ISSUE NO. 217 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 BRIAN CULBERTSON A staple headliner at concerts and jazz festivals, including his own Jazz Getaways festivals, Getaways 35TH ANNUAL BOSCOV’S BERKS JAZZ FEST From intimate clubs to grand stages, this festival transformed a Pennsylvania county into a premier jazz destination BRIAN BROMBERG + PAUL BROWN + MICHAEL PAULO Merge their monster talents to form the supergroup BPM SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS' STAR-STUDDED 26TH ANNIVERSARY BASH Brings out fans, friends and genre favorites, including Euge Groove!
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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 | 5 CHRIS BOTTI BRIAN CULBERTSON BONEY JAMES NAJEE WITH REGINA BELLE, ALEX BUGNON WILL DOWNING FOUR80EAST PLUS SPECIAL GUEST JEFF KASHIWA BPM: BRIAN BROMBERG, PAUL BROWN, MICHAEL PAULO MARCUS MILLER & FRIENDS ERIC BENÉT CHRIS “BIG DOG” DAVIS PRESENTS CELEBRATING WOMEN IN JAZZ STANLEY JORDAN PLAYS THE DEAD VINCENT INGALA GERALD VEASLEY’S UNSCRIPTED JAZZ JAMS PLUS MANY MORE! MARCH 19 29, 2026 READING, PA 35TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION! TICKETS ON SALE NOW! berksjazzfest.com PRESENTED BY Chris Botti Marcus Miller Vincent Ingala Stanley Jordan Jazmin Ghent
6 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Publisher and Managing Editor Melanie Maxwell Operations & Distribution Manager Craig Collier Contributors Ken Capobianco Cashmira Marcia Luttrell Darcy Peters Copy Editors JoAnn Armke Barbara Knox Brad Sondak Graphic Design Gina Mancini Contributing Photographers Cover photo of Brian Culbertson by Daniel Ray @felixwongphoto Ethan Brodie Alex Brown Richard Carey/Rundown Studio David White Studio NYC Describe e Fauna Harper Hardwick Will Holton Bob McClennan Bobby Quillard Daniel Ray Smooth Jazz News 5519 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #134 San Diego, CA 92117 858-541-1919 smoothjazznews@aol.com www.smoothjazznews.com We will publish ve issues of Smooth Jazz News in 2026: February-March, April-May, June-July, August-September and October-November-December. The publisher assumes no responsibility for claims or actions of its advertisers. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, staff or advertisers. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. ©2026, Smooth Jazz News | All rights reserved Smooth-Jazz News/123513291125001 @SmoothJazzNews 8 Notes from the Publisher Smooth Jazz News’ 26th Anniversary bash was a celebration of community and magical music by DW3, Peter White, Richard Elliot, Eric Darius, Michael Paulo and Rob Zinn And unforgettable moments with Euge Groove................................page 9 12 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest This Pennsylvania festival expands into Jazz Appreciation Month with jazz, history and community in perfect harmony 15 FREE-CD offer Receive a FREE CD when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at the 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in Reading, Pennsylvania 16 Brian Culbertson Find the affable, adaptable keyboard stylist front and center on stages nationwide, including the 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in March After overcoming some serious health challenges, Euge Groove is ready to roll and get back on the road in 2026. He joined us at the Smooth Jazz News 26th Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session at Spaghettini in January with Odysseus, his adorable service dog, by his side. Turn to page 9 for Euge’s inspiring update. CONTENTS 19 DISCover New Music Cool offerings from talented independent artists 20 Calendarofsmoothjazzevents Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide 26 BPM: Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown and Michael Paulo A sassy revival of the supergroup concept 30 Cashmira’sStarguide Horoscopes for the first quarter of 2026 30 Book Review “The Perfect Tuba” by Sam Quinones 31 Smooth Jazz News home delivery Subscribe today! 31 Smooth Jazz News merchandise Cool concert apparel: new hoodies, plus hats, fleece jackets, golf shirts, T-shirts and tank tops Photos: Harper Hardwick SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS
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8 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Everyone who advertised with us during the previous year is invited to join the celebration at the always-spectacular Spaghettini in Seal Beach, California. We also invite many of the artists we feature throughout the year, and when they sit in with DW3—the genre’s undisputed best party band—the a ernoon quickly turns into something magical. Because our celebration lls nearly a quarter of Spaghettini’s performance lounge, the remaining seats are opened to the public, giving readers, friends and genre fans a chance to share the vibe. is year’s bash, held Sunday, Jan. 18, didn’t just deliver—it sold out ... again. At the heart of the a ernoon were the advertisers whose support has kept Smooth Jazz News in print for 26 years. We were thrilled to celebrate with Kathy Payne, owner of Payne Pest Management; Terri and Michael Paulo of Apaulo Productions; Steve Chapman and Bud Harner of Chapman & Co. Management; Nikki Sweeney of the City of Gardena and her husband, Joseph Charles; Kimeri Opacic, director of marketing for City Center Bishop Ranch and its Smooth Jazz Series, and her husband, George; along with Gratitude sounds even better with a groove. Every year, we gather around the table—Champagne glasses clinking, the aroma of delicious food in the air and a festive musical vibe—for one very important reason: gratitude. Our annual Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session is our way of thanking the advertisers who help keep Smooth Jazz News thriving as the only smooth jazz-themed magazine in existence. Top left: Richard Elliot, Melanie Maxwell and Camella Elliot Top right: Odysseus, Euge Groove’s service dog Center: Adam Hawley, Will Shares and Craig Collier Bottom: Eric and Lynne Darius with Maggie and Will Shares and Kimeri Opacic and her husband, George Where the Anniversary Celebration Turned Magical Photos: Harper Hardwick
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 | 9 continued on page 10 longtime smooth jazz supporters Marilyn James and Rick Phetteplace, and Maggie and Will Shares. Musically, the room sparkled. Peter White, Richard Elliot, Eric Darius, Michael Paulo and trumpeter Rob Zinn each took turns jumping in with DW3, elevating the groove song by song. Guitarist Adam Hawley stopped by a er church and mingled with other guests during the band’s last song. One of the most heartfelt highlights, though, came without a single note being played. Euge Groove attended the party with his service dog, Odysseus, and the two were simply a joy to have in the room. Fans who follow Euge online know the challenges he’s faced in recent years—major health issues that pulled him o the touring circuit for a time. e good news is that he’s back in motion, building strength, conditioning his lungs, and preparing to once again let that saxophone do what it does best when he returns to the stage later this year. His presence was a reminder of why this music—and this community—matters. With everything he’s been through, Euge deserved a moment of his own here—even as we look ahead to featuring him in the October-November-December issue of Musically, the room sparkled. Peter White, Richard Elliot, Eric Darius, Michael Paulo and trumpeter Rob Zinn each took turns jumping in with DW3, elevating the groove song by song. Top: DW3 and Peter White Center: (left) Peter White, Kathy Payne, Joy and Cary Hardwick, Robin Pao (center) Bud Harner and Michael Paulo (right) Rob Zinn Above: Eric Darius and DW3, Peter White Right top: Kathy Payne and Terri Paulo Right: DW3 and Michael Paulo Photos: Harper Hardwick
10 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS continued from page 9 Smooth Jazz News. at timing couldn’t be better, as he’s slated to perform at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival in Avalon, California, in October—another reason to celebrate what’s ahead. It was a pleasure catching up with Euge—and an even greater thrill witnessing the genuine surprise and delight that rippled through the room when he walked in. Fans weren’t the only ones excited, the artists in attendance were just as delighted. For many, it was the rst time they’d seen him in years. Euge has been largely absent from the touring scene due to serious health issues, details he chose to keep mostly private. en, last year—a er enduring and overcoming more than most ever see—he decided it was time to share part of his story, on his own terms. On Feb. 25, 2025, he began a Facebook post with: “Ok, I guess it’s probably time to come clean. I really hate sharing personal things here on Facebook, but so many people have been reaching out with concern and support, that I just need to share. “I had full-on open-heart surgery on Dec. 16 to replace my aortic valve. It had severe calcium buildup. A condition the surgeon thought I was probably born with.” At the time, he was 10 weeks postsurgery. He wrote: “It’s just an extremely slow recovery. My cardiologist, which I just saw today for a checkup, said everything is doing great. He said it would probably take six months to feel pretty good, and a year to being back 100 percent. I told him great, because I haven’t been 100 percent since about 1987.” It was classic Euge—honest, resilient and disarmingly humorous. When he attended our Anniversary Brunch Party at Spaghettini on Jan. 18, 2026, almost a year had passed since that post. Today, he’s healthier than ever, savoring the joy of becoming a grandfather and nding comfort in Odysseus, who was always by his side at the brunch. Although his lungs aren’t strong enough yet to play saxophone for an entire show, Euge is de nitely ready to return—to the road, the stage and the social connections he’s long missed. at reconnection began, ttingly, at our brunch celebration. roughout the day, Euge told me what’s been happening with him since his pause in performing and medical issues. When I asked if he’d be comfortable with me sharing more of that journey with our readers, he happily agreed. Rather than a traditional feature—one we’ll happily save for later this year, when he’s fully back on tour—I chose a Q&A format that allows Euge’s voice to lead and his experience to unfold in his own words. While this isn’t a format we typically publish, it felt like the most authentic way to honor this moment. ( at said, for those who have been following my own journey submitting my Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival feature to the San Diego Press Club’s 2025 Excellence in Journalism Awards contest, I’m thrilled to report that it earned rst place in the Magazines: Entertainment Reporting category!) What follows is the heart of our conversation, along with a few notes of my own—a celebration of resilience, reconnection and the joy of seeing Euge where he belongs. Was our party your rst smooth jazz outing since you paused touring? Yup, and it was like a homecoming of sorts. Seeing Richard Elliot, Peter White, Eric Darius, Michael Paulo and DW3 performing onstage, did that make you anxious or interested in getting back to performing? It reminded me, especially seeing Richard play, how much work I have to do to get my “live” chops back up. Playing in the studio and onstage are two completely different beasts. Top: Euge Groove and Eric Darius Bottom left: Euge Groove and Odysseus Bottom right: Craig Collier, Euge Groove and Melanie Maxwell Photos: Harper Hardwick
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 | 11 How long has it been since your last onstage performance? I remember it well. Oct. 4, 2022. Yoshi’s in Oakland. I had to leave the stage about 20 minutes into the rst show. I just couldn’t stand up. Amazingly enough, I recovered and did the full second show. And it was a good show. I just f--king powered through. But it really scared me, as that had never ever happened before. I tried to come back, but I had already canceled a bunch of dates that year from not being up to it, and I knew I had to get it sorted. I had all kinds of tests. ey would nd very minor things, but nothing to do anything about. I told the docs I just had no energy, and they said it was probably just anxiety. I just tried so hard to power through it and couldn’t do it. Not until I passed out for 10 minutes in October 2024, and took the little red school bus to the ER, did they realize the extent of my heart issue. I was even in the ER two weeks prior for severe, severe nausea. My rst ever ambulance ride. So, you know it was severe. ey treated the nausea and sent me home four hours later. It was totally a precursor to what was going on with my heart. ey just didn’t do the right tests. Treated the symptom and didn’t look for a reason. Your rst scheduled live performance is on e Smooth Jazz Cruise in September, followed by the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival in October. How are you feeling about that? I am tremendously excited and very con dent about getting back out there at full speed ahead. I am delivering my album I have had nished since June of 2024, minus the sax, at the end of March. So, I’ll have new music, new show. I’m going to do a few weeks of rehearsal with my band just to get back in the swing. I really don’t want anyone saying, “I remember when.” I refuse to go back out that way. Do you still su er from anxiety? Not a drop. I actually feel better in every regard than I have in a very long time. I feel probably the least stress I’ve ever felt since I was about 17. Although you haven’t performed in awhile, you have been busy producing others. Can you please give more detail on that? During the pandemic, I got into “analog” mastering. Mastering, the nal touch to an album, was always a mystery to me. I realized it was the analog component my ear liked. My wife wouldn’t let me buy a Porsche, so I bought a ton of really expensive analog audio gear. It kind of took on a life of its own, and I started mastering for a bunch of people. Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Vincent Ingala, Mindi Abair, Norman Brown, George Benson, Peter White, the list just goes on and on. And I love it. From a nancial standpoint, not a good investment with all the gear I got. But most de nitely passion over pro t. And yes, I got into full-on production and mixing for others as well. I really, really enjoy it. And it’s been really cool to work with a younger generation of artists trying to make their mark. I’m just about nished with a year-plus-long project mixing for Chase Huna. Look out! What a great project. Classic smooth jazz style. I think people are going to really love this one. What are you doing to physically prepare to play the sax again? Physically, tons of doctors. Taking care of any and every little thing. ey xed my heart, but that doesn’t mean the rest of this 63-yearold body doesn’t have wear and tear on it. Carpal tunnel surgery in both hands. Severely impacted wisdom tooth. Blood clot in my leg from the 2 million miles I’ve spent in the air over the last four decades. I had literally every organ in my body checked over the last year. Everything. At one point, the doctor that was doing my upper endoscopy, asked me in the surgery center to remind him why we were doing this test again. I said, “Remember, I want every inch of my body checked out.” Pretty funny. en, of course, cardio and practicing. But you really need to be healthy to do what we do. e travel. e cardio of 90 minutes, sometimes outside in 100-degree heat. You have to be in great cardio shape. Where are you in that process? Getting stronger every day. You told me about how you and Odysseus spent Saturday (the day before our brunch party), but could you please detail it again here? Since we were going to spend the night in Seal Beach before your brunch, I decided to make an adventure for Odysseus and me. We spent the day on Balboa Island, and then a few hours at Dog Beach on Huntington (Beach). Just letting him run and play with all the dogs continued on page 29 “I am tremendously excited and very confident about getting back out there at full speed ahead.” —Euge Groove Photo: Harper Hardwick Richard Elliot, Euge Groove and Eric Darius
12 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS 35TH ANNUAL BOSCOV’S BERKS JAZZ FEST A celebration of jazz, community and legendary performances Berks County, Pennsylvania March 19-29 By Marcia Luttrell Reading, Pennsylvania, is the headquarters for the multivenue Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, which has flourished in Berks County for more than three decades. Performances are scheduled throughout the area during the 10 days of the festival, March 19-29. Berks, as the festival is popularly known, is one of the nation’s premier jazz events, beloved by both performers and audiences, where nearly every notable jazz performer has played or perhaps launched a career. Many of the most popular contemporary artists arrange their schedules to play there year after year. The joy of Berks is how it uniquely links audiences with performers, music students with mentors, and exposes visitors to the remarkable history and culture of Berks County. (Above) The Reading Pagoda (Left) Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad (Right) Antietam Lake Photo: Ethan Brodie Photo: Bob McClennan Photo: @felixwongphoto
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 | 13 Produced by the nonpro t Berks Arts, the event kicks o with the 35th Anniversary Celebration Berks Awards Night on March 19, followed on March 20 by Brian Culbertson, the pianist and multiinstrumentalist who rst performed at the festival in 1996 and has returned for a grand total of 26 additional shows. Many contemporary jazz greats are back this year as well, including trumpeter Chris Botti, saxophonists Vincent Ingala and Boney James, along with the bands Spyro Gyra and the Yellowjackets. e festival uno cially concludes on March 29, with a concert by saxman Eric Marienthal and pianist David Benoit, accompanied by the Reading Pops Orchestra. Tish Davis, the new Berks Arts executive director, is instrumental in booking the talent that keeps the festival pro table, along with making sure the artists are well cared for. “Our festival is very di erent in that it’s staged in multiple locations for over 10 days,” Davis said. “Being a nonpro t organization, we rely on donations and sponsorships. Getting new sponsors and people who want to give to our organization has been a learning experience. You have to plan out the shows and everything involved, like knowing the number of seats the room can hold and what to charge for tickets. One of the reasons we have repeat performers is because those are the artists who ll seats.” e 35th anniversary year, however, isn’t just a repeat of the past. ere are exciting new additions to this year’s Berks Jazz Fest, along with a special announcement. Davis is thrilled about the March 27 show by a rst-time festival artist, R&B soul singer Eric Benét. Another artist new to the talent roster is saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, who performs on March 28 with Marcus Miller and Friends. And Berks Sinfonietta, the local chamber orchestra, will make its inaugural performance on March 28 with selections from the George Gershwin songbook in “Gershwin Comes Alive.” e Berks Arts team, a wheel with many spokes that oversees hundreds of festival volunteers, has expanded with new hires. Davis describes the addition of John Ruggles and Chanteé Gibson as “young creatives who bring fresh ideas.” It also should be noted that a recent collaboration with Ticketmaster now makes it easy to purchase tickets online. And there’s an option to buy tickets without additional fees at a box o ce located at Reading’s Santander Performing Arts Center. But the really big news is a special invitation to experience all that Berks County has to o er in April, nationally known as Jazz Appreciation Month. The slogan representing Berks County is “Every Stop Has a Story” and the story for April is all about connecting with others through the many forms of jazz music, from contemporary and traditional to swing. (Left to right) Najee, Vincent Ingala, Spyro Gyra and Boney James continued on page 14 Photo: Describe The Fauna Photo: Bobby Quillard Photo: David White Studio NYC Photo: Will Holton
14 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Jazz is a uniquely American art form and, in 2001, the Smithsonian Museum declared April to be a month to celebrate the heritage and history of jazz by encouraging all ages to attend concerts and learn about the music that is revered worldwide. In response, Berks Arts, local venues, educators and the Experience Reading & Berks County visitors bureau have collaborated to extend the Berks Jazz Fest to a full six weeks, concluding on April 30, o cially known as International Jazz Day. at’s when trumpeter and Pennsylvania native Rick Braun performs music from his new tribute album, Rick Braun Plays Chuck Mangione, at Miller Center for the Arts. Braun will play his renditions of favorites by the late, Grammy Award-winning musician, including “Feels So Good” and “Land of Make Believe.” ere are many more reasons to extend a visit to Berks County. e city of Reading, known for its inviting storefronts, historic architecture and distinctive points of interest, will pulse with live jazz music. roughout April, there are performances at multiple local bars, clubs and restaurants, such as Mike’s Tavern, a neighborhood spot established in 1934, with friendly bartenders and an expansive selection of cra beer. Jimmie Kramer’s Peanut Bar is another beloved landmark, famous for live music, its Maryland crabcakes and the broiled salmon salad, which will also host jazz events in March during the festival and in April. Heather Zimmerman, president and CEO of Experience Reading & Berks County, calls it a “Berks County institution.” “It’s over 100 years old,” she said. “There are peanuts on the table, and you can throw the shells on the floor. It feels like Reading’s version of ‘Cheers’ (the bar in Boston that inspired the NBC sitcom) and it’s a staple in the area for special occasions or grabbing a beer with friends. I highly recommend it.” Zimmerman also recommends the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading in close proximity to the Peanut Bar. It’s where many of the unique concerts, such as Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted Jam and the Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam are staged in the ballrooms. And in the hotel’s Bistro, the Cheers Jazz Party, hosted by Al “DJ Act” Taylor, is presented on multiple dates with di erent special guests. “ e DoubleTree is a full-service property with a bar, a restaurant and massive banquet space,” Zimmerman said. “It’s the agship property for Berks, plus, they host many of the festival jazz performances at the hotel. I can’t speak highly enough about it. ey have a heated indoor pool, and it’s a great spot.” Reading is best known by its Reading (pronounced Redding) Railroad, immortalized as one of four railroad properties on the original Monopoly game board. Visitors can dine at the Saucony Creek Franklin Station Brew Pub, another live music spot that is housed in the former passenger rail station, which pays tribute to its historical beginnings with its original terra cotta walls, terrazzo floor and arched windows. “The Franklin Station Brew Pub is a beautiful building with great architecture and a fabulous restaurant and bar,” Zimmerman said. “That’s where we had our reception when we unveiled our new slogan and logo, which has the icons we are known for.” The logo depicts images of the train, the historic Japanese Pagoda building on the top of Mount Penn and a hawk, re ecting the area’s outdoor resources. The slogan representing Berks County is “Every Stop Has a Story” and the story for April is all about connecting with others through the many forms of jazz music, from contemporary and traditional to swing. “I’ve gone to the Jazz Fest over the years,” recalled Zimmerman, a Berks County native who started her career in the hospitality industry. “ e atmosphere is perfect and it’s well run. It’s amazing how much it’s grown. People seem to unwind and enjoy it. I do, as well.” continued from page 13 Jimmie for live music, its Maryland crabcakes salad, which will also during the festival Zimmerman, Experience calls it a “Berks “It’s said. table, (Left to right) Gerald Veasley, Brian Culbertson, Chris Botti Photo: Daniel Ray Photo: Richard Carey / Rundown Studio
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 | 15 PICK 1 f r e e BIG DEAL FROM SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Going to the 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest? *This free-CD o er is a special promotion only available at the 2026 Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest, while supplies last, and CD selection is subject to change without notice. This o er is not available when ordering by phone, mail or online. CDs are provided compliments of record labels and artists. when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at our booth during the 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest March 20-22 and March 27-29 Various venues throughout Reading, Pennsylvania www.berksjazzfest.com get a FREE CD WHEN March 19-29 WHERE Various venues throughout Berks County, Pennsylvania. Main venues include: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, Grand Ballroom, 701 Penn St., Reading; Scottish Rite Cathedral, 310 S. 7th Ave., West Reading; and Miller Center for the Arts, Reading Area Community College, 4 N. 2nd St., Reading. GETTING THERE Flights are available into the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), approximately 65 miles from Berks County. STAYING THERE www.berksjazzfest.com/hotel-information TICKETS AND INFORMATION www.berksjazzfest.com LINEUP Below is a partial list of the major concerts. For the complete lineup, visit the festival website. Friday, March 20 Brian Culbertson.................................................................................. 6 p.m. Scottish Rite Cathedral Najee with special guests Regina Belle and Alex Bugnon......9:30 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading Saturday, March 21 Chris Botti ............................................................................................. 6 p.m. Scottish Rite Cathedral Vincent Ingala.......................................................................................7 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading Sunday, March 22 Sunday Brunch featuring BPM: Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown, Michael Paulo with the Berks Horns......................................... 10:30 a.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading Thursday, March 26 Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam, hosted by Gerald Veasley and Eric Marienthal, featuring Everette Harp, Bobby Lyle, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Curtis McCain, JJ Sansaverino, Blake Aaron, Will Donato and Tim Hutson, with a special performance by Regina Belle and Barry Eastmond....................................................................................7 p.m. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading Friday, March 27 Boney James ........................................................................................ 6 p.m. Scottish Rite Cathedral Sunday, March 29 Eric Marienthal & David Benoit with the Reading Pops........... 3:30 p.m. Miller Center for the Arts *
16 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS BRIAN CULBERTSON By Ken Capobianco Thirty-one years since he put out his first solo album, keyboardist-composer Brian Culbertson continues to bend boundaries and challenge himself. e adventurous musician has been one of contemporary jazz’s most innovative artists, o en embracing new technology and studio wizardry. With his most recent album, Day Trip, though, Culbertson moved boldly forward by reaching backward to his in uences and recording the music organically in the studio. It’s a dynamic return to jazz fusion, essentially the genre precursor to smooth jazz, which set the pop music world on re 50 years ago. e change of pace marks a refresh of his sound that aims for a more complex musical dynamic while retaining his trademark melodicism and soul. “I wanted to go back to my roots, meaning I grew up listening to jazz fusion from the mid-’70s and early ’80s,” said Culbertson via phone recently. “And that music was really challenging, and the level of musicianship was just o the charts. You know, David Sanborn, e Brecker Brothers, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, or the Yellowjackets and beyond. “ ose days were unbelievable musically, and I got to a point in my career where I’m like, ‘You know what? I feel like going back and exploring some of those ideas.’ The music was more adventurous and technically difficult. There were chord changes that you couldn’t pick out quickly. I think what I’ve been doing, and a lot of the smooth and contemporary smooth jazz genre is really cool, but it was sometimes lacking in the adventurous spirit.” Turning the dial to the spirited days of jazz fusion Photo: Daniel Ray
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 | 17 musical excellence. “I think they have been so successful because they are so inviting and warm. It’s just special when you are hanging out there. “ at’s the secret to what they do and their success. I just keep going back. I can’t stop,” he laughed. “It’s a little more broad of a jazz festival, meaning that there’s not just one style of jazz. “ ere’s a little bit of everything for di erent tastes, and that’s unique in today’s landscape of festivals. Usually, festivals tilt towards one style of jazz, but Berks features smooth jazz, more traditional jazz and beyond. It’s unique in the broad array of styles and musicians they program.” Culbertson knows more than a little bit about festival programming now, thanks to his own successful, annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway in Napa, California, and its o shoots. e multiday, jazz, food and wine festivals have become favorite destinations for smooth jazz fans and a cionados of the ner things in life. is year, Culbertson is hosting Jazz Getaways in New Orleans (March 12-14), Napa Valley (June 10-13) and Hawaii (Oct. 8-11). Hawaii has entered the rotation of cities, replacing Chicago. It’s all part of the saxophonist’s expansion and diversification of the Getaway franchise. “Essentially, my idea is to do Napa every year as the agship event, and then move around a secondary event to di erent cities,” Culbertson explained. “We’ve done Chicago, which we are not doing now because we are doing New Orleans. e Hawaii Getaway will be a one-o , and a er that, we will announce a di erent city. “ e goal is to keep moving around. We did six years in Chicago, and I realized that was too many years there. We’ve done three in New Orleans, and that’s probably too many. We will be moving around, so everyone can have a chance. Not everyone can get out to Napa, especially East Coast people. continued on page 18 e a able 52-year-old musician, who is remarkably articulate when explaining music theory and the nuances of the music industry, quali ed his comments to eliminate any ambiguity. “I’m not saying anything bad about smooth or mainstream jazz, but I think for a while there was a desire, or even a need, to get on smooth jazz radio. For me, I was trying to create moods and vibes, so you don’t need to go crazy with chord changes or technical playing to do that. With Day Trip, I wanted something that re ected the music I’ve always admired and in uenced me—there was a unique complexity to that.” He brought in a diverse array of musicians to work on the record, including superstar percussionist Sheila E. and jazz royalty Branford Marsalis, who makes a memorable appearance on the spirited “U-Turn.” Kirk Whalum, Eric Marienthal, Marcus Miller, Mike Stern and Randy Brecker all contribute to the potent, all-star record. “I wanted to approach things a bit di erently, and everyone helped me achieve the sound I was hearing in my head. Obviously, these are some of the best musicians anywhere,” Culbertson said. “I knew Branford from jazz festivals and jammed with him before. He comes from the more traditional jazz world, and he’s a master musician and a really cool guy. We connected in New Orleans and knocked out the song in 45 minutes. It was one of those great musical experiences that translates into the song.” Culbertson toured behind the record in the second half of last year and will continue to emphasize the new material during his gigs and festival dates this year. He believes they work especially well live because of the way they were recorded. “ ese songs are easier to perform live and translate to shows because they were recorded live, as opposed to say, myTrilogy albums (2021’s Red, 2021’s Blue, 2022’s White), where there was so much programming and e ects and atmospheric sounds, so playing that music live was extremely di cult.” As one of contemporary jazz’s marquee performers, Culbertson will headline the opening celebration of the 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest in March. It’s a venue he’s very familiar with, as he has been one of the festival’s featured artists throughout this century. “I don’t remember how many times we have played at Berks,” he mused. “I would say almost every one. At least 28 years. Early on, the vibe of the festival was so special and unique in terms of the all-volunteer feel, and John Ernesto being so integral in making that whole thing happen. Everyone is always so nice there. Over the years, it has been my favorite overall festival by far.” Culbertson believes the long-running success of the festival has a lot to do with the ambiance, eclectic programming and consistent I wanted to go back to my roots … that music was really challenging, and the level of musicianship was just off the charts. Photo: Daniel Ray
18 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS “It can be very expensive to go across the country,” he added with practicality, fully realizing the tenor of the times. “So now we are thinking about East Coast cities. Every option is open. We want to make the best time for everyone. We’ll see what’s next.” Culbertson isn’t the micromanager of the festival he once was when it was just a burgeoning entity, but he is not an absentee host either. “I am still heavily involved with the lineup, location, and food and wine choices, but less with the logistics. I can’t be involved in what the napkins look like,” he laughed. e Illinois native doesn’t consider himself a workaholic, but he is one of the most proli c musicians in jazz and maintains a hectic recording and touring schedule each year. He has released a startling ve albums in ve years, a frantic pace unrivaled in jazz. He is quite cognizant of the hamster wheel grind most musicians get stuck in, where they release an album and tour over and over until they burn out. And he nds ways to avoid the numbing patterns that shorten musicians’ careers. “You have to be aware of your mental state, so when you need a break, you need to listen to yourself and say, ‘You know, I need to take a week or two o to unplug because you don’t want to burn out,’” said the keyboardist, who has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 28 years. “But I will be honest, when I do take time away here and there, I get really antsy. I can’t take too much time away. Pretty impossible. I hear guys saying, ‘I’m going to take three months o ,’ and I’m like, ‘What?!’ I couldn’t imagine that. I would get so bored. I’m not wired that way—one week maximum, and I’m thinking, ‘Back to work.’” He recently built a studio a er moving to a new home and is focused on his next chapter. A er 29 albums, Culbertson believes there is plenty of new musical terrain to explore. He doesn’t have a bucket list of musicians to collaborate with because he has already worked with so many stellar musicians from around the world. “I feel very lucky that I’ve pretty much checked o all the boxes of the people I’ve wanted to work with. A lot of my heroes I grew up listening to, I’ve played with. Of course, you aren’t going to work with everyone, but I’ve gotten to meet so many greats. I’m forever grateful.” While most musicians of his generation have experienced peaks and valleys, Culbertson has maintained a steady trajectory to success. He recalled only one precarious time in his career when he started to doubt his way. “I remember back in 2010, when I was de nitely questioning,” he said. “I was thinking, ‘What’s going on with this music?’ e genre seemed to be evaporating. at’s when FM radio stations went away, and touring was bad because of the economic crash, which caught up to the touring business, and I wasn’t getting any gigs. “I was thinking, ‘Do I go more into lm and television or write di erent kinds of music?’ I was trying all types of stu . I realized that was not where my heart was. ankfully, the business did turn around and correct itself.” He credits his management and production team for always keeping him even-keeled and honest. “I’ve seen with other artists who have enablers who say yes to everything. You have to have people around you who have your best interests in mind, and are not afraid to give you the bad news or say, ‘ at’s an awful idea.’” He took a moment and added, knowingly, “Of course, No. 1 is my wife, Michelle. We’ve been together many, many years. She will gladly tell me when she doesn’t like something, and she’s great at giving me advice or telling me what I might not want to hear, but need to. But when she loves something, that’s an amazing feeling, so she’s always supportive.” For now, Culbertson heads into 2026 with a lot on his plate, and he will continue to innovate and chase new ideas and inspiration from life, and, yes, even evolving tech innovations. “You have to be adaptable to new technology and be exible—the key is believing in what you do and persevering. You don’t know what is going to happen, so just keep going forward.” For more information on Culbertson, including his complete tour schedule, visit www.brianculbertson.com. For details on his Jazz Getaways, visit www.jazzgetaway.com. March 20 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Scottish Rite Cathedral West Reading, Pennsylvania www.berksjazzfest.com April 18 Jazz Fest Pompano Beach Pompano Beach Fisher Family Pier Pompano Beach, Florida www.pompanobeacharts.org/events/jazz-fest Nov. 7 The Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Daytona Beach, Florida www.floridasmoothjazz.com continued from page 17 After 29 albums, Culbertson believes there is plenty of new musical terrain to explore. ONTOUR
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 | 19 PAULA ATHERTON •“MAKE IT HAPPEN” SINGLE (Dream On Records) “Cowritten and produced by frequent collaborator—and onetime Kalimba Records labelmate—Greg Manning (with guitar and additional production by Lou Gimenez), ‘Make It Happen’ is an edgy, fast grooving and wildly danceable horn-driven jam, a showcase for Atherton’s compelling melodic magic and passionate horn re.” — Jonathan Widran AVAILABLE AT: https://music.apple.com, www.spotify.com, www.amazon.com and all digital service providers WEBSITE: www.paulaatherton.com ARTHUR THOMPSON •“I NEEDED YOU” SINGLE (Arthurized Productions) Smooth Jazz Network’s 2023 Breakout Artist of the Year, Arthur Thompson, is back! His new single, “I Needed You,” featuring the incomparable Peter White, is sure to lift your soul and move your spirit. It’s the latest from his upcoming album, Arthurized Volume 1: Keep on Dreaming, available this March. This feel-good album will inspire you as Arthur continues his legacy of positivity and empowerment. Learn more about Arthur and his work at www.arthurthompsondrums.com. AVAILABLE AT: all streaming platforms, including iTunes, https://cdbaby.com and https://open.spotify.com WEBSITE: www.arthurthompsondrums.com Advertisement: To inquire about placement, call 858-541-1919 or email smoothjazzads@aol.com.
20 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 9 Poncho Sanchez & His Latin Jazz Band, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 12 Rebecca Jade-A Tribute to Sade, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 13 Lindsey Webster, 7:30pm, e Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, Virginia, www.birchmere.com, 703-549-7500 14th Annual Jazz at the Oxford featuring Danny Seraphine, 6pm, Oxford Hotel, 10 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend, Oregon, www.jazzattheoxford.com Jessy J, 7pm, Scullers Jazz Club, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, Massachusetts, https://scullersjazz.com, 617-562-4111 Erin Stevenson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 14 14th Annual Jazz at the Oxford featuring Danny Seraphine, FEBRUARY 1 Adam Hawley Birthday Bash, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 5 Big Mike Hart Birthday Bash, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 7 Chris Standring featuring e Hip Sway Horns, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old 5 & 8pm, Oxford Hotel, 10 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend, Oregon, www.jazzattheoxford.com “City Lights & Love Notes” A Valentines’ Jazz A air featuring Paula Atherton, 7pm, e Community Collective, 12041 S. Post Oak Blvd., Houston, Texas, www.wisezuri.com 15 Andy Vargas-From Studio to Stage: e Andy Vargas Experience, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 16 Michael Lington presents Sax to Soul featuring Lington & CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 | 21 Peabo Bryson, 6:30pm; dinner, 5pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 19 DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 20 Lindsey Webster, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 21 Grooves at e Westin featuring Peter White & Mindi Abair, 7pm, e Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Westin Grooves Backyard, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, https://groovesatthewestin.com, 951-696-0184 Nils, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch continued on page 22 Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 22 Patrick Lamb, 6 & 8pm, Humphreys Backstage LIVE, 2241 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, California, www.patricklamb.com 23 Special Event featuring Eric Marienthal & Peter White, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 25 Patrick Lamb, 8 & 10pm, e Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd., Studio City, California, www.thebakedpotato.com, 818-980-1615 26 DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 27 DW3-A Tribute to the Legends of Music, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 28 Dave Koz Cruise presents Kayla Waters, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 MARCH 5 Spyro Gyra, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545 DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Mindi Abair-25th Anniversary performing at Jazz Alley, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 6 Mindi Abair-25th Anniversary performing at Jazz Alley, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 7 Julian Vaughn, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Mindi Abair-25th Anniversary performing at Jazz Alley, 7:30 & 9:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 8 Paula Atherton, 5pm, Keystone Korner Baltimore, 1350 Lancaster St., Baltimore, Maryland, www.keystonekornerbaltimore.com, 410-946-6726 KENNY G AL DI MEOLA JAZZ FUNK SOUL A.R.T. APRIL 9-11, 2026 RESERVE NOW 844-810-8205 BONEY JAMES THE WAR AND TREATY WEEKENDOFJAZZ.COM MORE ARTISTS TBA PETER WHITE, MINDI ABAIR & VINCENT INGALA
22 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Dave Koz Cruise presents Kyle Schroeder & Evan Taylor, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Mindi Abair-25th Anniversary performing at Jazz Alley, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 9 Michael Lington presents Sax to Soul featuring Lington & Haley Reinhart, 6:30pm; dinner, 5pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 12 DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 13 14th Annual Jazz at the Oxford featuring John Lloyd Young, 6pm, Oxford Hotel, 10 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend, Oregon, www.jazzattheoxford.com BK Jackson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 14 14th Annual Jazz at the Oxford featuring John Lloyd Young, 5 & 8pm, Oxford Hotel, 10 NW Minnesota Ave., Bend, Oregon, www.jazzattheoxford.com Grooves at e Westin featuring the Tris Imboden Yacht Stars, 7pm, e Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, Westin Grooves Backyard, 71333 Dinah Shore Dr., Rancho Mirage, California, https://groovesatthewestin.com, 951-696-0184 Marcus Anderson, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 16 Sway Collective featuring DamonReel-A Tribute to Frank Sinatra, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 19 DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 20 Paula Atherton-“Dancin’ Shoes,” 6:30pm, e Room at Cedar Grove, 32882 Cedar Grove Road, Lewes, Delaware, www.simpletix.com/e/ paula-atherton-dancin-shoes-tickets234217#smtx-click, 302-316-4074 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest featuring the Yellowjackets, 7pm, Miller Center for the Arts, Reading Area Community College, 4 N. 2nd St., Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest featuring Najee with special guests Regina Belle & Alex Bugnon, 9:30pm; Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted Jam featuring Vincent Ingala, Je Kashiwa, Rob DeBoer, Tony Grace, Albert Rivera, Tim Hutson, Vernon Parson, Mike Phillips, Chris Geith, Jay Rowe & Carl Cox, 11:30pm, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, 701 Penn St., Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Opening Night Celebration featuring Brian Culbertson, 6pm, Scottish Rite Cathedral, 310 S. 7th Ave., W. Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com 21 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest featuring Pieces of a Dream & Four80East with Je Kashiwa, noon; Vincent Ingala, 7pm; Maysa’s 35/60 Tour with Mike Phillips & Carl Cox, 9:30pm; Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted Jam featuring Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown, Vincent Ingala, Je Kashiwa, Rob DeBoer, Tony Grace, Albert Rivera, Tim Hutson, Vernon Parson, Mike Phillips, Chris Geith & Jay Rowe, 11:30pm, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, 701 Penn St., Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com continued from page 21 CATALINA ISLAND JA F S l IN ALL THE WORLD... NO PLACE LIKE THIS...F JA Z David Sanborn Tribute by his band ‘The Side Guys’ Chuck Mangione Tribute by his original guitarist Grant Geissman Acoustic Alchemy Euge Groove Fattburger Band Peter White Vincent Ingala Four 80 East Nathan Mitchell Roberto Restuccia and Many More! 2 WEEKENDS October 8-11 & 15-18, 2026 www.JazzTrax.com Full Line-Up, Tickets and Info
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2026 | 23 27 Paula Atherton, 8 & 10pm, ICON Jazz Lounge, 1135 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio, https://iconjl.com/ event/paula-atherton-national-artist, 614-745-0442 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest Welcome Concert featuring Everette Harp & e Gerald Veasley Band, 3pm, Callowhill Ballroom; Eric Benét, 9:30pm; Gerald Veasley’s Unscripted Jam featuring Marion Meadows, Alex Bugnon, Curtis McCain, JJ Sansaverino, Bobby Lyle, Chelsey Green, Tim Hutson, Walter Christopher & Jazmin Ghent, 11:30pm, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, 701 Penn St., Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest featuring Spyro Gyra with special guest Roberto Restuccia, 6pm, Miller Center for the Arts, Reading Area Community College, 4 N. 2nd St., Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com DW3-A Tribute to the Legends of Music, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest featuring Boney James, 6pm, Scottish Rite Cathedral, 310 S. 7th Ave., W. Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com 28 Vincent Ingala, 7 & 9pm, Scullers Jazz Club, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, Massachusetts, https:// scullersjazz.com, 617-562-4111 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest featuring Chris “Big Dog” Davis presents Celebrating Women in Jazz with Regina Belle, Maysa, Paulette McWilliams, Chelsey Green & Jazmin Ghent, noon; Marcus Miller & Friends featuring Eric Marienthal, Ravi Coltrane & Warren Wolf, 9:30pm, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, 701 Penn St., Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest featuring Will Downing with special guests Carol Riddick & Gerald Veasley, 6pm, Scottish Rite Cathedral, 310 S. 7th Ave., W. Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com 29 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest featuring Eric Marienthal & David Benoit with the Reading Pops Orchestra, conducted by Willis M. Rapp, 3:30pm, Miller Center for the Arts, Reading Area Community College, 4 N. 2nd St., Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com Tony Exum Jr., 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 30 Special Event featuring Eric Marienthal & Keiko Matsui, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 continued on page 24 Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest featuring Chris Botti, 6pm, Scottish Rite Cathedral, 310 S. 7th Ave., W. Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com 26 35th Annual Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest presents the Chuck Loeb Memorial All-Star Jam, hosted by Gerald Veasley & Eric Marienthal, featuring Everette Harp, Bobby Lyle, Chris “Big Dog” Davis, Curtis McCain, JJ Sansaverino, Blake Aaron, Will Donato & Tim Hutson, with a special performance by Regina Belle & Barry Eastmond, 7pm, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Reading, 701 Penn St., Reading, Pennsylvania, www.berksjazzfest.com DW3, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 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
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