ISSUE NO. 214 JUNE | JULY 2025 DAVE KOZ Launches his nationwide “Summer Horns” tour with youthful additions and a full horn section ANNUAL JAZZ CONCERT SERIES GUIDE The many sounds, sights and tastes that follow jazz across California DARNELL “SHOWCASE” TAYLOR From sizzling guitar sideman to front stage SAN DIEGO SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL Seaside urban vistas with a live smooth jazz soundtrack—so perfect!
2 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS July 19 Brian Simpson and Jackiem Joyner July 12 Jonathan Butler July 26 Rick Braun July 19 Brian Simpson and Jackiem Joyner : to : PM Enjoy a soulful treat at these free community concerts. Reserved concert seating in front of the stage is included with a prix fixe meal at LB Steak, The Slanted Door or Alora Social. Or choose patio seating or takeout on the lawn in Alexander Square. Visit us for details. citycenterbishopranch.com | San Ramon, CA SCAN FOR DETAILS & RESERVATIONS
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JUNE/JULY 2025 | 5 3RD ANNUAL 2-Day Jam Passes Available While Supplies Last DAVE KOZ & FRIENDS PEABO BRYSON PETER WHITE BRIAN MCKNIGHT PLUS MANY MORE! JONATHAN BUTLER KEIKO MATSUI • • • Fri & Sat,July 18 & 19 Ruth Eckerd Hall 727-791-7400 Artists, days, dates and times subject to change. Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Florida Smooth Jazz Weekend Hosted by ERIC DARIUS FloridaSmoothJazz.com 386-681-7007 starring Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Oct 30 - Nov 2, 2025 Presented & Produced by The Florida Smooth Jazz Foundation at FloridaSmoothJazz.com 386-681-7007 featuring JONATHAN BUTLER • KEIKO MATSUI RICK BRAUN & RICHARD ELLIOT PAUL TAYLOR & MICHAEL LINGTON • RANDY JACOBS DARREN RAHN, GREG MANNING & REBECCA JADE VINCENT INGALA JONATHAN BUTLER • KEIKO MATSUI PETER WHITE hosted by RnR feat April 30 -May 3, 2026 BONEY JAMES • PETER WHITE Special Guest
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 Gina Mancini Contributing Photographers Cover photo: Dave Koz by Colin Peck Pete Clingan Will Downing Erin Blair Studio Kyle Fierro Tyler Franz Ash Gupta Harper Hardwick David Hopley Curtis McElhinney (CurtisVision.com) Raj Naik Nathan Phillips Bobby Quillard Daniel Ray Jurgen Reisch Leslie Schneider Aric Thompson Darnell Wade Smooth Jazz News 5519 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #134 San Diego, CA 92117 858-541-1919 smoothjazznews@aol.com www.smoothjazznews.com We will publish five issues of Smooth Jazz News in 2025: February-March, April-May, June-July, August-September and October-November-December. The publisher assumes no responsibility for claims or actions of its advertisers. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, staff or advertisers. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. ©2025, Smooth Jazz News | All rights reserved Smooth-Jazz News/123513291125001 @SmoothJazzNews 8 Notes from the Publisher A circle of friends stay connected at Mindi Abair’s birthday celebrations 14 DISCover New Music For your summer soundtrack 16 The 7th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival A top-of-the-line show in a scenic setting 19 FREE CD-with-subscription offer When you subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, June 21-22 20 Darnell “Showcase” Taylor When he’s not touring with Brian Culbertson, this popular guitarist shines in the spotlight with solo gigs and releasing his own music 24 Dave Koz A magical alignment of stars: Koz and Bob James . master a musical supernova in Just Us 28 Calendar of smooth jazz events Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide 37 Annual Jazz Concert Series Guide Smooth jazz for everyone—go thrifty or splurge! 45 Smooth Jazz News merchandise Get festival-ready with our concert clothing. Receive a free gift when you purchase on-site at the 2025 San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival. 46 Smooth Jazz News subscription Subscribe to the print issue online, by mail, phone or at our booth during the 2025 San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival 46 Cashmira’s Starguide Summer horoscopes SMooth Jazz News Set in the courtyard of an upscale shopping center surrounded by restaurants, stores, jewelers, nail and hair salons, this series offers three free concerts (with stage-front seating options) featuring smooth jazz stars. For more information on this and other events happening in June and July, check out the calendar, beginning on page 28, and our Annual Jazz Concert Series Guide on pages 37-44. Are you looking for a smooth jazz adventure this summer? A fun girls’ getaway? A couple’s weekend or road trip? The City Center Bishop Ranch Smooth Jazz Series this July in San Ramon, California, is a perfect choice! CONTENTS Rick Braun Jonathan Butler brian simpson Photo: Bobby Quillard Photo: Jurgen Reisch Photo: Raj Naik
JUNE/JULY 2025 | 7 jazz concert series RHYTHM ON THE VINE® SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 Smooth Jazz All Stars Benefit Show SUNDAY, AUGUST 31 An Evening of Yacht Rock with Tris Imboden Yacht Stars SUNDAY, JULY 20 Hiroshima SUNDAY, AUGUST 17 Tom Braxton, Rebecca Jade, & Andrea Lisa SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Al Jarreau Reunion Band featuring Chris Walker SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Kalapana 50th Anniversary Celebration 34843 Rancho California Road | Temecula, CA 92591 | (951) 696-0184
8 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Artist Nick Egan and Eric Guerra Eric Guerra, Mindi Abair and Peter White Mindi Abair and Jenifer Wilson Photos: Curtis McElhinney MINDI ABAIR’S BIRTHDAY BASH— Steve Chapman, Melanie Maxwell, Mindi Abair, Jenifer Wilson, Kelly Cole the beat goes on for 25-plus years Photos: Curtis McElhinney
JUNE/JULY 2025 | 9 continued on page 10 JOIN US FOR INTIMATE GROUP EXPERIENCES IN THE WORLDS’ MOST FAMOUS WINE REGIONS WHILE YOU INDULGE IN THE FINEST WINE, MUSIC AND FOOD HOSTED BY MINDI ABAIR & ERIC GUERRA 5 STAR HOTELS DAILY SHOWS SMALL GROUPS PRIVATE WINE TASTINGS MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANTS CULTURAL EXCURSIONS CONCIERGE SERVICES RESERVATIONS: WWW.WINEANDJAZZ.COM/ADVENTURES PROVENCE, FRANCE KIRK WHALUM Week #1: October 19 - 24, 2025 Week #2: October 26 - 31, 2025 PORTO, PORTUGAL MINDI ABAIR Week #1: October 11 - 16, 2026 Week #2: October 18 - 23, 2026 SONOMA, CALIFORNIA RICK BRAUN Week #1: April 26 - 30, 2026 Week #2: May 3 - 7, 2026 WINEandJAZZ.com Club Members Get Priority Reservations Friendships happen naturally among people at their workplaces or in interest groups that draw them together. Jazz fans are famous for the jubilant camaraderie that reaches across venues and from city to city. Musicians are sympatico souls who also develop deep bonds with one another in a workplace that is nationwide. Hang time at concerts and festivals are premium moments because of the demands of being touring professionals who travel from gig to gig, coast to coast and around the globe. Saxophonist Mindi Abair has become the great universal connector. Because friendships are so important to her, she throws an annual birthday bash and invites everyone she loves and cares for. It’s a reunion of musicians and those who work with them. “I’ve thrown a birthday party every year at my house for at least 25 years. I feel that it’s a great chance to stay in touch with friends every year,” she said the day after her latest bash on May 10. For the first time, it wasn’t held at her Hollywood, California, home. Instead, everyone gathered to celebrate with her and her husband, Eric Guerra, at The Village Studios in Los Angeles. “We see each other at shows or in working situations throughout the year, but keeping real relationships is important to me, and this party is a chance to really connect in a chill environment. And there’s wine … and cake!” There was also food, catered by Mizlala. “It’s one of my favorite restaurants, Mediterranean-themed, and it’s within walking distance from our home in Hollywood. They serve charred cauliflower, crispy herbed broccoli and the best falafel and chicken shawarma. Their hummus with pita bread is amazing. We had it all!” Abair admitted that it became a challenge to continue having her party in Hollywood—where she’s hosted it for more than a decade—because she and her husband moved into a home they bought in the Napa Valley Wine Country last year. “I love where I live now, but I miss my friends in Southern California. So, it’s more important than ever to stay connected. We’ve rented out our house in Hollywood, so I asked my friend Jeff Greenberg, who owns The Village Recorder, if I could use his ‘house,’ and he said yes. “We were able to have a beautiful get-together in a legendary and historic recording studio that I’ve made a lot of music in over the “We see each other at shows or in working situations throughout the year, but keeping real relationships is important to me, and this party is a chance to really connect in a chill environment. And there’s wine … and cake!” – MINDI ABAIR
10 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS continued from page 9 years. It was perfect. I even did a session there right before the party. Bobby Lyle played on my new album that drops June 13. He asked me to play on his album, so I recorded my tracks right before the party in Studio D. Now that’s perfection,” she exclaimed. Abair also had one of her dreams come true in that same Moroccan Room where her party was held. “I am a super fan of Booker T. Jones. I mean … he was the bandleader for Stax Records. He created that sound that’s basically the soundtrack to American music. I was always asking if people knew him because I wanted the chance to write and record with him. I finally found the right person, the head of Concord Records, John Burk, who introduced us and set up a songwriting session. The only thing I had to do was find a place with a B3 organ … not every place has one just sitting around. My friend Jeff offered up The Village Recorder for the writing session. And when I arrived, there was this beautiful, huge red room with nothing in it but a B3 organ. That’s where Booker and I wrote together. “We’ve written three songs together and recorded two of them, ‘Addicted to You’ from my Wild Heart CD and ‘Make It Happen’ that appeared on my Best of Mindi Abair CD and Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers Live in Seattle. What an incredibly inspiring room to write with him in. “And cut to Saturday night … wow … it was the perfect room for my birthday … so many friends … I love this room!” Those friends included Ellis Hall, who accompanied Abair on piano and vocals throughout the evening. Guitarist Peter White had just flown in from a gig in the Midwest. Other musician friends in attendance were vocalists Robbie Wyckoff (currently with Pablo Cruise), Rebecca Jade and her husband, Rico Curtis; drummers Mindi Abair and Ellis Hall performing continued on page 12 Photos: Curtis McElhinney Bill Wilson, Kathy Payne, Mindi Abair and Rico Curtis Rebecca Jade, Craig Collier and Peter White
JUNE/JULY 2025 | 11 MINDI ABAIR MARION MEADOWS KEIKO MATSUI BRIAN SIMPSON & STEVE OLIVER VINCENT INGALA NORMAN BROWN BPM WITH BRIAN BROMBERG, PAUL BROWN & MICHAEL PAULO SPYRO GYRA TERRY STEELE “SINGS LUTHER” GERALD ALBRIGHT JEFF RYAN PEABO BRYSON ANDREA LISA THE HIROSHIMA TRIO BOB JAMES RONNIE LAWS ROMAN STREET DAMIEN ESCOBAR ERIC DARIUS RANDAL CLARK JOHNNY BRITT ERIN STEVENSON TICKETS NOW ON SALE • BALLROOM ‘FULL WEEKEND SERIES’ •SINGLE DAY * *late boats after final performance Sat. & Sun. only • THURSDAYS OUTDOORS ON BEACH UNDER THE STARS ORDER TICKETS ON-LINE, SEE FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE, LINKS FOR BOATS, HOTELS, AIR BNB & VRBO RENTAL HOUSES WWW.JAZZTRAX.COM 26 MILES ACROSS THE SEA .. HIGH UP IN THE HISTORIC 1929 AVALON BALLROOM INSIDE THE WRIGLEY CASINO JAzzTrax FeSTIval 38TH ANNUAL CATALINA ISLAND OPENING WEEKEND OCT. 9-12 CLOSING WEEKEND OCT. 16-19 CLOSING WEEKEND OCT. 16-19 Marcus Anderson MINDI ABAIR DW3 DARIA BIANCARDI Special Guest From Sicily, Italy INDI ABAIR’S MWINE AND JAZZ THRU 31, 2025 DECEMBER29 NEW YEAR’S EVE LOEWS CORONADO BAY RESORT SAN DIEGO, CA Richard Elliot JOIN US FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE 2025! WITH SPECIAL GUEST HOST PAT PRESCOTT PACKAGES: www.MINDIABAIR.com Coronado Bay Resort
12 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Jamey Tate and Phil Jones (Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, James Taylor, Jackson Browne and more); and keyboardist Tommy Coster Jr. (“He was my keyboardist in college. He played my senior recital with me at Berklee. When I moved to LA, I begged him to move, as I didn’t know anyone, and had no one to play with me. He finally agreed to move and stayed on my couch for a few weeks until he could find a place,” Abair said.) Kathy Payne, owner of Payne Pest Management and sponsor of Mindi Abair’s Wine and Jazz New Year’s Eve in San Diego, was also there. She mingled with other guests such as Bill and Jenifer Wilson, owners of Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula, California; Kelly Cole (host of Magic 92.5’s “Quiet Storm” and former music director at KiFM 98.1); Pat Prescott (retired from 94.7 The Wave in Los Angeles); and Craig Collier (Smooth Jazz News). Abair’s manager, Bud Harner, and his wife, Debra, were there with Chapman & Co. Management President Steve Chapman. Plus, an abundance of music industry executives, songwriters, authors, artists, attorneys, fashion designers and photographers. The friendships Abair has made throughout her career, and the stories she has to tell about so many of them, including her surprise wedding to Guerra with Dave Koz officiating during her 2019 birthday bash, are as iconic and historic as the studio in which we were all celebrating. For more information about Abair, her tour schedule, Wine and Jazz Adventures and her New Year’s Eve celebration, visit www.mindiabair.com. continued from page 10 “We were able to have a beautiful get-together in a legendary and historic recording studio that I’ve made a lot of music in over the years. It was perfect.” – MINDI ABAIR Mindi Abair, Eric Guerra, Jenifer and Bill Wilson Eric Guerra Steve Chapman and Kelly Cole Photos: Curtis McElhinney Mindi Abair’s birthday bash in the Moroccan Room at The Village Studios in Los Angeles
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14 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS KIM SCOTT •LIVIN’ IT UP (Innervision Records) Flutist Kim Scott’s sixth album, Livin’ It Up, was produced by Grammy winners Paul Brown and Kelvin Wooten along with Billboard hitmakers Greg Manning and Michael Broening. Scott combines classical, jazz, R&B, Latin and pop to form a sound that has earned her multiple Billboard No. 1 singles, a Billboard No. 1 album, Billboard’s Song of the Year, and 2024’s Smooth Jazz Network’s Artist of the Year. Available at: www.amazon.com, iTunes, https://music.apple.com, https://cdbaby.com, www.spotify.com, https://tidal.com, www.deezer.com, www.kimscottmusic.com Website: www.kimscottmusic.com 3RD FORCE •LIFEFORCE (Baja/TSR Records) Nearly a decade after the release of their last album, 3rd Force is back with an infectious and eclectic smooth jazz musical journey with their new album, Lifeforce. It features a collection of songs with an array of longtime friends and deserving musicians from around the globe. In all, 17 different players infused their talents into Lifeforce. Available at: iTunes, www.Amazon.com, www.Deezer.com and wherever great music is sold Website: www.3rdforcemusic.com/ MICHAEL CATES •“77 HOURS” (SINGLE) (Sonic Redoubt Entertainment) Infectious! Captivating! Diverse! Saxophonist Michael Cates’ latest release, “77 Hours,” featuring Grammy-nominated pianist virtuoso Rob Mullins, and mixed by Greg Manning, will take the listener on an artistic, synergistic ride. From pulsating beats to intrinsic improvisation, this tune will satisfy any jazz-blues lover’s musical appetite. Cates’ composition and saxophone prowess shine on this one! Available at: www.amazon.com, https://music.apple.com, www.spotify.com and all digital service providers Website: https://michaelcates.com ROB ZINN •“WEEKEND GAMES”(SINGLE) (Rob Zinn Music) Rob Zinn’s latest single, “Weekend Games,” featuring Michael Paulo, is an exploration of romance and chemistry. The sultry vibe that unfolds throughout the song creates a rich, immersive atmosphere, drawing listeners into a world of anticipation and subtle desire. It’s intriguing how the song portrays a journey where two hearts cautiously, yet passionately, navigate their connection—playing on the tension between patience and boldness. The narrative’s relatable, yet provocative, nature promises to keep listeners engaged, wondering where the game of attraction might lead. Available at: iTunes, www.Amazon.com, www.spotify.com, www.Pandora.com, https://tidal.com, www.deezer.com Website: www.robzinn.com Advertisement: To inquire about placement, call 858-541-1919 or email smoothjazzads@aol.com.
JUNE/JULY 2025 | 15 for more info: Sunday July 13,2025 VIP 3:45 General Admission 5:00 (949) 733-0044 https://highhopes.ws HYATT REGENCY NEWPORT BEACH SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2025 To purchase tickets please call: (949) 733-0044 or visit: www.HighHopes.ws SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE ERIC MARIENTHAL & FRIENDS BONEY JAMES FEATURING
16 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS SAN DIEGO FESTIVAL SMOOTH JAZZ Rady Shell amplifies the concert experience in San Diego Photo: Aric Thompson 7th Annual JUNE 21-22 ERIC DARIUS is hosting and performing at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival
JUNE/JULY 2025 | 17 continued on page 18 By Melanie Maxwell San Diego is not only America’s Finest City, but it’s also home to one of the country’s finest smooth jazz festivals. On the Embarcadero with harbor and downtown skyline views and cool breezes, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park remains the perfect setting for the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival. And, with Eric Darius returning as festival host and Brian Culbertson headlining on Saturday, June 21, it’s certainly going to be a party! However, Kim Benoit, president of Rainbow Promotions and producer of the event, is equally excited about Sunday’s headliner, October London. “October London is certainly a surprise for some, but he’s been on our radar for a while,” said Benoit. “We featured him at the Long Beach Jazz Festival last year after discovering his unique blend of classic soul and modern R&B. His live performance was captivating—smooth, soulful and reminiscent of Marvin Gaye with a modern twist.” Benoit said her booking of another rising star, saxophonist Erisa Nicole, will also bring a fresh sound and new energy to the festival. “She is someone festivalgoers will be talking about after the show,” she enthused. “Brian Culbertson, Eric Darius and Norman Brown are always crowd favorites, and we’re thrilled to have them this year,” said Benoit. However, she always likes to include other great talent that may not be a staple on the festival circuit, such as saxophonist Jeanette Harris. “While she may not be on every festival lineup, she’s undoubtedly the sax queen of smooth jazz, boldly redefining the genre with her electrifying performances,” Benoit explained. “Her dynamic stage BRIAN CULBERTSON WILL DOWNING OCTOBER LONDON Photo: Daniel Ray
18 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS plans to expand that section to support local artisans and bring in more variety for fans to enjoy. “Our goal for 2025 is to continue delivering a worldclass experience that blends great music with a scenic, comfortable setting,” Benoit said. “The Rady Shell offers waterfront views, amazing acoustics and plenty of room to relax and enjoy the music. Whether you’re in reserved seating or the general admission lawn, we want every guest to feel immersed in the sound, the vibe and the community. “The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival is more than just a weekend of music—it’s a celebration of the genre’s evolution, a chance to discover new talent, reconnect with favorites and enjoy the beauty of San Diego’s bayfront. We encourage fans to come early, explore the venue, support our vendors, and, most importantly, enjoy the vibe,” she concluded. presence and uplifting musical energy create an irresistible force that captivates audiences everywhere. We believe she brings a strong, soulful dynamic that will resonate well with the San Diego audience.” In addition to a great venue and lineup, food and merchandise vendors are an appealing aspect of an ideal festival. The Rady Shell houses on-site restaurants and beverage bars through its culinary program, The Shell Provisions. Instead of typical festival fare, patrons can dine on dishes from The Shell’s local partners, including Chef Richard Blais, Urban Kitchen, Lola 55 and a few food carts. The menus include such selections as pan-seared Atlantic salmon, roasted chicken marsala, barbecue-rub tri-tip, carne asada and carnitas tacos, burritos, street corn, pizza, Old Bay fried chicken tenders, salads, burgers, kettle corn, ice cream, cookies and the like. Cocktails, beer and wine are also available for purchase. In the Marina section’s stage-front table seating, patrons can order food and beverages from waitstaff, or they can preorder their meals. One thing is not changing. Benoit is keeping the popular tradition of on-site vendors. Patrons who enjoy shopping will find clothing, jewelry, art and merchandise, including Smooth Jazz News. And, she continued from page 17 BPM featuring Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown and Michael Paulo “The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival is more than just a weekend of music—it’s a celebration of the genre’s evolution, a chance to discover new talent, reconnect with favorites and enjoy the beauty of San Diego’s bayfront.” — Kim Benoit JEANETTE HARRIS Photo: Raj Naik
JUNE/JULY 2025 | 19 Richard Elliot *This free-CD offer is a special promotion only available at the 2025 San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, while supplies last, and CD selection is subject to change without notice. This offer is not available when ordering by phone, mail or online. CDs are provided compliments of record labels and artists. get a FREE CD* Going to the 7th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival? PICK 1 f r e e BIG DEAL FROM SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at our booth during the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival June 21-22 The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park San Diego,California www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com Photo by David Hopley WHEN: June 21-22 WHERE: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park 222 Marina Park Way San Diego, California GETTING THERE: Flights are available into the San Diego International Airport (SAN), approximately 4 miles from the venue. STAYING THERE: The Hilton San Diego Bayfront, located at 1 Park Blvd., is the festival’s official host hotel. For reservations or information, call 619-564-3333. PARKING: Parking is available at the San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Dr., for a fee. Visit www.theshell.org/plan-your-visit/directions-and-parking TICKETS AND INFORMATION: Visit www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com, or call 619-235-0804 LINEUP: Saturday, June 21 (gates open at 2:30 p.m., music starts at 3 p.m.): Jeanette Harris....................................................................3:05 p.m. Jackiem Joyner...................................................................4:15 p.m. BPM featuring Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown and Michael Paulo.............................................................5:40 p.m. Will Downing........................................................................7:05 p.m. Brian Culbertson..................................................................8:30 p.m. Sunday, June 22 (gates open at 2:30 p.m., music starts at 3 p.m.): Erisa Nicole..........................................................................3:05 p.m. Down To The Bone..............................................................4:15 p.m. Norman Brown....................................................................5:40 p.m. Eric Darius............................................................................7:05 p.m. October London.................................................................8:30 p.m. Lineup and show times are subject to change without notice. THE RADY SHELL at Jacobs Park in San Diego, California
20 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS By Ken Capobianco In a world that likes to classify musicians by genre to make them easily digestible, Darnell “Showcase” Taylor is adamant about pushing artistic boundaries and resisting easy definitions. The veteran guitarist, who has played with an array of musicians in gospel, jazz and funk/R&B that include Brian Culbertson, Marcus Anderson and Byron Cage, is branching out on his own with his second solo album, Worth the Wait. It explores his expansive musical range, liquid guitar style and superb songwriting. While he has made a name for himself as a sizzling guitar sideman, Worth the Wait finds Taylor in his element, delivering a tapestry of sounds that draws on his many influences. He gets funky as easily as he slips into Afrobeat or breezes through sleek, multidimensional jazz. All played with an honesty and passion that’s often lacking in pop music today. “I’ve always been someone who will color outside the box, even when I was in kindergarten, I tried different things,” said Taylor via phone recently from his home in North Carolina. “If you were to tell me I had to make a smooth jazz record, I’d say ‘What is that?’ Music is music. I like different styles of music, and this particular album demonstrates that.” The skilled guitarist is an enjoyable conversationalist, referencing different artists he’s worked with, and is easy with a story or a laugh. He spoke enthusiastically about his long-gestating second album that took him four years to make. “My goal was to showcase—no pun intended—the different sides of my music, so that’s why it is so diverse in sounds and styles,” he emphasized. “I wrote, produced, mixed and did everything on this record. It was important for me to show what I can do. I got the name ‘Showcase’ because I’m talented in so many areas and can showcase that.” He insisted that while he loves playing with Culbertson now and is extremely grateful for all the opportunities the jazz world has given DELIVERS A TAPESTRY OF SOUNDS DARNELL “Showcase” TAYLOR Photo: Will Downing
JUNE/JULY 2025 | 21 him, he hopes to avoid being pigeonholed as a solo artist. He wants people to listen with open ears. Among the guests on his album are his former boss, Anderson, on one of the record’s triumphant tracks, “Africa,” and the mercurial hip-hop original master of ceremonies, Big Daddy Kane, who drops crisp couplets on the joyous “Party.” “When people in popular culture hear jazz or smooth jazz, they think that’s sleepy music, but when they hear what I’m doing, they are surprised, even though it’s instrumental music,” Taylor said. “Instrumental music in our culture has a certain perception or stigma—people think it’s going to bore them—so it’s often a challenge for someone like me to get people to listen and hear what I’m doing with it. “It says more about the culture, though, than the music. So, I bring my personality, and I want the music to reflect that. I came from the gospel and R&B world when I migrated into smooth jazz, playing with Marcus and Brian. Before that, my music was very funk-driven, so I wanted to bring that to smooth jazz.” Taylor’s road to this point in his career has had many detours and destinations. He grew up in North Carolina and found his way into the national music world as a touring musician before he was 20 years old. From humble beginnings, big things often come. “My parents weren’t musical in the traditional sense, but my mom and sister sang at church—they weren’t serious—and there was gospel and soul music playing in my house,” he reflected. “My dad loved soul music. Johnnie Taylor, Little Milton, music like that. I had soul running through my veins. “I started with piano lessons, but because my instructor didn’t make it fun, and I found it mundane, I moved to trombone. I quit that because I didn’t like how it made my lip feel,” he said with a big laugh. “After awhile, my parents bought me a guitar, and it called me. I couldn’t figure out if I wanted to play lead guitar or bass, but I then saw Prince on television. The power with which he played, and how he commanded the stage. Right there, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.” He was recruited to play guitar in his teens for a local female gospel singer and began touring the country before turning professional and lighting stages on fire with his virtuoso playing. Taylor said that he came into his own as a player somewhere between 2006 and 2010, when he started booking more high-profile gigs. “I used to wonder if my sound would be accepted with all these great players out here. But I was getting recognition for my sound and my performance,” he said. “I’ve always been someone who will color outside the box, even when I was in kindergarten, I tried different things.” continued on page 22 Photo: Will Downing
22 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS that,” Taylor said. “While I was setting up during soundcheck, Prince was playing ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ on the piano. “When he finished, he came over to me, and said hello, and it was mind-blowing—a defining moment because his recognition was a stamp of approval. Meeting and talking to my idol was everything, and he knew about me as a player because Prince noticed everything about guitar playing and musicianship.” Taylor, a longtime spokesman for Ibanez guitars, is proud to represent North Carolina, which has nurtured some of the greatest musicians—from John Coltrane to Roberta Flack, Nina Simone, Thelonious Monk and George Clinton. His old bosses, Anderson and Hamilton, are also Tar Heel peers. He can’t say if there’s something in the water of North Carolina that develops great artists, but he has an idea about the secret to the hometown success. “It must be the buttered grits and bacon grease,” the amiable guitarist laughed. “I’ve never thought about it, but considering how many there are, that must be it.” Although he’s on the road frequently as a member of Culbertson’s touring band, Taylor said he dedicates his downtime to his family. The married father of a young girl knows that quality time is even more important than keeping time. “I enjoy spending time with my family because that is very rare with how often I’m on the road. That’s a big priority. As a musician, you have to make time and dedicate yourself to them. “I love to travel too, but I also really love gardening, believe it or not, planting flowers and doing yardwork. Everyone in my neighborhood knows that if you come by my place, my grass is going to be on point—manicured. I look at that as a reflection of me. I’m going to look good, sound good and present myself with an A-plus manner. What I have reflects me, and I take pride in it.” Taylor maintained that in the often chaotic, unpredictable life of a musician, there’s one constant for him. “My faith is everything to me. I am grounded and rooted in God. I was raised that way, and I’ve seen God’s work in my life. “There have been too many miracles that have happened in my life. He took me from a small town in North Carolina to work with Brian Culbertson and all the amazing artists I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with.” He slowed his thoughts to reflect on his life and added: “And he allowed me to meet my idol, Prince. That just doesn’t happen by accident. “My daughter is a miracle child, too. Our doctors told us we’d never have kids, but we kept believing and praying. And we were blessed with my daughter after God led us to the right doctor who directed us to the issue. “And now she’s 11 years old and as beautiful and healthy as ever. So, my faith has kept me going throughout my life. I genuinely believe that you have to have faith and things will work out.” For more information on Taylor, visit www.showcasedent.com. ON TOUR In addition to tour dates with Brian Culbertson (Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, June 4-7; and The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, June 21), Taylor is performing the following solo gigs: June 6 Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway “Wine Down” The Westin Verasa Napa, Solera Courtyard Napa, California www.jazzgetaway.com Aug. 31 Spaghettini Seal Beach, California www.spaghettini.com “I was playing with a gospel quartet out of New York, Darrell McFadden and the Disciples, who ironically were playing traditional Southern-style gospel. It’s very guitar-heavy music, so I was out front, and then I played with Byron Cage, who plays more contemporary gospel. “Throughout this time, I was evolving as a player. I moved on to work with Marcus Anderson. He encouraged me to get out front more and find my lane. I was comfortable being a supporting player at the time, but it was Marcus who gave me the confidence to do my own thing. That advice was a pivotal point in my career.” Taylor added that he vividly remembers the other major moment in his life when he knew that he had arrived and became fully confident in his playing. “I was playing with Anthony Hamilton in 2011, and we were opening for Prince during the Welcome 2 America tour. Marcus was also in the band—he went on to play with Prince’s New Power Generation right after continued from page 21 Photo: Will Downing
JUNE/JULY 2025 | 23
24 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS DAVE KOZ By Ken Capobianco very so often in pop and jazz, there is a musical celestial alignment, when superstar musicians collaborate to create music that amplifies the best artistic qualities of both artists to celebrate life. Think Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse, or David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. Add Dave Koz and Bob James to that list. The contemporary jazz stars recently released their first duet album, Just Us, a lyrical, lovely set of unadorned songs recorded live and acoustic in James’ home in northern Michigan. It’s a remarkable triumph for the artists who are among the standard-bearers of contemporary jazz. The mix of originals and covers of American standards is intimate and nuanced. It reveals new dimensions and nuances with each listen. Just Us transcends the familiar “unplugged” method of recording, which often feels like a kitschy gimmick to recycle old music. “There was an immediacy, intimacy, vulnerability and a purity that was not necessarily in any of my music or his,” said Koz, recently via phone. Bringing up a new generation of stars, recording a brilliant collaboration, producing sold-out cruises, thrilling fans with seasonal tours, supporting his cherished charities and more! Photo: Ash Gupta
JUNE/JULY 2025 | 25 “We were in a situation of hearing our instruments without any competition for the sonic space. You hear just this gorgeous grand piano sound. I’ll remind you that I’ve been making records in different ways all my life, where you can go back and fix things or add multiple tracks. “But this was one time you hope you get it right, and there were a lot of mistakes and imperfections, but those are what gave the music so much personality.” Koz, of course, is a popular and critically acclaimed saxophone colossus in contemporary jazz—a master stylist whose influence is wide ranging. His longtime friend, James is a world-renowned keyboardist-songwriter-arranger-producer who transcends musical genres. Like many discoveries, Just Us wasn’t planned—it evolved out of a burst of creativity and inspiration. As the 62-yearold saxophonist explained, all it took was some splendid isolation together for the musicians to mine magic. “We never decided to do an album together,” he said. “But I had invited Bob to be an artist on one of our luxury cruises we debuted last September, called Somma. I love Bob, and we have collaborated on each other’s projects. “I knew he’d be great, and everyone would love him. He agreed under one condition: He wanted to record a couple of songs—just him and me—and give it to the guests. There were 600 guests on the cruise. He thought about a 7-inch vinyl with two songs on it. “In advance of the cruise, I went to his home in northern Michigan, and we recorded the two songs. They came fairly quickly, and we thought we’d do a few more, and that first session we recorded four songs. We weren’t making an album, though, just recording songs for the cruise guests. Before I left, I told him I didn’t think we were done and asked to come back in six weeks to continue recording. We recorded five songs when I went back, and the songs were either ones we wrote together or ones he or I composed or covers from the Great American Songbook. Before we knew it, we had an album, but we never set out to make one.” One of the songs on the record is a gorgeous, emotionally true “New Hope,” which resonates in this uneasy era as a ballad for personal growth and possibility. It was born out of a trip Koz took abroad. “I started that song but couldn’t finish it,” he explained. “I was on a trip to Saudi continued on page 26 Koz said he finds inspiration in all aspects of his life, even the most quotidian and mundane events and encounters. Since his first solo album in 1990, he has been spinning gold out of hay. Dave Koz at home with his dog, Buddy Boy Dave Koz and Bob James signing copies of their Just Us CDs Photo: Tyler Franz Photo: Pete Clingan Dave Koz sampling cocktails on his site survey for his 2026 South America cruise aboard the Celebrity Equinox
26 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS continued from page 25 Arabia with a collaborator of mine, Todd Schroeder, after being invited to play there. We were in this very foreign land, experiencing things we had never experienced, and being pushed and pulled in wonderful new directions. “There was a lot of hope in that, in the sense of traveling the world and opening yourself up to different cultures. And I told Todd about the song I had unfinished, and he said, ‘Let’s go to the lobby where there’s a piano and finish it.’” The always engaging and thoughtful musician explained that the two friends completed the song and evaluated what they’d created. “We came up with the title to reflect what we were feeling at the time. This is a very difficult time with massive change on the horizon, and the foundational things we have relied on for so long are in question. It’s an uncomfortable time for many, so we absolutely need to rely on that hope to get us through. If people can find hope in that song, then we’ve done our job.” Koz said he finds inspiration in all aspects of his life, even the most quotidian and mundane events and encounters. Since his first solo album in 1990, he has been spinning gold out of hay. “Most creatives, be it painters, poets, movie directors and musicians, we are living our lives and creating our art,” he explained. “What you experience in your life—the small things like going to the local coffee shop and ordering a cappuccino, or going to a museum— those strands find their way into your work, even if you can’t trace it specifically, a lot of times. There’s just a sense that life finds its way into your music.” After 35 years as a solo artist, Koz is now one of the Jedi masters of jazz whose influence can be heard in the music of many of his younger peers. His brand of Kozplay is timeless and speaks to all ages. The ever-curious saxophonist finds inspiration and hope in the sounds of Generation X and Z artists who are experimenting with technology and the boundaries of jazz. His last album from 2021 was a collaboration with guitarist Cory Wong, The Golden Hour, which stretched him in new directions. “I find great inspiration in the younger generation,” he said. “Now that I’ve gotten to this golden era in my life in the early 60s and sort of considered an elder statesman, so the one hat I like to wear is that of mentor. “I like working with young artists, and maybe they learn something—I hope they do, and maybe they don’t—but I always learn something from them. That’s how you grow and learn, and I value it.” He added that he reconfigured the lineup of Summer Horns for this year’s tour by working with younger players he admires. The band includes Marcus Anderson; his twin brother, vocalist Marcel Anderson; trumpeter Evan Taylor; Jeff Bradshaw on trombone; and viral sensation baritone saxophonist Leo P. “This is what gets me excited. Not doing the old Summer Horns, but doing Summer Horns with a new twist and introducing these talented people to our audience. We are making a single for this tour, but it’s not finished yet. There will be new Summer Horns music this year. It will be a full horn section—the first time we’ve had that, so I’m excited about the new music and shows.” Koz will also be heading out this summer on another of his jazz cruises, which travels to northern Europe for the first time. “I can’t wait for this one. Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands,” he said. “People will be able to be exposed to the fjords, Northern Lights, and thermal baths. Just an incredibly rich experience to feel what it’s like to be on this planet and what it has to offer. It’s some of the most breathtaking places in the universe.” He maintained that while he’s not as in the weeds with the nuts and bolts of the cruise planning as he once was, he’s still quite hands-on and works to make it one of the best experiences of his patrons’ lives. Like many discoveries, Just Us wasn’t planned— it evolved out of a burst of creativity and inspiration … All it took was some splendid isolation together for the musicians to mine magic. Dave Koz and Bob James composing songs for their Just Us record at James’ northern Michigan home Photo: Tyler Franz
JUNE/JULY 2025 | 27 ON TOUR June 7-14 and June 14-21 DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS AT SEA 2025 Ports of call at Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands Full-ship charter aboard Holland America’s ms Rotterdam www.davekozcruise.com July 18 3RD ANNUAL CLEARWATER SMOOTH JAZZ JAM Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor and Marcel Anderson Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, Florida www.rutheckerdhall.com/events/detail/clearwatersmooth-jazz-jam Aug. 31 SMOOTH SUMMER JAZZ Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns 2025: The Ultimate Summer Party featuring Marcus Anderson, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, Evan Taylor, Marcel Anderson and special guest Regina Belle Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, California www.davekoz.com/tour March 22-30, 2026 (sold-out) DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS AT SEA-SOUTH AMERICA 2026 Ports of call at Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina Full-ship charter aboard Celebrity Equinox www.davekozcruise.com “I love being the host and always emphasize the hospitality. This is more than a floating jazz festival—it’s a community. It’s a parallel universe to what we normally experience in our lives. “Everyone is seen and respected, and that’s why I think the cruises are successful. We have all ages and races and religions and Democrats and Republicans. Gays and straights. Everybody is there, and for one week, everybody is cool with each other. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that was the way it was in the real world? The bottom line is that’s the power of music.” When he’s not making music, Koz continues to be a dedicated philanthropist who works intimately with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which supports ill children. It’s one of his commitments to the future. “Starlight’s mission is helping children who have been hospitalized for a long period, and we have raised well over $2 million,” he affirmed. “My team and I have gotten to the point where we’ve redoubled our efforts to get even more involved because a lot of the things that the world has relied on to take care of the kids are in question or jeopardy right now. We are talking about children, and for them, I’m in and always there.” With so much on his plate, Koz said he remains focused on what’s ahead of him and doesn’t plan too far into the future for his music decisions. His main goal is moving forward and continuing to evolve. “I take it a year at a time,” he said. “Look at this year. I had to decide to do another Christmas tour, and we decided to do it, but I don’t know if I will do it next year until we get there. “I’m still engaged in my career because I love performing and recording and all the other aspects of my life. I’m very grateful for everything I have. It’s very precious to me. I want to continue to do it, yet I also want to grow as an artist and have some downtime to unplug. “You never know what will happen if you have the time away. Last year, I didn’t do a summer tour, and that’s when I got together with Bob and recorded this album. So going forward, I’ll find more time and space to experience and enjoy life, and maybe draw inspiration from that. That’s powerful.” For more information on Koz, including his complete tour and cruise schedules, visit www.davekoz.com. Photo: Nathan Phillips
28 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS LIVE from La Costa Summer Concert Series SHOWS START AT 7:30PM FOR MORE INFO & TICKETS WWW.LIVEFROMLACOSTA.COM PRODUCED BY APAULO PRODUCTIONS JUNE 14TH JULY 26TH WEST COAST GROUP BENEFITS AND OMNI LA COSTA PRESENTS BRAXTON BROTHERS BLAKE AARON JEFF KASHIWA DW3 BAND GREGG KARUKAS ILYA SEROV OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA 2100 COSTA DEL MAR RD, CARLSBAD, CA 92009 www.jazzgetaway.com (for VIP, Platinum & Gold patrons only) Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway featuring Gerald Albright, Culbertson, The World Famous Show (between sets), doors open at 6pm, concerts start at 7pm, Grand Reserve at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com 6 Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway “Wine Down” featuring complimentary wine tasting & performances by Eric Marienthal, Darnell “Showcase” Taylor & Marqueal Jordan, hosted by The World Famous Show, 1:30pm, Solera Courtyard, The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com (for VIP, Platinum & Gold patrons only) Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway featuring Stokley, Boney James, The World Famous Show (between sets), doors open at 6pm, concerts start at 7pm, Grand Reserve at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com 7 Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway featuring The Bar-Kays, Damien Escobar, Sheila E., Culbertson, The World Famous Show (between sets), doors open at 3pm, concerts start at 4pm, Grand Reserve at The Meritage, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com Jeff Kashiwa, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 Patrick Lamb, 7pm, Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel, 16415 Sioux Conifer Road, Watertown, South Dakota, www.patricklamb.com 8 Will Donato & Blake Aaron, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 12 Patrick Lamb & Lin Rountree, 8:30pm, The Iridium NYC, 1650 Broadway, New York, New York, www.patricklamb.com 13 Patrick Lamb, 7:15pm, Vic’s, 355 Promenade Pl., Las Vegas, Nevada, www.patricklamb.com, 725-755-5299 14 BPM: Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown & Michael Paulo, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramsheadonstage.com, 410-268-4545 Live from La Costa featuring Blake Aaron, Jeff Kashiwa & JUNE 4 Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway Welcome Dinner & Jam Session, hosted by Culbertson, featuring special guests Marqueal Jordan & more TBA, 7pm, Solera Courtyard, The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa, California, www.jazzgetaway.com (for VIP & Platinum patrons only) 5 Brian Culbertson’s 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway “Wine Down” featuring complimentary wine tasting & performances by Peet Project, hosted by The World Famous Show, 1:30pm, Solera Courtyard, The Westin Verasa Napa, 1314 McKinstry St., Napa, California, CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS The Braxton Brothers, 7:30pm, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California, https://livefromlacosta.com/events Patrick Lamb, 7:15pm, Vic’s, 355 Promenade Pl., Las Vegas, Nevada, www.patricklamb.com, 725-755-5299 Blue Note Jazz Festival, hosted by Arsenio Hall, featuring The Isley Brothers, De La Soul, Derrick Hodge with special guest D Smoke, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bill Charlap, Keyon Harrold, Lakecia Benjamin, Pedrito Martinez, Brandon Woody, Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble at UCLA, LA County High School for the Arts, gates open at 1:30pm, music starts at 3:30pm, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, California, www.hollywoodbowl. com/bluenote Greg Adams & East Bay Soul, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 15 Blue Note Jazz Festival, hosted by Arsenio Hall, featuring Grace Jones; WILLOW; Stanley Clarke N-4EVER; The Soul Rebels with special guests Rapsody, Goapele & Brandee Younger; Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet featuring Julian Lage, Asante Santi Debriano & Will Calhoun; Weedie Braimah & The Hands of Time; Mohini Dey; DC6 Singers Collective; LAUSD Beyond the Bell All-City Jazz Big Band, gates open at 1:30pm, music starts at 3:30pm, Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles, California, www.hollywoodbowl. com/bluenote 16 Eric Marienthal’s Concert Series with special guest Nathan East, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199
JUNE/JULY 2025 | 29 21 Patrick Lamb with Jason Scheff, 8pm, The Kenley Amphitheater, 403 N. Wasatch Dr., Layton, Utah, www.patricklamb.com 7th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, hosted by Eric Darius & Friends, featuring Jeanette Harris, Jackiem Joyner, BPM (Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown & Michael Paulo), Will Downing, Brian Culbertson, gates open at 2:30pm, music starts at 3pm, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, California, www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival. com, 619-235-0804 Jazz Funk Soul featuring Everette Harp, Jeff Lorber & Paul Jackson Jr., 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 22 Patrick Lamb & Lin Rountree, 8pm, Rams Head On Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, www.ramshead onstage.com, 410-268-4545 7th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival, hosted by Eric Darius & Friends, featuring Erisa Nicole, Down To The Bone, Norman Brown, Darius, October London, gates open at 2:30pm, music starts at 3pm, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego, California, www.sandiegosmoothjazzfestival.com, 619-235-0804 Steve Oliver, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 23 Music Monday featuring Poncho Sanchez, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 26 Spaghettini’s Anniversary Weekend featuring DW3 & special guests, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 27 Patrick Lamb, 7 & 9pm, Scullers Jazz Club, 400 Soldiers Field Road, Boston, Massachusetts, www.patricklamb.com, 617-562-4111 continued on page 26 Spaghettini’s Anniversary Weekend featuring DW3 & special guests, 7pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 28 Brian Simpson with Jessy J, 7pm, Thornton Winery’s Annual Champagne Jazz Series, 32575 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California, www.thorntonwine.com, 951-699-0099 29 Brian Simpson & Steve Oliver, 3pm, Yosemite Jazz Train, Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, Lewis Creek Amphitheater, 56001 Hwy. 41, Fish Camp, California, www.YosemiteJazzTrain.com 30 Music Monday featuring J. White, 6:30pm, Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment, 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy., Seal Beach, California, www.spaghettini.com, 562-596-2199 JULY 1 Acoustic Alchemy, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 2 Acoustic Alchemy, 7:30pm, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, 2033 6th Ave., Seattle, Washington, www.jazzalley.com, 206-441-9729 3 Rob Zinn, 6:30pm, Branford Jazz on the Green, Branford Green, 1019 Main St, Branford, Connecticut, https://branfordjazz.com, 203-488-8304 Festival of Arts presents Art, Jazz, Wine & Chocolate featuring The Amanda Castro Band, 5:30pm, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, California. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with the purchase of festival admission. Wine and chocolate flight (for those aged 21 and over) are an continued on page 30
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