Vallejo is
Jazzin’ It Up At 11th Annual Jazz Festival
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Bobby Hutcherson and Latin jazz
legend Pete Escovedo with Wayne Wallace and
Rhythm & Rhyme are just two of the hot acts on
stage at the Vallejo Jazz Festival Sunday,
August 29th. |
Vallejo is jazzin’ up for the 11th Annual
Vallejo Jazz, Art & Wine Festival, one of the Bay Area’s
favorite jazz festivals. This year’s festival will showcase
world-class jazz, including be-bop, big band, blues, Latin,
Dixieland, swing, and “straight ahead.” Headliners include
Bobby Hutcherson’s Sextet with Renee Rosness, James
Spaulding, Eddie Henderson, Dwayne Burno, and Carol Allen,
on Saturday, August 28th, and Latin jazz legend Pete
Escovedo with Wayne Wallace and Rhythm & Rhyme on Sunday,
August 29th.
Bobby Hutcherson is one of a handful of
vibraphonists to enjoy successful careers as both a jazz
instrumentalist and a composer. Along with Gary Burton,
Hutcherson is credited with ushering a novelty instrument
into the modern era, as well as influencing scores of
musicians who have followed in his footsteps.
A native of Los Angeles, Hutcherson
performed locally with Curtis Amy and Charles Lloyd, who
brought him to New York in 1961 at the age of 20. In 1963,
Hutcherson began appearing as a sideman on several Blue Note
albums that would become classics, including McLean’s One
Step Beyond, Moncur’s Evolutions, Hill’s Judgment, and
Dolphy’s Out to Lunch. His 1965 Blue Note debut as a leader
produced Dialogue, which features Sam Rivers and Freddie
Hubbard. His soulful, swinging album The Kicker was released
in 1999. He is equally at home playing the blues or avant
garde rhythms.
Legendary percussionist Pete Escovedo is
an artist who broke down the barriers between smooth
jazz-salsa, Latin jazz, and contemporary music. His name has
been synonymous with Latin jazz for more than 40 years. Born
in Pittsburgh, his musical career began when he was in high
school in Oakland. At 16, he began playing the saxophone and
then discovered percussion, where he discovered his love of
rhythm and his dream of playing Latin jazz.
Pete’s versatility has been featured in
performances and recordings by a wide range of artists,
including Carlos Santana, Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin,
Boz Scaggs, Chick Corea, and many more. As a solo artist, he
has recorded five acclaimed CDs, including “Yesterday
Memories, Tomorrows Dream,” “Mister E” (nominated for a
Grammy), “Flying South,” “E-Street;” and E-Music.” The Pete
Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra continues to perform all over
the world.
Other jazz greats at the festival include:
Gary Fisher & Vincent Herring Sextet; Julian Lage & Eldar
Djangirov Duo; Jeff Chamber Quintet featuring Bill Bell,
Eddie Marshall, Kalil Shaheed, and Charles McNeal; Mad &
Eddie Duran; Dee Daniels; Blue Monday; Kitty Margolis; Rod
Typer & New Directions; Kent Cohea/Alan Steger Duo; The
Delbert Bump Organ Band; Palindrome; The Bryan Girard/Graham
Bruce Quintet; Guy Arrostuto & Friends; Dalt Williams
Quintet; and Will Blades Trio.
Also featured is a juried artist exhibition in the Jazz Art
Gallery, The Art Jam (a free children’s art experience),
along with fine art vendors. The “Fine Wine and Beer Garden”
will be open throughout the festival for tasting a variety
of micro-brews and fine wines at only $10 for three tastings,
which includes a souvenir glass. Outstanding food selections
are also available. Proceeds will provide music scholarships
for students, as well as support local nonprofit
organizations. Sponsors include Vallejo Times Herald, Triad
Communities, TEAM Superstores, Vallejo Convention and
Visitors Bureau, KPFA, and KVON.
The Festival is held along Vallejo’s
scenic waterfront on Harbor Way. Thousands are expected to
attend this two-day, nonprofit community event, which runs
from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on both days. For only $15/one
day and $25/two days (children 10 and under free), you can
enjoy a day of incredible jazz. Advance tickets are
available at the Vallejo Convention and Visitors Bureau at
707-642-3653 or visit
www.vallejojazzfestival.com.
The Jazz Club: An Auction Gala is being
held on Friday, August 20th, at Vallejo Antiques in downtown
Vallejo. Enjoy fabulous food, cool cocktails, and hot
entertainment featuring Mary Stallings with Wayne Wallace
and Rhythm & Rhyme. Tickets are only $60 per person. For
tickets or information, call 707-556-1111.