Jazz Is Blooming! Jeff Goldblum to perform at Celebrity Jazz Jam

By Patte Purcell

This is the first Anniversary of my column in Coachella Valley Weekly. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Tracy Dietlin and Phil Lacombe for their tireless efforts in bringing such a great entertainment and music magazine to the Coachella Valley.  Their ‘Coachella Valley Music Awards’ also gives recognition to the local musicians in all genres in our area. I’m thrilled to say that this year there are two jazz categories instead of one; Best jazz Vocalist and Best Jazz Instrumentals. I’m thrilled to say many of my friends and artists that I know and have worked with. Slim Man, Rose Mallett, Cat Lyn Day, Eve Evans and Mikael Healey were all nominated in the vocalist category. Will Donato, Joe Baldino, John Carey (Smooth Brothers) and Chase Huna are all nominees. We are blessed to have such talent in the desert! I will be assisting Tracy and Phil by putting together a 15 minute ‘jam’ of the nominees for the Coachella Valley Music Awards Pre-party Show. This is something new this year and will be the first acts on the stage at 4pm.

It’s fun and exciting to see jazz begin to re-emerge on the scene. We will prevail!

I wrote a ‘Happy Hour Hotspots column’ for the paper and when I asked Tracy if I could write a column on jazz she readily agreed. Today I’m glad to say that I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of our finest local artists but also some terrific national artists as well. CV Weekly has also been a constant supporter of my jazz events and parties that I’ve put together over the years and for that I am grateful.

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My latest series “The Celebrity Jazz Jam at Desert Willow Golf Resort” has been enthusiastically received and we are seeking locations for additional jams on the coast. It’s a great adventure bringing musicians and happy jam goers together in such a beautiful venue. The series goes year around and brings fresh surprises each time.

The next one is “National Artists Night” on April 18 from 5-8 pm. It features an amazing array of celebrity artists including actor, Jeff Goldblum, who is also a phenomenal pianist who does his own jazz jam in Hollywood. He will be joined by some of the top jazz artists in the industry including 4 time national blues award winner Deanna Bogart; Greg Manning (composer and #1 song of the year;) Greg Vail on sax; Bob Desena (2014 La Jazz Awards artist of the year) on vibes trumpet, flugelhorn; Slim Man (13 cds) on vocals; Darryl Williams (A List bass player); Robert Sabado on sax; Rick Parma on sax; Victor Robles on sax; Joe Baldino on guitar; John Carey on guitar; incredible percussionist Johnny Sandoval; Karl Erikson on vocals (Mannheim Steamroller) and Craig Chesnutt on drums.

The setting could not be more beautiful. Desert Willow the outdoor (indoor if bad weather) venue overlooks the beautiful golf course with patio seating. It is arguably the most beautiful venue in the desert. There is reserved seating for $30 and you can pick your seats. We also are offering general admission with no reserved seats for $25. This is an incredible music value. Desert Willow also offers a Chef Francois Jazz Jam buffet including several entrees, salads, and deserts for $25.

We sold out with a waiting line in February and expect to do so again. If you’d like to get tickets visit our site at www.purplepass.com/celebrityjazzjam4 or call them at 1-800-316-8559. If you have questions about the event or are interested in participating in a future jam contact Patte at 1-702-219-6777.

Let’s Jazz this town!!