By Patte Purcell
The BMW of Palm Springs Smooth Jazzfest put a new spin on smooth jazz in the desert. The event produced by Patte Purcell and Sheree Lillie featured jazz, blues, funk, and groove. Held in the beautiful Riviera Palm Springs Grand Ballroom there was seating for 600, a huge dance floor and a huge VIP room as well.
Greg Adams and East Bay Soul headlined. Slim Man and band opened, followed by 4 time Blues Award winner Deanna Bogart, with smooth jazz guitarist Joe Baldino and his band, along with 16 year old sax phenom Chase Huna completing the line-up.
BMW of Palm Springs sponsored the event and party goers were treated to some of the latest BMWs on display including the fabulous new I-8, a $214,000 electric car, which was displayed in the ballroom. We appreciate their support of smooth jazz in the desert.
We danced, we partied, we sipped on cocktails from sponsors including Perrier Jouet, Absolute Vodka, Manuscript Chardonnay, Kim Crawford Sauv Blanc, Tyku Cucumber sake, JR Ewing Bourbon, Casa Nobles Tequila, Aviation Gin, and Patron Roca Tequila, Leblon Cachaca, Sobieski Estate Vodka, Crater Lake Rye Whiskey and Crater Lake Hazelnut Vodka.
The press was out in force; with our sponsors Tracy Dietlin and Phil Lacombe of CV Weekly in attendance and our TV sponsors at KESQ news channels 2 & 3, KMIR, KPSE, Fox and the CW; we thank all of you so much. The Smooth Jazz Live crew Mikey Adam Cohen and Jack Cohen of Smooth Jazz Live Top 25 Radio came out to cover the event. The Hollywood Times “Museically Inclined” with Sheryl Aronson and Vanarita Jazz were also there. Palm Springs Life and the Desert Star covered the show as well. Obviously, the desert wants to keep jazz alive!
In addition to the concert/party there was a VIP After party and Jam which was attended by numerous out of town performers including Rick Parma, Curtis Brooks, Victor Robles, celebrated recording artist and smooth jazz guitarist Terry Wollman, Aysha smooth jazz awards nominated singer, Barry Minniefield (The Voice) and a vocalist from the Drifters who wowed the crowd. Locals joined in as well including Mikole Karr, Philly Joe Little, and more. The jam went until 12:45 am and the audience wasn’t ready to leave!
The bands were treated to some amazing food from Lynn Hammond Caterer and over the top mini cupcakes from Roman Blass of Over the Rainbow desserts who has appeared on Food Network among others. We also want to thank our 2 other special sponsors; Zin American Bistro (Mindy Reed) and Jacky Donnell of Elmers, two of my favorite restaurants!
I must make a special mention about our great photographers who covered this event. Daniel Ryan did an amazing multi camera live feed from the event which can be viewed now on YouTube. Local photographer Marco Najero took over 1300 pics. And the desert’s party photographer Mary Ann Rojo did all of the Facebook posts. Thanks so much! I also want to give a thank you to Karl Erikson, who helped in so many ways, Mya Scamera who did an incredible job, and of course Sheree Lillie of Lillie Pr.
I am planning several Jazz events culminating in a huge 3 Day international Jazz festival next summer combining smooth jazz, straight ahead jazz, Latin, Brazilian jazz and standards. Coming up shortly will be an announcement for my next jazz event: Smooth Jamfest, the biggest jazz jam the desert has ever seen.
Patte Purcell – Muze Muzic
pattepurcell@yahoo.com 702-219-6777
