JUNE/JULY 2026 | 9 travel, wine and art in scenic destinations that encourage people to slow down, stay awhile and enjoy the moment. Even in regions where summer temperatures soar, the music continues indoors inside intimate jazz clubs and elegant venues o ering cool refuge from the heat. ere’s something timeless about escaping into a so ly lit room where the clink of wine glasses mingles with saxophone melodies and conversations between songs. For many fans, smooth jazz also lls an important social role during a stage of life when opportunities for genuine connection sometimes become more limited. Children are grown. Careers may be winding down. Social circles shi . Yet the jazz community continues o ering reasons to get out, travel, celebrate and remain engaged with life. And unlike trends that come and go, the smooth jazz audience remains remarkably loyal. Fans support artists year a er year. ey travel across state lines, and internationally, for festivals. ey reunite with friends rst met on cruises, at concerts and during destination getaways. Some even plan entire vacations around music calendars. What begins as appreciation for a song or artist o en evolves into a wider circle of friendships and shared adventures. Perhaps that is the real magic of smooth jazz. Yes, it provides a soundtrack. But more importantly, it creates spaces where people feel welcomed, included and connected. In a world that can sometimes feel increasingly fragmented and impersonal, smooth jazz continues bringing people together in meaningful ways—one concert, one conversation and one evening at a time. And that spirit is exactly why we publish our Annual Jazz Concert Series Guide each June. Inside this issue, you’ll find concerts, festivals and events perfect for planning your next getaway or social outing. Whether it’s a winery concert under the stars, a waterfront festival or an intimate night at a jazz club, we hope these pages inspire you to keep exploring, connecting and making new memories. After all, the music may bring us together—but it’s the friendships and experiences that keep us coming back. Melanie Maxwell, Brenda Madruga and Barbara Knox at South Coast Winery’s 2025 Rhythm on the Vine Jazz Concert Series in Temecula, California In the U.S., loneliness is officially considered a public health epidemic. In 2023, then-U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, issued an advisory warning of the serious consequences of social isolation and disconnection. It made me think about smooth jazz fans and our community. And maybe that’s why smooth jazz contributes to our overall well-being.
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