By Patte Purcell
Despite the loss of our beloved smooth jazz station KJZZ here in the desert, smooth jazz lovers of the desert are taking it upon themselves to bring you more of our favorite music by holding smooth jazz events and parties at some fabulous venues.
Due to the success of Summer Jazzfest, recently held at Hacienda Cantina, the Riviera PS has asked to host additional parties, which will culminate in a 3 day International Jazzfest next summer.
September 24, my friend Ruth Ruiz of RR Class Act Entertainment will present “Elements of Smooth Jazz and Soul” at the beautiful Miramonte Resort & Spa, from 6 to 9 pm. Meet and Greet, photos, and CD sales will take place from 9 to 9:30 pm. Vocalist and composer Darryl F Walker and band will be performing, with special guitarist Blake Aaron (numerous smooth jazz hits). Tickets at available www.purplepass.com events page, $25. Drinks and food for purchase are available.
Patte Purcell Productions is joined by Sheree Lillie of Lillie PR to bring you a Smooth JazzfestTM in the Riviera’s Grand Ballroom on Oct. 5, from 5-10 pm. Greg Adams and East Bay Soul will be headlining this event. Slim Man and his band will open up the show with his smooth songs.
Joe Baldino and 10 piece band will be on the main stage and then he and his band will be playing at the After Party in the VIP Lounge (10:15).
Four time blues awards sax, piano player, and vocalist Deanna Bogart who will be performing.
Hans Zermuehlen (keys player for Air Supply and A List smooth jazz artist) will be performing.
Sixteen year old sax sensation Chase Huna will be performing. Tickets are $25 for general Admission. VIP Reserved seats ($50) also include admission to the VIP Lounge for artists and celebrities and after party. Happy hour prices on drinks and small plates all night long. The website is http://smoothjazzfest.wix.com/smoothjazzfest.
Tickets are available at www.purplepass.com/#61930. We expect another sell out.
Grooves at the Westin (Apaulo Music Production) begins its fall series on Oct. 10 with sax player Paul Taylor and award winning smooth jazz guitarist Paul Brown. Then on October 31, trumpeter Rick Braun and DW3 play and November 14 pianist Brian Simpson and guitarist Marc Antoine pair up to bring some smooth sounds. A special ‘Sax for Christmas’ with saxophonists Warren Hill, Michael Paulo, and Marion Meadows will end the fall series with a groove! All of these shows are held outdoors under the stars with wonderful sound and lighting.
Jimi Fitz brings his ‘Fitz’s Jazz Cafe’ at the Mc Callum Theatre with 6 time Grammy award winner Al Jarreau on Nov. 21.
As you can see smooth jazz is alive and well in the desert. I appreciate the help of the Coachella Valley Weekly and sponsors who are helping to make this all happen.
For more information on Smooth Jazzfest TM or sponsorships contact me at 1-702-219-6777 or pattepurcell@yahoo.com
