26 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS By Melanie Maxwell Smooth jazz outings have always felt a little magical to me— especially when you add art, wine, gourmet cuisine, a bit of shopping and a beautiful setting to take it all in. at’s part of what makes summer concert series so appealing. Some are wonderfully casual and accessible— free community gatherings where you simply show up, settle in and enjoy the music. Others elevate the experience with VIP touches, curated dining and scenic destinations that turn a concert into a true getaway. One of my favorites is the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach, California. ere’s something special about arriving in the a ernoon, nding a comfortable spot and letting live music—o en smooth jazz—set the mood while you sip a glass of wine or share a casual meal. I love wandering through the open-air gallery, lingering over paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewelry, and maybe discovering a piece that feels destined to come home with me. en, just when you think the day couldn’t get any better, evening settles in and the Pageant of the Masters begins inside the Irvine Bowl. If you’ve never experienced it, it’s hard to describe how mesmerizing it truly is—famous works of art re-created onstage as “living pictures,” complete with narration and a live orchestra. Sitting beneath the stars, watching each scene come to life, feels like stepping inside a dream. Farther north, the City Center Bishop Ranch Smooth Jazz Series o ers a completely di erent—but equally inviting—energy. ese free concerts feel like a true community gathering, with top artists and an easygoing atmosphere. You can elevate the evening with reserved seating and dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, or simply grab takeout, stretch out in the courtyard and enjoy the music as the sun goes down. With San Francisco just a short drive away, it’s the kind of outing that can easily become a full weekend escape. And then there’s Wine Country in Southern California’s Temecula Valley, where jazz pairs e ortlessly with vineyard views and warm summer evenings. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa brings everything together—music, wine, cuisine and a place to unwind. I especially love the idea of staying on property, where your villa opens onto the vineyards. After a show, you can linger with a nightcap, then wake up to rows of JAZZ CONCERT SERIES GUIDE 2026 ANNUAL Serenade your summer with the rhythm of the season
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