Well, here we are again kids, on the eve of the Monterey Jazz Festival Presented by Verizon — three nights and two days filled with wall-to-wall jazz, funk and Latin rhythms.
Check out Beth Peerless' near-comprehensive overviews above me and on page 11, where she highlights saxman Maceo Parker ("Take me to the bridge, Maceo!" was often shouted by his former bandleader James Brown) and Grammy-nominated Bay Area singer Ledisi.
This is the 51st annual edition of the world's longest continuously running jazz festival and while it doesn't have the name-brand star power of last year's glittering 50th celebration, there is a lot to offer dyed-in-the-wool jazz fans.
And, there are a number of “entry-level" artists that appeal to younger fans and fans of styles such as funk, hip-hop, electronica and rock. The hope is that just a taste of these artists will spur on fans to seek out more mainstream or up-and-coming jazz artists who are carrying on the traditions of the masters.
But what if you're not attending the jazz festival? Fear not, there's plenty of jazz around town to satisfy your cravings and all for free, some of them even involving artists playing the festival.
The Hyatt Regency Monterey, which is the official hotel for festival artists, hosts a weekend-long jazz session that has become the hottest draw for pre- and post-festival festivities. Many artists stop by to join in the jam sessions with the house band, providing for some incredible collaborations.
Check out Beth Peerless' near-comprehensive overviews above me and on page 11, where she highlights saxman Maceo Parker ("Take me to the bridge, Maceo!" was often shouted by his former bandleader James Brown) and Grammy-nominated Bay Area singer Ledisi.
This is the 51st annual edition of the world's longest continuously running jazz festival and while it doesn't have the name-brand star power of last year's glittering 50th celebration, there is a lot to offer dyed-in-the-wool jazz fans.
And, there are a number of “entry-level" artists that appeal to younger fans and fans of styles such as funk, hip-hop, electronica and rock. The hope is that just a taste of these artists will spur on fans to seek out more mainstream or up-and-coming jazz artists who are carrying on the traditions of the masters.
But what if you're not attending the jazz festival? Fear not, there's plenty of jazz around town to satisfy your cravings and all for free, some of them even involving artists playing the festival.
The Hyatt Regency Monterey, which is the official hotel for festival artists, hosts a weekend-long jazz session that has become the hottest draw for pre- and post-festival festivities. Many artists stop by to join in the jam sessions with the house band, providing for some incredible collaborations.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
