When a shared playlist becomes a shared life How smooth jazz fans become friends, patrons and family EVAN TAYLOR A breakout year for the young trumpeter ISSUE NO. 220 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 BOOKS tracks a musical mission beyond the charts How to get there and where to stay ANNUAL Catalina Island Travel Planning Guide Travel When becomes tracks beyond breakout A breakout
www.davekoz.com 2 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS
www.pacificsouljazzfestival.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | 3
4 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS www.lagunafestivalofarts.org
www.floridasmoothjazz.com www.floridasmoothjazz.com www.floridasmoothjazz.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | 5 BRIAN CULBERTSON • MARCUS MILLER’S TRIBUTE TO DAVID SANBORN BOB JAMES • GERALD ALBRIGHT • ERIC DARIUS • ERIC MARIENTHAL RNR RICK BRAUN & RICHARD ELLIOT • PETER WHITE & VINCENT INGALA WILL DOWNING • BRIAN SIMPSON & KIM SCOTT BK JACKSON, ERIN STEVENSON & LEMEK feat The Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend Hosted by ERIC DARIUS Hosted by ERIC DARIUS Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront nov 5-8, 2026 FloridaSmoothJazz.com Presented & Produced by The Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation starring BRIAN CULBERTSON SANBORN BOB JAMES MARIENTHAL RNR RICK INGALA RICK The Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend Jazz Weekend Hosted y ERIC DARIUS Hosted HHoHosstteedd by dby Hosted by ERIC yEEERERIICC DARIUS CDDDAADARARARIIUUSS ERIC DARIUS ERIC DARIUS ҁ ӹ 6 ųųŽŽǝǝ ҁҁԛԛ҄ nov 5-8, 2026҄6 ӹӹ 2200226 Presented & Produced & Produced by g ssttaarrrriinng CULBERTSON • MARCUS MILLER’S MILLER’S TRIBUTE TO DAVID SANBORN JAMES • GERALD ALBRIGHT • ERIC DARIUS • ERIC MARIENTHAL RICK BRAUN & RICHARD ELLIOT • PETER WHITE & VINCENT INGALA WILL DOWNING • BRIAN SIMPSON SIMPSON & KIM SCOTT BK JACKSON, ERIN STEVENSON STEVENSON & LEMEK RICK BRAUN PLAYS CHUCK MANGIONE • KEIKO MATSUI PETER WHITE & VINCENT INGALA • PAUL TAYLOR RANDY JACOBS & JENNY LANGER EVAN TAYLOR & KYLE SCHROEDER JULIAN VAUGHN, NICHOLAS COLE & ADRIAN CRUTCHFIELD W/ SHOWCASE TAYLOR April 29 - May 2, 2027 at FloridaSmoothJazz.com featuring JEFFREY OSBORNE hostedby PETERWHITE Presented & Produced by The Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation R K R KO SU P RWHI OR R EVAN J & RICKBRAUN KEIKO MATSUI MATSUI PETER WHITE WHITE TAYLOR RANDY JACOBS EVAN TAYLOR JULIAN VAUGHN, VAUGHN, & ADRIAN CRUTCHFIELD W/ SHOWCASE TAYLOR SHOWCASE TAYLOR SmoothJ łłełeÿÿÿttǀǀƣƣŏŏŲŲŃŃ ŏ t ŏ ǀ ŏƣ tǀ ŏ ŃŲ ddEEEFFFFFFFRRFRFREE n rooddu iddaaSSmmooo S K O K ITE& C G U TE& C & R OR&K RO R O O BRAUN PLAYS CHUCK MANGIONE MANGIONE E CHUCK MANGIONE • KEIKO WHITE & VINCENT & VINCENT INGALA INGALA VINCENT INGALA • PAUL TAYLOR JACOBS & JENNY & JENNY LANGER JENNY LANGER TAYLOR & KYLE SCHROEDER KYLE SCHROEDER VAUGHN, NICHOLAS NICHOLAS COLE Eæææ®®® RRRtttEE ® R R æ
6 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Publisher and Managing Editor Melanie Maxwell Operations & Distribution Manager Craig Collier Contributors Ken Capobianco Cashmira Copy Editors JoAnn Armke Barbara Knox Brad Sondak Graphic Design M.Kay Design Contributing Photographers Cover photo: Dan Boissy Pat Benter Dan Boissy Jessica Dee Harper Hardwick Surej Kalathil, Sunman Media Group Smooth Jazz News 4203 Genesee Ave. Ste 103-414 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 The soundtrack of friendship: How Kathy Payne and Marilyn Lingenfelter James turned a shared love of smooth jazz into lifelong friendship, philanthropy and family 11 DISCover New Music Showcasing the latest releases from independent smooth jazz artists 12 Evan Taylor The Summer Horns tour, a snappy debut album and boosts from Dave Koz and Adam Hawley herald a career breakthrough for this trumpeter 14 Catalina Island Travel Planning Guide First time to Catalina? Start here. 16 Adam Hawley The guitar virtuoso packs his calendar with composing Billboard radio hits, producing, CONTENTS touring, teaching college classes and playing in his church band 20 Calendar of smooth jazz events Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide 27 Smooth Jazz News subscription Receive five print issues of Smooth Jazz News in your mailbox 28 Book Review “The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook: A Hot-Mess Guide for Women in Perimenopause, Menopause, and Beyond Who Are Over It,” by Melani Sanders 29 Cashmira’s Starguide Summer horoscopes 31 Smooth Jazz News merchandise Stay festival-ready with our gear SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS 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.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | 7
8 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Payne and James first met nearly two decades ago while attending a smooth jazz concert at Wilson Creek Winery with their husbands. “We hit it off right away, and traveled well together,” James said. “We became part of their family, which was great since we had none. We attended Payne family events and holiday celebrations, jazz cruises and concerts. Kathy’s mom, Joan’s, birthday was one day from mine, and we always celebrated together.” As I listened to Payne and James reminisce, I reflected on my own friendships with both women and the unexpected connections we’ve discovered over the years. Although Payne and I first met through smooth jazz, we later discovered that we had both grown up in the same Navy housing community in the Pacific Beach area of San Diego and attended the same schools, albeit at different times (she’s younger). We also realized that all three of us shared another connection beyond music: we were raised in military families—while my and Payne’s fathers served in the U.S. Navy, James’ father retired from the U.S. Army. Payne and James not only celebrated happy times together, but also supported each other through profound losses. James lost her There are certain questions I often get asked as publisher of Smooth Jazz News. Who’s my favorite artist? Which festivals should I attend? What cruise should I take? How do I discover new music? Outside the smooth jazz community, however, the question I hear most often is: What exactly is smooth jazz? After all these years, I’ve come to believe the answer has less to do with the music itself than with what it creates: community, friendship and a genuine willingness to show up for one another. I was reminded of this recently when I attended an intimate gathering hosted by longtime smooth jazz supporters Kathy Payne and Marilyn Lingenfelter James. The catered event was held at Payne’s lovely Temecula, California, home and included unplugged performances by saxophonists Marcus Anderson and Michael Paulo, plus drummer Arthur Thompson. There was also an advance screening of the new documentary “Smooth World,” featuring the legendary Dave Koz, multi-instrumentalist Vincent Ingala and others. As the evening unfolded, I became increasingly aware that the real story of the night was the network of friendships and shared experiences that had brought everyone together. The generosity, friendship and connection that make smooth jazz unique Marilyn Lingenfelter James and Kathy Payne introducing the evening Mia Torrales getting ready to serve tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches to guests Kathy Payne, Marilyn Lingenfelter James and her husband, Rick Phetteplace Arthur Thompson Photos: Pat Benter friendship make Kathy Payne, Marilyn Lingenfelter her husband, Rick
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | 9 planning to redeem an in-home concert promised to them after supporting one of Anderson’s recording projects. “Marcus mentioned that he would be available after the Summer Horns tour and prior to his appearance at Spaghettini’s 38th Anniversary Celebration, the best date being June 24,” Payne said. “I believe it was no coincidence, and the stars were aligned.” It was also an example of the extraordinary level of support that some fans provide to this genre and its artists. Many fans purchase CDs, attend concerts and stream music. Others go much further, quietly investing their time, resources and hearts into helping artists and events succeed. When I asked Payne why she does it, her answer didn’t surprise me. “I love the joy the music brings to so many, as it does for me. And if I can make just one person’s day when perhaps they may be going through something, it fills my heart,” she said. “We need live music, especially in today’s climate, to bring us together in love. “As for the artists, they are like my little chicks. If I can help them in any way to break out of their shells, fly the nest on their own and see their dreams come true, that, too, fills my heart with such pride and joy.” James and her husband, Rick Phetteplace, who are also among the genre’s most devoted patrons, share a similar philosophy. “We like to help out artists playing all types of instruments on a variety of their musically related endeavors. Recognition is not important to us, but seeing artists succeed in this competitive musical environment is,” James said. father in 2017. Payne’s husband, Willie, with whom she built Payne Pest Management, passed away just a few months after the death of her mother in 2020. I was at James’ father’s funeral, but sadly, I was unable to attend Payne’s family services because they occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those experiences reinforced something I’ve witnessed repeatedly over the years: the friendships formed through this music often become some of the deepest and most enduring relationships in our lives. Their bond is hardly unique within the smooth jazz community. In fact, it’s one of the genre’s defining characteristics. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard people say they attended a concert alone and left with lifelong friends. Perhaps that’s what makes smooth jazz so different from many other musical genres. The lines between artists and audiences often blur. Fans become patrons. Patrons become friends. Friends become family. This gathering was a perfect illustration of those overlapping relationships. It was also one of those seemingly improbable chain of events that smooth jazz fans often describe as fate. Payne and James had each been approached independently about hosting the film screening, preferably in June. At the same time, they were Jeannette Estes (far left in pink dress), Patricia Flowers, Juli Bloxham, Marilyn Washington and Kelly Cole Art Good, Arthur Thompson, Kathy Payne and Marcus Anderson Carol Murphy and Kathy Payne Michael Paulo serenading party guests Dessert and appetizer spread “I love the And if I can may be going “We need us together “As help nest too, also instruments endeavors. seeing environment number concert Carol guests continued on page 10
10 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS The food (I especially loved the tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches and the spicy goat cheese spread on baguette slices), beverages, service and overall ambiance beautifully complemented the music and wine country setting. Catching up with JazzTrax producer Art Good and Kelly Cole, host of “The Quiet Storm” radio show on San Diego’s Magic 92.5, mingling with old friends and chatting with Payne, James, Anderson, Thompson, Terri Paulo and others in such a festive environment was such a treat. When I asked Payne what motivates her generosity toward these clearly costly endeavors, one response stood out: “It may not be the best business practice, but I think I get more out of it personally than anyone else. I know that I am blessed to be a blessing to others, and God will always provide for my needs in the end; He knows my heart. I have been able to, hopefully, spread love and make some amazing lifelong friendships, knowing that we can always count on each other to be there for one another.” In a world where so many people report feeling lonely and disconnected, there is something profoundly meaningful about a community built around shared experiences, generosity and human connection. Yes, we gather for the music. But after all these years of publishing this magazine and traveling to concerts, festivals and cruises across the country and internationally, I’ve come to believe that what keeps us coming back is one another. *More about the “Mermaid Crew” in the October-NovemberDecember issue of Smooth Jazz News. As you can imagine, Payne and James have amassed such a large extended family within the smooth jazz community that narrowing the guest list down to just 100 people proved difficult. “Marilyn and I split the list, but we agreed that since the event was at my home on a weeknight we would focus mainly on guests who were in proximity to the area,” Payne said. “Although we did have a few guests that flew in from all over the country to be at the event, namely my ‘TexaCaliFlo’ crew (aka *‘Mermaid Crew’): Jeannette Estes from Lakeland, Florida; Patricia Flowers from Houston, Texas; Marilyn Washington from Orlando, Florida; and Juli Bloxham, from Rupon, California; we were missing the sixth member of the crew, Karen Bobo of Houston, Texas. But we will all be together again at Marcus Anderson’s Jazz AND Coffee Escape (MAJACE) in late July.” Having attended several concerts and other gatherings at James’ downtown San Diego high-rise condominium theater over the years, I wondered why they didn’t choose to have the event there, especially since so many of their friends live in San Diego. “Our condominium’s public areas are being remodeled, and Kathy has the ideal home for entertaining large groups in her beautifully landscaped outdoor area,” James said. And Payne’s daughter-in-law, Misty, an experienced event planner, offered to organize the gathering. “Misty has always been an amazing planner. She was the senior event planner at the Nike Corporation in Beaverton, Oregon, working at the Tiger Woods Center,” Payne explained. “She handled everything for me on this project, from setting the scene and schematic, renting the tables, linens, enlisting the servers, bartender, catering (Wine Country Catering) and personally creating the stunning ‘grazing table’ in my wine bistro area herself.” continued from page 9 Katherine Runkle Marcus Anderson serenading Terri Paulo Art Good chatting with Marcus Anderson the music and with JazzTrax host of “The Diego’s Magic and chatting Thompson, a her endeavors, may agreed that since that since the event focus mainly area,” guests at the Patricia Flowers, Juli Bloxham and Marilyn Washington Photos: Pat Benter
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | 11 Advertisement: To inquire about placement, call 858-541-1919 or email smoothjazzads@aol.com. MICHAEL CATES •“VIBES” SINGLE (Sonic Redoubt Entertainment) Saxophonist Michael Cates’ latest release, “Vibes,” on Sonic Redoubt Entertainment, is available now on all streaming platforms. “Vibes” is that feeling you get sailing into the perfect sunset or reminiscing with old friends. It’s a song for everyone, every mood and every moment. AVAILABLE AT: www.amazon.com, https://music.apple.com and all digital service providers. WEBSITE: https://michaelcates.com ROB ZINN •“PILLOW TALK” FEATURING PAUL BROWN SINGLE (Rob Zinn Music) “Pillow Talk,” featuring Paul Brown, captures those quiet, intimate moments shared with the one you love. It's a musical expression of deep connection—when the world fades away and nothing else matters but the two of you. Free from distractions, worries and responsibilities, the song reflects the warmth, comfort and closeness of simply being together, enjoying a peaceful and heartfelt moment that speaks louder than words. AVAILABLE AT: iTunes, www.Amazon.com, www.spotify.com, www.Pandora.com, https://tidal.com, www.deezer.com and most digital platforms. WEBSITE: www.robzinn.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 Anniversary Party show on Aug. 24 at Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California. “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.lemekmusic.com MISZ THE GROOVE PRODUCER •MR. JAMES (Solid Groove Recordings) Indulge in a sophisticated blend of smooth jazz and soulful piano grooves designed for your finest moments of downtime. Combining legendary sounds with cool, funky rhythms, this album delivers the ultimate soundtrack for relaxing, enjoying your favorite drink, or setting a quiet-time vibe. Let the grooves carry you away into pure relaxation. AVAILABLE AT: iTunes, www.amazon.com, www.grooveproducer.com WEBSITE: www.grooveproducer.com BLAKE AARON •“ENDLESS WEEKEND” SINGLE (Innervision Records) Called “a genius on guitar” by the Los Angeles Times, with “Endless Weekend,” Blake Aaron turns a cold February daydream into a sun-drenched, high-energy, passionate summer getaway. An instantly catchy contemporary jazz-R&B-pop instrumental filled with adventure, rhythm and endless possibility. Known for his nine Billboard No. 1 hits and soulful guitar-driven sound, Aaron delivers a lush, radio-ready dance groove that feels like a permanent vacation. AVAILABLE AT: iTunes, www.amazon.com, www.spotify.com, https://music.apple.com, https://sym.ffm.to/endlessweekend WEBSITE: www.blakeaaron.com
12 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS By Ken Capobianco If luck in the music business means talent and preparation finally meeting opportunity, trumpeter Evan Taylor is one of the luckiest men in jazz right now. The 29-year-old budding star is breaking out as one of the brightest young musicians in pop after Dave Koz tapped him to play on his U.S. and international Summer Horns tours over the past two years. It was just the break the Michigan native needed to bring his silky brand of R&B-inspired smooth jazz to audiences worldwide. Now, Taylor has released his first album, Exactly This, on Adam Hawley’s MBF Entertainment label and made the leap to playing jazz festivals with his own band. Not bad for the young musician who was in the shadows, backing Gloria Estefan and Frankie Valli just a short time ago. “It’s been a wild couple of years, and I’ve grown so much—sometimes, it doesn’t feel real, but I’m so grateful for everything,” said the polite, engaging Taylor during a recent phone interview. “I feel like I’m beginning a new step in my career, andExactly This is about who I am now.” Thanks to the guidance of producer and co-songwriter Hawley, Taylor has crafted a gracefully sleek contemporary jazz record that leans heavily toward R&B. The album features Koz, who appears on the breakout single “Skate On,” saxophonists Richard Elliot and Phil Denny, and keyboardist Oli Silk. It’s a sophisticated album, demonstrating Taylor’s wisdom and style far beyond his years. “It’s been a blessing working with Adam, especially on this album, because he’s been helping me navigate some things and find my voice in smooth jazz and contemporary jazz,” Taylor said about creating Exactly This. “I’ve always been a fan of Roy Hargrove and music in that vein and hip-hop and R&B, so when I was thinking about the title track to this album, Roy’s influence pierced through and became a major influence on the sound.” Some of Taylor’s major influences are the hip-hop and neo-soul sounds of the late 1990s and early 2000s, when D’Angelo, Bilal, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott were reshaping the R&B landscape. He said he was inspired to make a fluid R&Binfluenced album that transcended narrow genre definitions. His method of songwriting is unique, as he tries to “sing or rap” through his trumpet in the style of some of the vocalists and masters of ceremonies he admires. He frequently dipped into discussions of the phrasings of Luther Vandross and some of rap’s most inspired wordsmiths. “With every song that I write, I try to come up with lyrics to the notes that I play because it creates a more captivating melody, and I’m a huge fan of artists like Anita Baker and contemporary R&B singers. Steps into the spotlight Photos: Jessica Dee international Summer Horns needed to bring jazz to audiences first album, Entertainment label and his in the Frankie find my voice in smooth jazz “I’ve always been a fan vein and hip-hop and title track to this album, and became a major Some of Taylor’s and neo-soul 2000s, when Jill Scott were said he influenced
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | 13 “I was so nervous because I was the young buck. You had Jeff Bradshaw, who has played with everyone from Mary J. Blige to Jill Scott and beyond, and then Marcus Anderson and Leo P and Dave,” he remembered. “Imagine me, who’s just a kid, and there was my name on all the posters and advertising. I was overwhelmed by it, so I practiced seven hours a day with the recordings they sent me. I had to overdeliver. And they invited me back to do the international tour this year. Two years with Dave have helped me grow and changed my life.” Taylor intends to build on what he has done with new music and extensive touring, while finishing his education and making a name for himself in the industry. “Now I have my own band in Indianapolis, working on my own projects, and I’m playing all different festivals, so it’s very different. I have so much more confidence now, and I know being a musician is such a gift. “You learn that relationships are the most important thing in life—in business but also your personal life— because having people you can rely on and people who can rely on you is so important. When you go through things, you have to have people who have your back. You can’t do life on your own.” Taylor understands that he’s doing much more than merely playing the trumpet. He’s the conduit to something bigger, and part of his job is to bring light to a world that can often tilt toward darkness. “We are here to touch people— that’s our job as artists. We lift them up and give them joy and hope. It’s such a wonderful responsibility to make them feel good about life and create something beautiful. I’m very lucky to have that opportunity,” he concluded. I love hip-hop, so on the title track, I’m trying to rap through my trumpet, but I’m usually trying to sing—that’s how I create melodies.” Taylor said that even though he comes to smooth jazz from a more contemporary pop, R&B and hip-hop background, he’s making an effortless transition and understanding more about what types of music he’s capable of creating. “What I’ve learned from the mentors in the game, like Rick Braun or Dave Koz and Kirk Whalum, is that what I’m doing now is adding a different element to my game, so I think it’s really cool, and people love it,” said Taylor, who earned a master’s degree in jazz from the University of Utah in 2020. “There’s part of me that loves to burn by playing fusion and go to sessions and play all the notes, but what I understand is playing a beautiful melody and speaking to their heart is really important.” Taylor’s forever grateful to Koz, another mentor, for tapping him to play on the Summer Horns tours of 2025 and this year, which wrapped up recently. The tour gave him the kind of exposure he needed and boosted his confidence to take his musicianship to the next level. The trumpeter, who also works parttime as a music educator as he finishes his doctoral degree in jazz studies at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, said the invitation to join Koz’s Summer Horns tour caught him off guard. “I was at work teaching at Indiana University, and my phone started ringing. It was Dave Koz, so I knew it had to be important. And Dave invited me to do the 2025 Summer Horns tour. “He said it was a national tour, ending at the Hollywood Bowl. Was it something I was interested in? And I was like, ‘C’mon, of course. I would do anything for you.’ It was a reaffirmation that I was on the right track.” The musician, who played guitar in his church when he was young before switching to trumpet, added that once his dream became a reality, it was a bit intimidating. He found his footing quickly by focusing on his musicianship. When in doubt, do what you do. Sponsored advertorial Exactly This is available at: https://found.ee/evantaylor_exactlythis Taylor’s website: https://evantaylortrumpet.com “It’s been a wild couple of years, and I’ve grown so much—sometimes, it doesn’t feel real, but I’m so grateful for everything.”
By Melanie Maxwell For thousands of smooth jazz fans, the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival is the reason they take their rst trip to Catalina Island. It certainly was for me in the 1990s. And, like many others, I’ve returned nearly every year since. With the 39th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival taking place Oct. 8-11 and Oct. 15-18, now is the perfect time to reserve your transportation and accommodations. Stepping aboard one of Catalina Express’ high-speed catamarans from one of its three mainland terminals is where the enchanted journey begins. As the boat heads out of the harbor, you’ll see ducks paddling around, along with cormorants and herons standing or swimming nearby. Ocean scenery unfolds a er leaving the harbor. You might spot a ock of seagulls gliding in formation low across the water, a pelican plunging below the surface in search of lunch, or cargo ships anchored o shore awaiting their turn to enter Southern California ports. As you get farther out to sea, keep watching the water for ying sh—and if you’re especially lucky, a pod of dolphins racing alongside the boat. But perhaps the most exciting sighting is inside the cabin. ere may be a smooth jazz star or members of their band traveling on the same boat or even seated beside you. A er an hour sailing on open ocean, the island’s iconic Catalina Casino comes into focus. Soon, Avalon—the island’s only incorporated city—comes into view. As the boat eases into Avalon Harbor, bright orange garibaldi— California’s o cial state marine sh—swim beneath the dock to welcome visitors. However, don’t expect to nd a rental car terminal; there isn’t one. Most visitors explore Avalon on foot, strolling around this 2-squaremile slice of the 75-square-mile island. However, taxis are available, along with the Avalon trolley, which travels on a xed route with several stops throughout town. Whether you leave the dock on foot or by taxi, you’ll quickly notice the aromas dri ing from restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood and steaks to Mexican, Italian and Chinese cuisine. Many restaurants, boutiques, candy shops and ice cream parlors are situated along the palm tree-lined Crescent Avenue overlooking the harbor. e Catalina Casino, where the main-stage concerts are held, is about a half-mile from the center of town. Continue a little farther and you’ll arrive at Descanso Beach, home of the ursday night Unplugged Concerts on the sand and the Saturday night a er-parties. 14 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS paddling around, along with cormorants and herons standing or standing or swimming nearby. Ocean scenery unfolds scenery unfolds a er leaving the leaving the harbor. You might spot spot a ock of seagulls of seagulls gliding in formation low across low across the water, a pelican plunging below the below the surface in search of lunch, of lunch, or cargo ships anchored o shore awaiting their awaiting their turn their turn to enter Southern California ports. As you get farther get farther out farther out to sea, keep watching the watching the water for water for ying sh—and if you’re if you’re especially lucky, a pod of dolphins of dolphins racing alongside the boat. But perhaps But perhaps the most exciting sighting exciting sighting is sighting is inside the cabin. ere may be a smooth a smooth jazz star or members or members of their their band traveling on traveling on the same boat or boat or even seated beside you. throughout town. Whether you leave the dock on foot or foot or by taxi, by taxi, you’ll quickly notice the aromas dri ing from dri ing from restaurants serving everything serving everything from everything from fresh seafood Many restaurants, boutiques, candy shops candy shops and ice cream parlors are situated along the along the palm tree-lined Crescent Avenue overlooking the harbor. e Catalina Casino, where the main-stage concerts are held, is about a about a half-mile a half-mile from the center of town. of town. Continue a little farther and farther and you’ll arrive at Descanso Beach, home of the ursday night Unplugged Concerts on the sand and the night a er-parties. Planning your 2026 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival adventure Photo: Pat Benter
www.catalinaexpress.com www.jazztrax.com Planning a trip to Avalon—22 miles across the Paci c Ocean from Southern California—is easier than many rst-time visitors realize. Deciding on the variety of dining, tours, activities, shopping and spa options to explore once you arrive may be your biggest challenge, albeit an exciting one. Our annual Catalina Island Travel Planning Guide includes the essential information you’ll need to plan your visit—from crosschannel transportation and lodging to festival resources—so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time looking forward to your island getaway. So many JazzTrax fans discover that the festival is only the beginning of the Catalina experience. I hope you will, too. Getting there Catalina Express o ers 30 daily departures from ports in Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point, California. On Saturday and Sunday, special a er-performance boat departures are available from Avalon back to San Pedro. www.CatalinaExpress.com • 800-742-8752 Staying there 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 and information www.jazztrax.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | 15 39TH ANNUAL CATALINA ISLAND JA F S l IN ALL THE WORLD... NO PLACE LIKE THIS...F JA Z 2 WEEKENDS October 8-11 & 15-18, 2026 Full Line-Up, Tickets and Information www.JazzTrax.com David Sanborn Tribute by his band ‘The Side Guys’ Acoustic Alchemy Euge Groove Fattburger Band Peter White Vincent Ingala Four 80 East Nathan Mitchell Chuck Mangione Tribute with special guest Gap Mangione Kirk Whalum Pieces of a Dream David Benoit Adam Hawley Chris Standring Andréa Lisa Roberto Restuccia and Many More!! YOUR TICKET TO FUN Since ‘81 DAILY DEPARTURES TO CATALINA ISLAND SAN PEDRO | LONG BEACH | DANA POINT CATALINAEXPRESS.COM | 800.742.8752
16 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Photo: Will Holton By Ken Capobianco Adam Hawley has found the gold paved roads in the land of the good groove. During the decade since he released his debut album, Just the Beginning, he has become one of the bestselling jazz artists and carved out his own successful niche of souljazz-blues guitar virtuosity. Hawley has garnered 20 No. 1 Billboard smooth jazz radio hits as an artist or producer since 2016, and now his recently released seventh record, Electric, has spawned three No. 1 songs on the Billboard Smooth Jazz charts in just a few months. e dynamic title track, featuring saxophonist Everette Harp, has topped the charts, becoming one of Hawley’s fastest rising songs. “I’ve been so blessed with each record, as I have been fortunate to have success with radio, physical sales and streaming,” said the a able Hawley via phone recently. Finding the Photos: Dan Boissy “Having a song up on the charts means it’s getting a lot of airplay. e thing about the Billboard charts is very pragmatic. It’s an indication of how much impact your song is having and how many markets are hearing it, and, you know, I want people to appreciate the music. I’m not just chart chasing. I’m looking to make great art.” Hawley said that he tries to nd the sweet spot between creative originality and commerciality, a di cult trick that few musicians achieve in the 21st century. “So, my goal is to nd the balance between art and commercial success. As a guitar player, I’m not trying to copy or repeat something George Benson did. I’m the biggest George Benson fan out there—he’s still performing and amazing—but let him do his thing, and let me gure out what my thing is. You can nd that balance as George did. at’s the kind of success I’m looking for.” sweet spot spot between art and success
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | 17 “I’ve been so blessed with each record, as I have been fortunate to have success with radio, physical sales and streaming.” continued on page 18 Benson, like Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny and Grant Green, is a clear antecedent for Hawley’s clean, uid guitar style, which he showcases onElectric, the best distillation of Hawley’s many talents as a composer, producer and musician. It features collaborations with saxophonists Dave Koz, Je Ryan, Marion Meadows and Harp as well as Adam’s wife, vocalist Kat Hawley, who helps him reinvent contemporary R&B stylist Tyla’s “Water.” Hawley’s lucid, sensuous pairing with his friend Koz on “Automatic” is an album highlight, but it wasn’t recorded for this album. e guitarist was smart enough to rescue the collaboration from 2024 and give it new life. “ at song came out a year and a half ago—so it precedes the album, but was never released in physical form,” Hawley explained. “I was set to appear on Dave’s Christmas tour in 2024, and he wanted to release some music to promote that tour. He said he would produce a duet for the two of us that we could use to promote the tour and play it together. I was excited, and it was a success in the show, so it was perfect to release here. I’m very proud of it.” Once again, Hawley’s wife Kat, who is a mainstay performer at his concerts, appears. e guitarist said there will be further collaborations between them on successive albums. “She does at least one song on all of my records, and you know, I produced her debut album about a year and a half ago,” he said. “Here, we did a remake of ‘Water,’ and it was fun. We wanted to break some new ground, nd a new way to approach that song than the original. “We’ve been making music almost since the day we met. We met in church just outside of Los Angeles in 2005, and it wasn’t much longer when I became music director, and she was worship leader, so we have been making music for over 20 years now.” e husband-and-wife duo have been featured throughout Hawley’s live shows. “Going back to my debut album in 2016, we had her come up onstage during that tour and sing a song, and we were like, ‘Wow, that was great,’ so I started to look for more ways to incorporate her. “Now, it’s easy because I’m on my seventh album, and she has one, so we have a lot of material to choose from,” he said. “People love it because they obviously come for an instrumental jazz guitar show, and she comes out for the fourth or h song, and it’s a nice change of pace. e show always gets a li . It’s great to keep the audience guessing and give them more than they expected. “We’ve been together over 21 years, and we have an incredible son, Adam Jr., who is 17 years old, so I feel lucky because my wife and I can work and travel the world together. It’s a blessing. I feel lucky.” Kat Hawley is one of eight acts on the guitarist’s label, MBF Entertainment, which he started a er recording his two albums on the late Maurice White’s Kalimba Music. It’s a growing venture that’s producing buzz with artists who are accomplished musicians. “I started my record label, MBF Entertainment, back in 2019, and now I have eight artists signed to the label, and it’s been an incredible experience. “I’m fully hands-on. With everyone who is signed, I work as A&R (artist and repertoire) as well as producer, so I’m producing their music, so I’m involved in getting the music released and promoted and going to radio, streaming and beyond,” added Hawley, who has produced many musicians in his career, including Blake Aaron, Lisa Addeo and Kim Scott. “It’s time-consuming, but I’ve got great artists: Evan Taylor—he’s a great trumpeter from Indiana. He’s a member of Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns. We’re just about to drop his debut album. Jason Jackson, who spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy Band, and he comes out with me on tour a lot. “And Patrik Dimak is a great guitar player from Hungary. He came up to me when I was signing CDs in Budapest, and we kept in touch, and he sent me his demos, and they were amazing.”
18 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS AUG. 30 Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment Seal Beach, California www.spaghettini.com 562-596-2199 SEPT. 20 10th Annual Gulf Coast Jazz Festival Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park Pensacola, Florida www.gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition.com 850-393-3028 OCT. 17 39th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Catalina Casino Avalon, California www.jazztrax.com “Music education was huge in my career before I became an educator. I had incredible band directors—I took private music lessons growing up, and I got so much out of that.” continued from page 17 He went on to list the other versatile artists on MBF, including saxophonist Fabian Chavez, utist Brandon Marceal and saxophonist Gianni Vancini from Venice, Italy. At 41 years old, Hawley is a young musician on the smooth jazz scene despite his already impressive resume. He’s at least 10-20 years younger than most of his peers, but he insists that there’s no generation gap when it comes to creativity and the purity of music. “I might be younger, but music is, and I obviously didn’t coin this phrase, but music is a universal language,” Hawley said with a slight laugh. “It spans beyond age or where you’re from, or if you speak the same language. “I’ve jammed with people that I couldn’t actually speak to, but we both know the musical language, so music connects people of all ages and demographics, nationalities. If I’m younger, or even older, it doesn’t matter. e goal is to make great music.” e guitarist is also an academic, as he has been working as professor of Music Education at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo in Southern California. He received his doctorate from the University of Southern California years ago. Hawley is a big believer in the value of music education—even as funding for music education has been cut across the nation— especially because he feels he owes his career to his early studies. “Music education was huge in my career before I became an educator. I had incredible band directors—I took private music lessons growing up, and I got so much out of that. Once I got to college at USC, I had great faculty, so it meant everything for my career,” he explained. “I ended up doing a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate at USC, so now to ip the coin, I’ve been teaching on a collegiate level since 2013. Before that, I was teaching—I was subbing at the studio I used to take lessons at before I could drive when I was 16. “I think I get more out of the lessons than they do,” he said, laughing. “It’s invigorating. ey bring in new music that they’re excited about, and I have to learn it, so it’s always exciting.” e versatile guitarist-producer has a heavy touring schedule ahead, mixing club dates and jazz festivals, but he nds plenty of time for home life and his family. Road life can be tumultuous, but Hawley nds peace of mind in the little things. “When I’m at home, I still play at my church band, and that keeps you grounded. When I come o the road, it’s important. We have rehearsal on ursday and two services on Sunday. at’s always a big part of my life. “I started playing in church when I was 15, so that’s 26 years. Of course, my family is important. My son is excited about lm, and he just won a bunch of awards at a lm festival at his school. He’s also busy with his basketball games, so we are rushing back to see him play. “He’s on travel ball, so if we might y to the city he’s playing in and then y to our show between that and other things, it keeps my wife and I grounded and centered on the life beyond music and what matters most.” For more information on Hawley, visit www.adamhawley.com. ON TOUR
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | 19 www.smoothjazznew.com Email us at smoothjazzads@aol.com for details. It’s time to PRINTandONLINE ADVERTISE in A digital version is posted to our website version DIGITAL MAGAZINE Smooth Jazz News has 16K+ followers FACEBOOK POSTS BANNER ADS smoothjazznews.com gets more than 1 million hits per year Dedicated emails EMAIL BLASTS IN PRINT Would you like to connect with 20,000+ of the nation’s most passionate, music-buying, traveling, gift-giving, culture-loving baby boomers (the second largest population in the U.S. and a powerful financial force)? If so, we can help you do that through a variety of marketing options!
20 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS www.arthurthompsondrums.com CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS AUGUST 1 Bob Baldwin, 6 & 8:30pm, Keystone Korner Baltimore Jazz Club, 1350 Lancaster St., Baltimore, Maryland, www.keystonekornerbaltimore.com, 410-946-6726 Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring the Laguna Community Concert Band, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed VIP seating is available by purchasing a ticket for an additional fee in the reserved section. 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. Chris Standring featuring e Hip Sway Horns, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 2 Je Ryan & special guest, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Brass-N-Sax Experience featuring Rob Zinn & Deon Yates, 3pm, Jazz on the River, Elizabeth Park, 4461 Elizabeth Dr., Trenton, Michigan, https://robzinn.com 3 Music Monday featuring Arthurized: Arthur ompson & surprise guests, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 5 Evan Taylor, 7pm, e Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, https://thejazzkitchen.com/shows 6 Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Spencer Day, 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. DW3 Latin Night, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 8 Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Poncho Sanchez, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed VIP seating is available
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2026 | 21 www.tix.com continued on page 22 jazz concert series RHYTHM ON THE VINE 34843 Rancho California Road Temecula, CA 92591 | TIX.COM | 951.696.0184 Concertgoers receive exclusive room rates on show days! Call 866.628.0383 to book. SUNDAY, AUGUST Tierra Legacy SUNDAY, OCTOBER Kalapana With Special Guest Michael Paulo SUNDAY, OCTOBER Smooth Jazz All Stars: Brian Simpson, Ilya Serov, & Jessy J SUNDAY, AUGUST ¡¢ Hiroshima by purchasing a ticket for an additional fee in the reserved section. 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. Mindi Abair, 5:15pm, Vanport Jazz Festival, University of Portland, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, Oregon, www.vanportjazzfestival.com 9 Jonathan Butler, 5 & 8pm, Keystone Korner Baltimore Jazz Club, 1350 Lancaster St., Baltimore, Maryland, www.keystonekornerbaltimore.com, 410-946-6726 Back to the ’80s featuring Billy Mondragon & Jef Villaluna, 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 featuring Tierra Legacy, 7pm, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa, 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.southcoastwinery.com, 951-696-0184 Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, 5pm, Valerie’s Summer Garden Party, Jenkinson Mansion, 1820 W. 10th Ave., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, https://gabrieljazz.com 10 Music Monday Celebrating the Music of George Benson featuring Michael O’Neill, Paul Jackson Jr., Ray Fuller, Chris Walker & more, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 11 Sade’s Collective, 7pm, Keystone Korner Baltimore Jazz Club, 1350 Lancaster St., Baltimore, Maryland, www.keystonekornerbaltimore.com, 410-946-6726 Lindsey Webster, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 12 Lindsey Webster, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 13 Stanley Clarke & Friends with Lenny White, Emilio Modeste & more Celebrate Todd Barkan’s 80th Birthday!, 7 & 9:30pm, Keystone Korner Baltimore Jazz Club, 1350 Lancaster St., Baltimore, Maryland, www.keystonekornerbaltimore.com, 410-946-6726 Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring Matt Johnson & e New Jet Set, 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. DW3: ’90s R&B Rewind, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 14 Stanley Clarke & Friends with Lenny White, Emilio Modeste & more Celebrate Todd Barkan’s 80th Birthday!, 6 & 9pm, Keystone Korner Baltimore Jazz Club, 1350 Lancaster St., Baltimore, Maryland, www.keystonekornerbaltimore.com, 410-946-6726 e First Coast Jazz Festival featuring All that Jazz Color & Sip, hosted by Marcus Anderson, with DJ Experience, 2pm, DoubleTree by Hilton, 1201 Riverplace Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida, https:// rstcoastjazzfest.com
22 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS www.paynepestmgmt.com continued from page 21 e First Coast Jazz Festival Coastal Glow Beach Boho Evening featuring Royal Princess Dinner Cruise with performance by DJ & saxophonist Pierre Kendrick, 6pm, aboard Royal Princess Yacht, board from the Southbank Riverwalk, 1501 Riverplace Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida, https:// rstcoastjazzfest.com e First Coast Jazz Festival Jax Jam, hosted by Marcus Anderson, featuring Nathan Mitchell, 9:45pm; Riverfront Nightlife A er-Party with DJ Red, AND Cigar Lounge hosted by Anderson, 11pm, DoubleTree by Hilton, 1201 Riverplace Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida, https:// rstcoastjazzfest.com Euge Groove, Peter White & Vincent Ingala, 7pm, Summer Concert Series: Music Under the Stars, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, California, www.eugegroove.com Steve Cole, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 15 Stanley Clarke & Friends with Lenny White, Emilio Modeste & more Celebrate Todd Barkan’s 80th Birthday!, 6 & 9pm, Keystone Korner Baltimore Jazz Club, 1350 Lancaster St., Baltimore, Maryland, www.keystonekornerbaltimore.com, 410-946-6726 Park on the Fly featuring Mindi Abair, 4pm, Denver International Airport, Park on the Plaza (Between the Westin Hotel & South Exit of Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal), 8500 Pena Blvd., Denver, Colorado, www.mindiabair.com, www. ydenver.com/concerts/#16 e First Coast Jazz Festival Conversations AND Co ee with Marcus Anderson, 9:30am; VIP Day Party–BirdWild Style featuring DJ Red, Ilya Serov, Marcel Anderson & Rebecca Jade, 11:45am; Key of Elegance Dinner Service, 4:30pm; Marcus Anderson host welcome, 5:15pm; performance by Je Ryan, 5:45pm; Host & Foundation Segment with comedian Saseddrick Washington, 7:15pm; performance by Andréa Lisa, 7:45pm; headliner performance by Marcus Anderson, 8:45pm; Riverfront Ambiance A erParty with DJ Red, 9:45pm; AND Cigar Lounge hosted by Marcus Anderson, 11pm, DoubleTree by Hilton, 1201 Riverplace Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida, https:// rstcoastjazzfest.com Festival of Arts presents Concerts on the Green featuring Eric Marienthal, 1pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed VIP seating is available by purchasing a ticket for an additional fee in the reserved section. 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. Mindi Abair, Pre-Show Wine & Jazz Tasting, 3:30pm; concerts, 5 & 8pm, Myron’s at e Smith Center, 361 W. Symphony Park Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada, www.mindiabair.com Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, 6pm, Woodley’s Kitchen, Harbour House Hotel, 121 Upper Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada, https://gabrieljazz.com 17 Music Monday featuring Brian Bromberg Album Release Party, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 20 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 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. continued on page 24
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