6 | SMOOTH JAZZ NEWS Publisher and Managing Editor Melanie Maxwell Operations & Distribution Manager Craig Collier Contributors Ken Capobianco Cashmira Darcy Peters Copy Editors JoAnn Armke Barbara Knox Brad Sondak Graphic Design Heather McKay Contributing Photographers Cover photo of Mindi Abair by Carell Augustus Brandon Albright Carell Augustus Pat Benter Dan Boissy Alex Brown Suzanne England Andrew Ficke Tyler Franz Eric Guerra Kira Abelardo Hollimon Airic Lewis Raj Naik Bobby Quillard Corey Reese Lori Stoll Tucker Tashjian 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 2025: 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. ©2025, Smooth Jazz News | All rights reserved Smooth-Jazz News/123513291125001 @SmoothJazzNews 8 Notes from the Publisher Celebrating a 26-year journey in magazine publishing 10 38th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Cross the sea to a world of jazz and the rhythms of island life 16 Bob James The legendary pianist is performing with his quartet at the 38th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival 20 Mindi Abair Fans of the saxophonist join her on global adventures that explore the world of wine and wineries with fine dining. She’s also part of A Peter White Christmas tour, and is hosting her second New Year’s Eve event on Coronado Island in San Diego. CONTENTS 24 Calendar of smooth jazz events Concerts, festivals and brunches nationwide and beyond 34 Jazz Buzz A sparkling array of Christmas shows and New Year’s Eve celebrations spread cheer nationwide 36 Smooth Jazz News home delivery Subscribe today: for yourself or as a holiday gift for a friend or loved one! Or sign up at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival and receive a free CD! 38 Book Review “Last Waltz: the full story of The Band” by Craig Harris 38 Cashmira’s Starguide Fall horoscopes Michael Paulo is performing with his group BPM (Brian Bromberg, Paul Brown and Paulo) at the 20th Annual Wine, Dine & Jazz Festival at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. For details on this and other events, check out our calendar section beginning on page 24.
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