by Rachel Montoya –

Are you looking for an exciting new way to be entertained with the first great concert of the year?  Do you love music, martinis, fabulous food, wine and dancing? On Saturday, January 12, 2013 a new contemporary JAZZ TASTINGS™ Concert Series begins in the Desert. It’s a cross between a jazz concert and the ever popular food, wine and liquor tasting events that are so loved by residents and tourists alike. It will be held in the beautiful Emerald Desert RV Resort Ballroom, located at 76-000 Frank Sinatra Drive in Palm Desert.

The music series is the brain child of music promoter Patte Purcell of Muze Music.  It was born out of a last minute event she put together for jazz pop vocalist Slim Man held at the Resort in October, the day before he and his band were to perform at the Catalina Jazz Festival. Purcell’s success with that event, combined with her love of music and promotion experience, led to what will be a welcome addition to the Desert music scene. The monthly music series incorporates the best aspects of concerts by nationally recognized jazz pop stars with dancing and food, wine, and liquor tastings.

Blake Aaron, whose latest song “You’re the One for Me” currently on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Charts, has been chosen to headline the very first JAZZ TASTINGS™ on Saturday, January 12, from 6 until 9 p.m. Aaron is bringing a full 5 piece band including guest vocalist Derek Bordeaux whos powerful and soulful vocals will have the crowd up and dancing. Aaron had a #1 Billboard hit in 2011. His passionate and fiery guitar will mesmerize the crowd insuring a great show.

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“Music makes people happy, music makes me happy,” said Purcell. “I love to make people happy…it brings me joy, I can’t wait to bring in some of my favorite artists for the people of the Desert to enjoy”.

Purcell decided to make this a membership drive and benefit for the Jazz Society of the Desert™ at the suggestion of vocalist and president of the organization, Lola Rossi-Meza, who is also providing sound for the event. Their mutual intent is to reinvigorate the 28 year old non-profit by signing up new members to attend interesting and fun events that star nationally recognized contemporary jazz and pop artists and promote the jazz they both love. Lola Rossi-Meza commented “I really appreciate the opportunity to work with Patte on this exciting new series and rebuild the membership roster of this legendary non profit.” Guests will be able to join the Jazz Society of the Desert with no membership fee at the events and will be given priority access to future events by becoming a member.

Purcell is adding a couple of new dynamics to the events; guests will not only be able to watch the shows but can also enjoy dancing on the big dance floor at this one of a kind venue.  The Emerald Desert has a large stage and seating for 250 at round tables.  The “Artist Reception” will begin at 6 p.m. and the show runs from 7 until 9 p.m. Traditionally used for special events and weddings, these concert events bring a new dimension to this popular upscale RV resort.

Fans will get to interact with the artist with a one hour no-host cocktail reception where CDs will be sold and signed and picture taking will be included. Guests can even choose to purchase a ticket to sit at the VIP table of the artist for the show, a truly unique opportunity. Guests can host a table of 10 and have a party with their friends seated at a beautiful linen covered table. General admission is $20 on a first come, first served basis. VIP Reserved Seats are $25 or $250 for a table of 10 and are given priority seating.

Sponsors are integral to these events.  The ever popular Crater Lake Vodka and Gin will be pouring tastings and martinis of their stellar brand and introducing some new specialty vodkas and martinis. Monte De Oro Winery from Temecula will be on hand with their best wines for tastings, by the glass or bottle. The gourmet chefs of Kitchen Kitchen located in Indian Wells, will be serving delicious food tastings for consumption and guests will have an opportunity to view and purchase some of their unique kitchen gadgets. This special ‘tastings’ menu features small plates with some very special sauces using Crater Lake Vodkas created by Chef William Kerr from Kitchen Kitchen. Guests will be able to dine on a menu featuring the following menu items:

Plum Tomato Bruschetta on toasted sourdough crostinis , balsamic glaze and shaved parmesan; Crater Lake Vodka pickled tomatoes with string beans and a Crater Lake Vodka vinaigrette; Farfalle Pasta with grilled chicken and Crater Lake Vodka-Tomato cream sauce, roasted capers; Farfalle Pasta with a Crater Lake Vodka-Tomato cream sauce, parmesan cheese; and Vanilla sponge cake with Crater Lake Hazelnut-Espresso Vodka cream glaze and chocolate ganache.

“Tastings” tickets are $1 each and are purchased at the event. Tastings, martinis, wine and food will vary in tickets required.

Purcell has also benefitted by the help of Kip Serafin, principal of Richard Allen Associates and Founder of Savorings, Dining in the Desert and Tasting in the Desert and is one of the the premier event producers in the Coachella Valley. Serafin has assisted with his special brand of expertise which encompasses producing events for some of the biggest names in the Desert. His unique experience and attention to detail bring welcome experience to the JAZZ TASTINGS™ events. Purcell credits Kate Schriefer, Regional Promotions for Crater Lake Vodka, one of her sponsors, for the introduction.

Additional dates planned are:  Saturday, February 9; Saturday, March  9; and Saturday, April 6, all are from 6 until 9 p.m. Saxtress Jeanette Harris and her band are tentatively scheduled for February, barring a touring conflict. Slim Man and Brian Bromberg are in the works for future dates.

Tickets or tables for the event can be reserved through Producer Patte Purcell by calling her at (702) 219-6777 or e-mailing her at pattepurcell@yahoo.com Tickets and tables are going fast so make your reservations now, seating is limited.

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