Smooth Jazz News - October-November-Decemeber - 2024

6 | S M O O T H J A Z Z N E W S Publisher and Managing Editor Melanie Maxwell Operations & Distribution Manager Craig Collier Contributors Ken Capobianco Cashmira Marcia Luttrell Darcy Peters Copy Editors JoAnn Armke Barbara Knox Brad Sondak Paula Fitzgerald Graphic Design Gina Mancini Stephani Rosenstein Cover Photographers Catalina Island by Tucker Tashjian Richard Elliot by Lori Stoll Contributing Photographers Smooth Jazz News 5519 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., #134 San Diego, CA 92117 858-541-1919 smoothjazznews@aol.com www.smoothjazznews.com We will publish ve issues of Smooth Jazz News in 2024: 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. ©2024, Smooth Jazz News | All rights reserved Smooth-Jazz News/123513291125001 @SmoothJazzNews 8 Notes from the Publisher Celebrating 25 years of Smooth Jazz News ! 12 37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival The enduring appeal of sailing across the sea to a land of music 16 Free CD Offer Receive a FREE CD when you renew or subscribe to Smooth Jazz News at the 37th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival 18 Vincent Ingala The multi-instrumentalist emerges as a rare talent 20 Mindi Abair’s Wine and Jazz New Year’s Eve Launch 2025 with an ultra-deluxe entertainment event on Coronado Island in San Diego 24 Richard Elliot Premieres a new album with songs that soar. Hear him perform them at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival and Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Getaway. 28 Calendar of smooth jazz events Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide and beyond 38 DISCover New Music New releases for your smooth jazz lifestyle 40 Arthur Thompson Who knew? The drummer can sing! The drummer-vocalist releases two singles. 42 Jazz Buzz Mindi Abair’s “I Can’t Wait For Christmas Tour” ................................ page 42 27th Annual Dave Koz &Friends Christmas Tour.................................. page 43 Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Getaway ............................................. page 44 45 Smooth Jazz News home delivery Subscribe today for yourself or as a holiday gift for a friend or loved one! 45 Smooth Jazz News merchandise Cool holiday gift ideas: hoodies, hats, fleece jackets, golf shirts, T-shirts and tank tops 46 Book Review “Life in the Key of G” by Kenny G with Philip Lerman 46 Cashmira’s Starguide Fall horoscopes CONTENTS Save the date to celebrate! e Smooth Jazz News 25th Anniversary Brunch Party & Jam Session is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2025, at Spaghettini Fine Dining & Entertainment in Seal Beach, California! For details on this and other events, check out our calendar section beginning on page 28. Ray Aponte Carell Augustus Pat Benter Dan Boissy Ellis Moore Photography Eric Hameister Erin Blair Studio Sandra Fitzgerald David Hopley Scott Johnson Mark Maryanovich Mélisa Miranda Photography Monica Orozco Raj Naik Bobby Quillard Lori Stoll Kristy Walker Tanisha Walker Trevan Wong Photos: Ellis Moore Photography