By Patte Purcell
The first Celebrity Jazz Jam at Arnold Palmer’s was a huge success! The sold out crowd listened to national artists and local favorites, while enjoying a special brunch menu and cocktail specials on the beautiful outdoor patio.
The core band was composed of Celebrity artists including Martin Ross (incredible vocals and keys), Joe Baldino (composer and recording artist) on jazz guitar, Darryl Williams on bass (an ‘A List’ player for Dave Koz, Euge Groove and Mindi Abair), and the desert’s favorite drummer Craig Davis Chestnut.
Jazz, blues, funk and groove ruled the day with guest artists including national recording artist Slim Man. He was joined by local sax phenom Chase Huna.
Recording artist John Carey jammed on his guitar. Celebrity producer and jazz pianist Ronnie King created his own song during the jam and was joined by Mikole Karr (sax and flute), Victor Robles (sax), Rick Parma (sax), Tazz Washington (Brazilian drummer) and Guillermo Yslas on percussion.
Philly Joe Littel was smokin’ on guitar and helped with sound as well.
Emceed by TV’s “Eye on the Desert” host Patrick Evans we even got to finally experience his famous ‘Fulvio’s Sausage’ with peppers in a pasta with a creamy sauce (yummy)!
Bonnie Gilgallon actress and vocalist gave a sultry version of “The Lady is a Tramp” and the amazing Rose Mallett belted out “Stormy Monday.”
The weather was perfect and the drinks and food were the perfect mix for this first Celebrity Jazz Jam. The finale “What is Hip” included 10 musicians, which made it an over the top number that everyone jumped up to dance to.
My co-Producer and partner, Karl Erikson, and I want to thank our sponsors including; Coachella Valley Weekly, KESQ, Fox 5, and the CW for sponsoring our event. Also, a special thank you to Arnold Palmer’s management including; Christiana Green (manager) and Dustin Nichols (GM) and the entire staff for such a great job. Also, we’d like to thank Marco Najera for these great photos, Mary Ann Rojo for her great Facebook coverage and photos, and Ronald Harris for videoing the entire jam.
Ronnie King had this to say: “My phone has been ringing off the hook about the news coverage. This is exactly what we need in the desert is Dialogue. The press has been so good to the Celebrity Jam. Let’s keep up this great energy.”
This is the first in the series of Celebrity Jazz Jams. The next one is scheduled for Monday Jan. 18 at the Desert Willow Golf Resort from 5-8. This beautiful outdoor/indoor venue overlooks the golf course and in the event of bad weather we can hold it in their ballroom. Tickets go on sale shortly at Purplepass.com
For info about going the jam or joining in, contact Patte at 702-219-6777.
