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
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