Smooth Jazz News - October-November-Decemeber - 2024

2 6 | S M O O T H J A Z Z N E W S to get finished?’ And I say, ‘Don’t rush me. It’s really important, and I need to get it right.’ “But it has an engine and looks like an airplane. I still have a long way to go. As I tell my wife, I’m just enjoying the process. It might be done in a year. It might take two more, or I might never get it done. I enjoy it, though.” One of the most vital things Elliot does has nothing to do with a saxophone. He is involved with numerous charities benefitting children and the marginalized. He said it goes beyond having a basic altruistic instinct—it’s a mission. “I think it’s an obligation for anyone who has the time, means, ability and skill set to help lift up others,” he maintained. “It’s the most important thing as a member of the community. The common thread for us in terms of causes and philanthropic endeavors we get involved in is based around children. We get involved in quite a few things in children’s health, both physical and emotional. “We’ve been involved in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and children’s arts programs, especially for children in marginalized areas, where kids don’t have access to extracurricular activities.” There’s a clear synergy between what Elliot achieves with his music and charity work: He brings light to the darkness, inspires and connects with our shared humanity. “Being as sincere as possible with your art is very important to me, and that carries over to other aspects of life,” he said. “Being authentic and as honest as you can in your interactions with others and how we treat people is so crucial. “That’s true about my music—being authentic and sincere. But it’s more important in how we live our lives. Having a mandate for kindness. That’s part of how we make a difference.” For more information about Elliot, including his complete tour schedule, visit www.richardelliot.com. continued from page 25 There’s a clear synergy between what Elliot achieves with his music and charity work: He brings light to the darkness, inspires and connects with our shared humanity. Richard Elliot performing at the 2022 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Oct. 12 37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival (as RnR with Rick Braun) Catalina Casino Avalon, California www.jazztrax.com Oct. 29-30 Paris Smooth Jazz Festival: River Cruise Edition (week 1) Aboard Ms Amadeus Diamond Sailing along the Seine River from Paris www.smoothjazzeurope.eu Nov. 9 Jazz Legacy Foundation Gala Weekend Hampton Roads Convention Center Hampton, Virginia www.jazzlegacyfoundation.org Dec. 1 Rick Braun’s Holiday Sunday (with Rick Braun) Brunch and Christmas Concert Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment Seal Beach, California www.spaghettini.com Dec. 31 Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando Orlando, Florida www.floridasmoothjazz.com ON TOUR Photo: Pat Benter