. AUG. 3 Andréa Lisa’s Birthday Bash with special guests Spaghettini, Seal Beach, California https://spaghettini.com AUG. 17 South Coast Winery Resort & Spa’s Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, Temecula, California www.southcoastwinery.com 951-696-0184 OCT. 11 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Catalina Casino, Avalon, California www.jazztrax.com continued from page 11 ON TOUR Photo: Airic Lewis
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 | 13 GIL JOHNSON •“SMOOTH ONE” SINGLE (GSJ Records) With each release, vocalist Gil Johnson gets closer to a breakthrough on the smooth jazz scene. “Smooth One” is produced by No. 1 hit ensemble Jazz Holdouts and features saxophonists Tom Braxton (Earl Klugh, Tisdale) and Rock Hendricks (Hardcastle, Gaye), along with guitarist Michael Thompson (Michael Jackson, Quincy), and bassists Al Turner (Aretha, Anita, Kem and Klugh) and Bobby Watson (Rufus). Mixed by Darren Rahn. AVAILABLE AT: www.Amazon.com, https://music.apple.com, www.spotify.com and all digital service providers WEBSITE: www.giljohnsonmusic.com NAJEE •UNDER THE MOON OVER THE SKY (Blue Horn Creative) Smooth jazz icon and platinum-selling multi-instrumentalist Najee is back with a brand-new single that takes you on a sonic journey to paradise! “Salvador,” featuring the incredible Brian Simpson on piano, was released July 16 on all digital platforms! This mesmerizing track is the rst taste from Najee’s upcoming album, Under the Moon Over the Sky—arriving on Tuesday, Aug. 12. AVAILABLE AT: iTunes, www.Amazon.com and most digital service providers WEBSITE: www.najeeo cial.com LEMEK •BOUNDLESS (trippin’ N Rhythm Records) ”As a musician and a music lover, I don’t want to be locked into one thing. I have a wide taste in music, and I have always enjoyed exploring new sonic possibilities. Boundless is the culmination of all of my musical tastes and styles. It’s got funk, pop and soulful R&B vibes mixed in with a tasteful contemporary jazz sound.” LEMEK will be hosting the Boundless Release Party show on Aug. 11 at Spaghettini. “I think that listeners will enjoy what Boundless has to o er!” — LEMEK AVAILABLE AT: iTunes, www.Amazon.com, https://cdbaby.com, www.lemekyisraelmusic.com and most digital service providers WEBSITE: www.lemekyisraelmusic.com Advertisement: To inquire about placement, call 858-541-1919 or email smoothjazzads@aol.com. GABRIEL MARK HASSELBACH •“FORCE OF HABIT” SINGLE FROM COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS (Windtunnel Records) Gabriel’s rst single, “SunSeeker,” from Count Your Lucky Stars, stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for six months, and is now followed by the punchy “Force of Habit” (featuring Andrew Freeman-guitar and Miles Black-piano), and recalls the Hasselbach-Je Lorber co-written chart hits over the last dozen years. He also just released an o -the-chain album, Live at the Pender Harbour Jazz Festival. AVAILABLE AT: www.Amazon.com, https://music.apple.com, iTunes, www.spotify.com and all digital service providers. Physical CDs at www.GabrielJazz.com. WEBSITE: www.GabrielJazz.com
14 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Catalina Island is a dream destination year-round, but it’s especially popular with jazz fans in October. at’s when the JazzTrax logo lights up the 12-story, circular Catalina Casino building, and the sounds of smooth jazz oat out from the ballroom’s balcony. While festivalgoers enjoy live performances inside the art deco ballroom, scuba divers, boaters and tourists are treated to a musical background below in Avalon Bay. Planning a visit to Avalon, California, the island’s only town (which takes up just over 2 square miles of the 76-square-mile island), is much easier than most rst-timers might think. With the 38th Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival happening Oct. 9-12 and Oct. 16-19, now is a great time to make travel arrangements. Ge ing here Catalina Express o ers 30 daily departures from ports in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, California. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, special a er-performance boat departures are available from Avalon back to Long Beach. www.CatalinaExpress.com • 800-995-4386 S aying here Hotel Metropole is a top choice for jazz fans and artists alike, although it o en sells out in advance. Situated within the Metropole Market Place, this property boasts A Touch of Heaven Day Spa, restaurants, boutiques, ne art, a classic arcade, unique gi stores and more. www.hotel-metropole.com • 800-541-8528 A variety of accommodations are available in Avalon, including hotels and vacation rentals. Check out the JazzTrax Festival O cial Hotels Page for preferred properties. www.jazztrax.com/hotels Tickets& info matio www.jazztrax.com Travel Planning Guide 2025 By Melanie Maxwell Photo: Pat Benter CATALINA EXPRESS Catalina Island is welcoming you for a getaway of adventure, relaxation and fun. Your voyage to paradise is now boarding. San Pedro - Long Beach - Dana Point CATALINAEXPRESS.COM | 800.838.6685 Here are some tips for cross-channel transportation and accommodations for a magical adventure 22 miles across the Paci c Ocean from Southern California.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 | 15 Catalina Island’s Finest Oceanfront Boutique . Hotel and Shopping Experience • Enjoy luxurious rooms with breathtaking Courtyard, Hillside, and Ocean views. • Unwind at *A Touch of Heaven Day Spa*, offering full-service relaxation. • Explore our vibrant Marketplace with restaurants, jewelry, clothing shops, live music, and a kid-friendly arcade with mini-bowling. • Ideal for group events and weddings! www.hotel-metropole.com • 205 Crescent Ave. Avalon, CA 90704 • P. 800-541-8528 Shop. Eat. Play... JAZZ MINDI ABAIR MARION MEADOWS KEIKO MATSUI BRIAN SIMPSON & STEVE OLIVER VINCENT INGALA NORMAN BROWN BPM WITH BRIAN BROMBERG, PAUL BROWN & MICHAEL PAULO SPYRO GYRA TERRY STEELE “SINGS LUTHER” GERALD ALBRIGHT JEFF RYAN PEABO BRYSON ANDREA LISA THE HIROSHIMA TRIO BOB JAMES RONNIE LAWS ROMAN STREET DAMIEN ESCOBAR ERIC DARIUS RANDAL CLARK JOHNNY BRITT ERIN STEVENSON C NOW ON S E • BALLROOM ‘FULL WEEKEND SERIES’ •SINGLE DAY* *late boats after final performance Sat. & Sun. only • THURSDAYS OUTDOORS ON BEACH UNDER THE STARS ORDER TICKETS ON-LINE, SEE FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE, LINKS FOR BOATS, HOTELS, AIR BNB & VRBO RENTAL HOUSES WWW.JAZZTRAX.COM 26 MILES ACROSS THE SEA .. HIGH UP IN THE HISTORIC 1929 AVALON BALLROOM INSIDE THE WRIGLEY CASINO JA FS ¡l 38TH ANNUAL CATALINA ISLAND OPENING WEEKEND OCT. 9 12 CLOSING WEEKEND OCT. 16 19
16 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS By Ken Capobianco Esteemed guitarist-composer-producer Peter White celebrated his 50th anniversary in the music business and his 70th birthday last year. In an industry obsessed with the newest, fastest and shiniest distraction, these major milestones put him in rare company in pop music. White PETER A caravan of finely crafted songs on the recently released Light of Day is a journey led by a wise guitarist at his peak Photo: Lori Stoll
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 | 17 e guitarist, best known for his graceful acoustic guitar stylings and expert composing skills, started his career in 1974 as a sideman for folk-rock veteran Al Stewart and released his rst solo album in 1990. To loosely paraphrase the Grateful Dead, it’s been a long, wondrous trip for White. “I guess this means I’m a (expletive) survivor,” the musician, who has been adopted by smooth jazz audiences worldwide and found success beyond his imagination, said with a laugh. Speaking from his home a er returning from two weeks on the Dave Koz and Friends at Sea full-ship charters to northern Europe, he added: “I’m extremely lucky that I was able to forge my own path, but it’s been a slow process. I’m thrilled to keep making music, and I think I’m making the best music of my life and playing the best shows. “I’m playing a lot of them. I just got o two weeks on Dave’s cruise, which was great, and I got to play a show with Boney James, which is always a big thrill because he’s such a great artist. “So, I get to play the music I choose with the musicians I’ve chosen. I’m the luckiest guy alive.” e genial, witty White is a wonderful storyteller in conversation, and he has a deep knowledge of music composition, pop music history and contemporary artists. He dropped numerous references to e Beatles, who had a profound in uence on his melodic style. To make abstract musical concepts concrete, he sang melodies and ri s while explaining how songs were composed. Talking to him is a small tutorial in music as art. In February, he put out the transportive album Light of Day, which is one of his nest e orts. It’s a de mix of ambitious songs and more popleaning jazz. As always with White, since he emerged on the instrumental music scene as a solo artist with Réveillez-Vous in 1990, it’s a song-based album with ambitious compositions such as the epic, eight-minute “Odyssey” and the gently evocative ballads “Enchanted” and “I Love You Still.” White recruited his friends Rick Braun, Vincent Ingala and saxophonist Ernie Watts to help him. His playing is spirited and as dexterous as always, and the album emerges as a coherent song cycle about moving forward to nd solace. “I wanted the album to have musical continuity from track one to track 10, and I worked it out a long time ago,” White revealed. “It didn’t come together at the end of the process, as usual. I knew how the songs t together, and I wanted to tell a story by taking the listener on a journey. A lot of modern music is about repetition— maybe because of computers. Sometimes, they are made by computers. I wanted to avoid that. “I think writing a good song is the balance between something unexpected and something repetitive. ere’s always going to be repetition with a chorus, but I think you can go too far in that direction. I wanted a certain element of surprise on this album, so the listener will think, ‘OK, I didn’t expect that’ as they go on the musical journey.” He thought for a moment and continued with one of his numerous digressions into pop history. “Sometimes in making this, I thought about my favorite album from the past that mixed repetition and surprise—Sgt. Pepper’s (Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band) from The Beatles. There were times in creating when I thought, ‘What would The Beatles do here?’ Not that I’m comparing myself to The Beatles, but I made the record for the people who listen to albums from the beginning to the end and would appreciate the surprises and journey.” The opening track, “Catalonia,” takes listeners to Spain with its sweeping, romantic soundscapes that Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem would appreciate. “ e rst time I was ever in Barcelona was when I was playing with Al Stewart back in 1985 or so, and I had a free day where I walked around the city, going to the zoo and other destinations. at was the inspiration for the song. You hear the sights and sounds of Barcelona, which is in Catalonia, in the song. I’ve been to Barcelona many times since. at rst time stuck with me.” this, I favorite album continued on page 18 “So, I get to play the music I choose with the musicians I’ve chosen. I’m the luckiest guy alive.” Photo: Lori Stoll
18 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS e curveball on the record, the complex musical exploration, “Odyssey,” nds White at his peak. Originally written for his last album, Music for STARLUX Airlines, commissioned by STARLUX, was rejected by the airline because it was not predictable and soothing enough. “ is song was a bit unsettling—like life. Remember, an odyssey is an unpredictable journey with ups and downs and twists,” White explained. “A lot of smooth jazz is about ‘Everything is going to be OK,’ and that’s ne. People like that, but life o en works out di erently. ere has to be music for when life doesn’t turn out all well. Ask yourself this: Why do people listen to sad songs? Well, if you are sad, you want to know that there are people out there who feel your sadness. You get comforted by knowing you are not alone with your sadness.” e millions of people who swear by the music of Billie Holiday and e Smiths can attest to White’s theory. e guitarist looked back on his career with clear-eyed wisdom. He’s become a popular smooth jazz star, which wasn’t how he planned his career when he started by co-writing Al Stewart’s 1980s pop hit, “Time Passages,” and playing on Stewart’s hugely popular album, Year of the Cat. “When I started in the music business in 1974, I had no intention to be an artist,” White remembered. “I wasn’t trying to make myself heard over other artists. I just wanted to be a guy in the band. I didn’t have that burden of trying to prove myself as an artist. “It didn’t even dawn on me to make instrumental music until I was 33. Consider that Vincent Ingala is 32, and he has recorded seven albums,” he laughed. “I de nitely started late. I made a conscious decision to branch out.” He said that he had an epiphany when he was still acting as bandleader, musician and producer with Stewart. “One year, I heard a song by Al on e WAVE in Los Angeles—‘Ghostly Horses of the Plains’ from his Last Days of the Century album. It is an instrumental, and e WAVE picked it up. And the DJ said, ‘ at was Al Stewart.’ I was thinking, ‘No, that’s me,’ and it dawned on me that they are playing a song on which I’m the artist—I’m playing the melody. “I thought, what do I have to do to make sure people know who I am instead of just the guy playing on someone’s track? I had to make a CD and put my name on it. At the time, to get on the radio, you had to be jazz, easy listening or Muzak, but there was very little contemporary jazz—only Chuck Mangione and Kenny G, but that wasn’t my lane. I had to nd my own way, and I did.” Even though he’s a young 70-year-old— rigorously touring and recording some of his best music— White understands that despite the otherworldly endurance of Buddy Guy, e Rolling Stones and other musicians defying Father Time, he can’t do this forever. But he’s going to try. “People ask me when I am going to retire, and I say, ‘I’m already retired because I’m doing what I love,’” White said. “Mick Jagger keeps popular planned and song by Al by Al on Last Days of the Century album. and e WAVE picked it up. was Al Stewart.’ I was thinking, and it dawned on me that song on which I’m the artist—I’m “I thought, what do I have make sure people know who know who of just the guy playing on someone’s I had to make a CD and put my it. At the time, to get on the radio, to be jazz, easy listening easy listening or there was very little very little contemporary Mangione and but that wasn’t I had to nd Even though and recording that despite endurance of Guy, e Rolling defying Father can’t do this forever. “People ask going to retire, already retired doing what said. “Mick “I wanted a certain element of surprise on this album, so the listener will think, 'OK, I didn’t expect that’ as they go on the musical journey.” continued from page 17 Photo: Lori Stoll
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 | 19 Sept. 20 Gulf Coast Jazz Festival Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center Pensacola, Florida www.gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com Sept. 29-Oct. 6 Amsterdam Smooth Jazz Festival: River Cruise Edition Sailing the waterways of Holland and Belgium Aboard the ms Amadeus Brilliant www.smoothjazzeurope.eu Nov. 8 Jazz Legacy Foundation 13th Annual Gala Weekend Saturday Night of Elegance (Jazz Attack with Richard Elliot and Rick Braun) Hampton Roads Convention Center Hampton, Virginia www.jazzlegacyfoundation.org Dec. 14 A Peter White Christmas featuring Mindi Abair and Vincent Ingala Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs Altamonte Springs, Florida www.floridasmoothjazz.com Dec. 30-31 Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando Orlando, Florida www.floridasmoothjazz.com April 30-May 3, 2026 Daytona Jazz Weekend, hosted by Peter White The Daytona, Autograph Collection Daytona Beach, Florida www.floridasmoothjazz.com Dec. 9-16, 2026 Rick Braun’s Christmas Market River Cruise 2026 Sailing the waterways from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland Aboard AmaWaterways AmaPrima www.rickbraun.com/christmasmarket On To pushing the bar, doesn’t he? We thought it was going to be over when he turned 40. Now he’s 80. How can this t into any perspective when Mick is 10 years older than me, and he’s still out there shaking his ass,” he laughed. “I don’t know if I can be an exception like him, but I’m going to keep going until it doesn’t make sense or people start telling me it’s time to retire.” Despite spending many hours on the road and in the studio, White maintains a busy life with his wife, Robin Pao, and their daughter, Charlotte, and doing the things he enjoys. He said that he’s a voracious reader and enjoys playing soccer in the park with his friends near his home in the Los Angeles area. The erudite Stewart, White’s lifetime friend who gained fame for his historical and literary-influenced pop, clearly rubbed off on the thoughtful and wise White. “I was at Paul Brown’s house once—he’s a friend and produced many of my albums—and his wife, Jackie, once said this to me, ‘You never went to college, but you seem so learned,’” White said, breaking out laughing. “Well, I’m very curious about life and interested in learning. I’m on Wikipedia 10 times a day. at’s one of my hobbies. I’m interested in nding out what happened to people. Before the internet, we couldn’t get those answers. “And I love to read musician biographies. I’m reading a biography of Paul McCartney called ‘ e McCartney Legacy,’ and it’s chockfull of information.” He is nding happiness in the quotidian things in life, which many of us overlook or neglect. “My daughter is 24—she graduated from college a couple of years ago—and I’m going to get sushi with her tonight. She was on the Dave Koz cruise with me. I love having these times with her.” He added that last year he had a special reunion that helped put life in perspective and remind him of the things that matter. “I went to New Zealand and played with my sister’s band for fun. We hadn’t played together in 60 years, when we were kids. We played in a little folk club. She plays the ukulele and tin whistle. It was special. A lady came up to me and said, ‘Are you in a band? You’re pretty good,’” he said, chuckling again. “And I just said, ‘No, I’m just Michelle’s brother.’ When you get down to basics, that’s why I’m enjoying life. It can be so joyful.” For more information on White, including his complete tour schedule, visit www.peterwhite.com. “People ask me when I am going to retire, and I say, ‘I’m already retired because I’m doing what I love.’”
20 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land, Texas, www.davekoz.com 2 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 1st Ave., Dallas, Texas, www.davekoz.com Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring e 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). is ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & 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. An Evening of Jazz: Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Peter White, 7pm, Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton, Georgia, www.rickbraun.com Mindi Abair, Pre-Show Wine & Jazz Tasting, 4pm; shows at 6:30 & 9pm, Blue Note Napa, 1030 Main St., Napa, California, www.mindiabair.com 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) Chris Standring, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 3 Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series featuring Family Style, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). is ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & 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. Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor, AUGUST 1 Louisville Jazz Festival featuring Najee, Brian Simpson, Victor Wooten & e Wooten Brothers, 7pm, Iroquois Amphitheater, 1080 Amphitheater Road, Louisville, Kentucky, https://iroquoisamphitheater.com, 502-368-5865 Mindi Abair, Pre-Show Wine & Jazz Tasting, 4pm; shows at 6:30 & 9pm, Blue Note Napa, 1030 Main St., Napa, California, www.mindiabair.com 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) CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS Marcel Anderson & special guest Peter White, 7:30pm, e Majestic eatre, 224 E. Houston St., San Antonio, Texas, www.davekoz.com Andréa Lisa’s Birthday Bash with special guests, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series presents the Smooth Jazz AllStars, bene ting Michelle’s Place, featuring Darryl Walker, Je Ryan, Brian Simpson, Yuko Mabuchi, Patrick Lamb, Darryl Williams & special guests, 6pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 844-841-1406 6 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St., Morristown, New Jersey, www.davekoz.com, 973-539-8008 7 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, MaxxMusic at e Amp Ballantyne, 11115 Upper Ave., Charlotte, North Carolina, www.davekoz.com Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Alex Mendham & His Orchestra, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate ight (for those aged 21 & over) are an additional $30. Limited seating is available in a reserved section for an additional fee. For more information, visit www.foapom. com/events-mmm/art-jazz-winechocolate or call 800-487-3378.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 | 21 DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 8 Patrick Lamb, 7pm, e Velvet Note Acoustic Living Room, 4075 Old Milton Pkwy., Alpharetta, Georgia, www.patricklamb.com, 855-583-5838 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St., Lexington, Kentucky, www.davekoz.com 9 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor, Marcel Anderson & opening special guest Peter White, 8pm, Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering, Ohio, https://fraze.com, 937-296-3300 Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Brian Simpson, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon continued on page 22 Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). is ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & 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. Quintin Gerard W. & Rebecca Jade with special guest LEMEK, 7:30pm, LEX Smooth Jazz Concert Series, Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington/ UK Coldstream, 1801 Newtown Pike, Lexington, Kentucky, www.aa nc.com ornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series featuring Najee & Adam Hawley, 7pm, ornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099 Brass A Blazin’ featuring Michael Cates, Tatiana Tate & Kim Waters, 7pm, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Fred Kavli eatre, 2100 E. ousand Oaks Blvd., ousand Oaks, California, https://bapacthousandoaks.com/ show-details/brass-a-blazin, 805-449-2787 10 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson; plus opening special guest Peter White, 7:30pm, e Factory, 17105 N. Outer 40 Road, Chester eld, Missouri, www.davekoz.com Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series featuring Lady Parts with Lia Booth, Crystal Lewis & 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). is ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & 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. Terry Steele presents e Divas: A Tribute to the Divas of Music, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 11 LEMEK presents the “Boundless” Release Party, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 12 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 13 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 14 Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Billy
22 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Valentine, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of Arts admission. Wine & chocolate ight (for those aged 21 & over) are an additional $30. Limited seating is available in a reserved section for an additional fee. For more information, visit www.foapom. com/events-mmm/art-jazz-winechocolate or call 800-487-3378. Patrick Lamb, 6:30pm, Soul Mama, Gantry Hotel, London, Great Britain, www.patricklamb.com DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 15 Patrick Lamb, 9pm, Soul Mama, Gantry Hotel, London, Great Britain, www.patricklamb.com Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, e Meritage Resort & Spa, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.davekoz.com Najee, 8pm, Aliante Casino+ Hotel+Spa, 7300 N. Aliante Pkwy., N. Las Vegas, Nevada, https://aliante.boydgaming.com, www.najeeo cial.com Erin Stevenson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 16 Najee, 8pm, Aliante Casino+ Hotel+Spa, 7300 N. Aliante Pkwy., N. Las Vegas, Nevada, https://aliante.boydgaming.com, www.najeeo cial.com Justin Klunk featuring special guest Mia Asano, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Stockbridge Jazz Festival, hosted by Tommy Davidson, featuring Norman Brown, Karen Briggs, Eric Darius, Keiko Matsui, Jennifer Holliday, gates open at 4pm, show starts at 6pm, VyStar Amphitheater at e Bridge, 4650 N. Henry Blvd., Stockbridge, Georgia, www.vystaramphitheater.com ornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series presents Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7pm, ornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099 17 Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series featuring the Derek Bordeaux Motown Tribute, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). is ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & 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. Sway Collective Tribute to Frank Sinatra & Friends featuring DamonReel, 3:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Dave Koz Cruise presents Adam Hawley, 7:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Stockbridge Jazz Festival, hosted by Tommy Davidson, featuring David Benoit, Jazz Funk Soul (Je Lorber, Everette Harp & Paul Jackson Jr.), the Special EFX All-Stars, Chandra Currelley, Sonny Emory, gates open at 4pm, show starts at 6pm, VyStar Amphitheater at e Bridge, 4650 N. Henry Blvd., Stockbridge, Georgia, www.vystaramphitheater.com Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series featuring Tom Braxton, Rebecca Jade & Andréa Lisa, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 844-841-1406 ornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series presents Dave Koz & Friends continued from page 21
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2025 | 23 continued on page 24 Arts admission. Wine & chocolate ight (for those aged 21 & over) are an additional $30. Limited seating is available in a reserved section for an additional fee. For more information, visit www.foapom.com/eventsmmm/art-jazz-wine-chocolate or call 800-487-3378. Patrick Lamb, 8 & 10pm, e Baked Potato Jazz Club, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd., Studio City, Los Angeles, California, www.patricklamb.com, 818-980-1615 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center at Yavapai College, 1100 E. Sheldon St., Prescott, Arizona, www.davekoz. com, 877-928-4253 DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 22 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, Golden State eatre, 417 Alvarado St., Monterey, California, www.davekoz.com 23 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7:30pm, e Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga, California, www.mountainwinery.com, 408-741-2822 ornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series featuring Mindi Abair & BPM (Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown & Michael Paulo), 7pm, ornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099 24 22nd Annual Gardena Jazz Festival featuring Avery*Sunshine, Arturo Sandoval, Durti-Ryce . Deron, Tatiana Tate, the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center Jazz Band, e Inner-City Youth of Los Angeles Ensemble, gates open at 9am, show begins at 11am, Rowley Park, 13220 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena, California, www.gardenajazzfestival.com, 310-217-9537 Festival of Arts Soulful Sundays Music Series featuring Terrell Edwards “ e Unforgettable Show,”5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). is ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show & 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. Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, 6 & 8:30pm, 2nd Floor Gastown, 300 Water St., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, www.waterstreetcafe.ca/2nd- oor-gastown, 604-689-2832 25 Music Monday featuring Poncho Sanchez, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old HSBRESORT.COM 14 TEXAS WINERIES 3 CELEBRITY CHEFS 20TH ANNUAL WINE • DINE • JAZZ F E S T I VA L AT HORSESHOE BAY RESORT Located 45 Minutes West of Austin, Texas GO WHERE THE MUSICTAKES YOU A Jazz Event Worth the Journey NOVEMBER 7 & 8 Rebecca Jade | Gregg Karukas | Monte Seward | Ilya Serov BPM Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown, & Michael Paulo Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 7pm, ornton Winery, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099 18 Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2025: e Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Je Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor & Marcel Anderson, 8pm, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, 948 Incline Way, Incline Village, Nevada, www.davekoz.com Music Monday featuring Eric Marienthal & special guest Marcus Miller, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 21 Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Ra a omas, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Concerts are free with purchase of Festival of
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