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: Will Holton Describe e Fauna Kyle Fierro Will Holton Gary Payne Meghan Perez Aric ompson Smooth Jazz News 4203 Genesee Ave. Ste 103-414 San Diego, CA 92117 858-541-1919 smoothjazznews@aol.com www.smoothjazznews.com We will publish ve issues of Smooth Jazz News in 2026: February-March, April-May, June-July, August-September and October-November-December. The publisher assumes no responsibility for claims or actions of its advertisers. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, staff or advertisers. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. ©2026, Smooth Jazz News | All rights reserved Smooth-Jazz News/123513291125001 @SmoothJazzNews 8 Notes from the Publisher Music, memories and meaningful connections 10 The 8th Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival Inside San Diego’s premier waterfront jazz weekend, framed by skyline scenery and the sea 11 FREE CD-with-subscription When you subscribe toSmooth Jazz News at the 2026 San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival 12 Smooth Jazz Newsmerchandise Get festival-ready with our concert clothing 14 Najee New York soul with a global flow. Catch the saxophonist-flutist at the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival in June. Savor the smooth jazz sounds of summer alongside scenic destinations, coastal escapes, wine country nights, culinary indulgences, art-filled afternoons and even a touch of theatrical magic. For concerts and events happening throughout June and July, explore the calendar beginning on page 18 and our Annual Jazz Concert Series Guide on pages 26-30. CONTENTS 18 Calendar of smooth jazz events Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide 26 Annual Jazz Concert Series Guide Your guide to the season’s most memorable concert experiences 30 Cashmira’s Starguide Summer horoscopes 31 Smooth Jazz News subscription Subscribe to the print issue online, by mail, phone or at our booth during the 2026 San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Photo: Kyle Fierro Gregg Karukas performing at Festival of Arts’ 2024 Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate (Photo: Megan Perez)
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