Memorial Day: Monday, May 30 – 4 p.m.
The Gazebo Lawn
The summer Concerts on the Coast series begins on Memorial Day with “Jazz Attack," a band combining an eclectic mix of smooth jazz crème de la crème, Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliot and Peter White, along with an all-star keyboard player and rhythm section.
Horn player extraordinaire, Rick Braun is one of contemporary jazz’ most acclaimed and innovative artists. His albums Beat Street, Body and Soul, and Full Stride have each topped the contemporary jazz charts, and his numerous collaborations with artists Richard Elliot, Brian Bromberg, Chris Standring, Jeff Golub, Peter White and 3rd Force have led to multiple number one records. Braun has toured with such rock and pop stars as Rickie Lee Jones, Sade, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Glenn Frey, Natalie Cole, Tom Petty, Crowded House, Phoebe Snow and War.
An acclaimed vocalist and guitarist that writes and produces most of his own music, South African-born Jonathan Butler has had successes over his extensive recording career in pop, R&B, smooth jazz and adult formats. His first single was the first by a black artist played by white radio stations in South Africa and earned a Sarie Award, South Africa's equivalent to the Grammy Awards. Butler’s self-titled debut album introduced him internationally and scored two Grammy nominations. The recent release of his thirteenth album, Surrender, marks Butler's twenty-fifth anniversary as a recording artist.
Since the 1980s, Richard Elliot has been among the top saxophonists with his an easily accessible, groove-oriented style that combines elements of jazz, pop and R&B. When the leading smooth jazz saxophonists are listed, Elliot’s name appears alongside chart-topping players like Kenny G, Dave Koz, Najee, and Boney James. With soul and funk as his foundation, the Los Angeles-based tenor spent five years with Tower of Power and recently released his latest album, Ricochet, on the GRP label.
Guitarist Peter White brings his uniquely engaging style that has earned him 11 number one singles. His newest and tenth album, Confidential, features collaborations with soloists Chris Botti, Mindi Abair, Brian Culbertson, Paul Brown and Michael Paulo.
Fourth of July: Monday, July 4 – 4 p.m.
The Gazebo Lawn
The “Guitars and Sax" artist lineup on Independence Day continues the series’ A-list of performers with Waymon Tisdale, Mindi Abair, Warren Hill and Jeff Golub.
Waymon Tisdale is an accomplished funk, old-school-cool and up-to-date R&B bassist who spent 12 years in the NBA. His fourth album, Hang Time, recorded under Dave Koz’ Rendezvous Entertainment label, showcases the skills that landed his first four CDs on Billboard’s top ten.
Vocalist and saxophonist Mindi Abair’s 2003 GRP debut hit record, It Just Happens That Way, was recognized by Billboard magazine as one of the Top 10 Contemporary Jazz CDs of the year, and by JazzWeek as the number one most-played contemporary jazz CD of 2003. She recently finished a sold-out tour opening for Josh Groban.
Saxophonist Warren Hill is considered one of smooth jazz’ most popular and exciting stars. Released two years after Hill graduated from the Berklee School of Music, Hill’s 1989 debut, Kiss Under the Moon, rose quickly up the charts and caught the attention of Natalie Cole, who invited him to be the opening act on the year’s hottest ticket - her Unforgettable tour. Number one hits ensued on subsequent albums including Truth, Shelter, Life Thru Rose Colored Glasses and Love Life. He was also an original cast member of the “Guitars and Sax" tour, the top-selling instrumental tour of 1995.
Labor Day: Monday, September 5 – 4 p.m.
The Gazebo Lawn
This concert will feature special guests, to be announced in late March 2005.
General admission tickets for each Concert on the Coast are $85 per person, and are available beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2005. For tickets and further information, please visit www.concertsonthecoast.com or call (877) GOT-JAZZ or (877) 468-5299.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
