Vallejo is Jazzin’ It Up At 11th Annual Jazz Festival

Published: July, 2004

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.