By Patte Purcell
As the season heats up there are lots of great new jazz events taking place in the valley. The musical choices are growing and there are some wonderful artists that are gravitating to this iconic location for entertainment.
RANCHO MIRAGE ART AFFAIR: On Nov. 7-8 Saturday and Sunday, the 15th Annual Rancho Mirage Art Affaire is happening at the newly upgraded Rancho Mirage Community Park (formerly Whitewater Park) located at 71-560 San Jacinto Drive in Rancho Mirage. This year patrons will enjoy and new amphitheater with terrace seating that will accommodate up to 600 guests.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, saxophonist, composer, producer, and vocalist Eric Darius takes the stage on at 3:30 p.m. Darius is a visionary saxophonist who finds his inspiration from the past, present and future.
Contemporary saxophonist, songwriter, producer and recording artist, Michael Lington, will perform on Sunday, November 8th at 3:30 p.m. The event is free. The concert is produced by Jim Fitzgerald.
GROOVES AT THE WESTIN: On Nov. 14 (Saturday) at 7 pm, Grooves at the Westin continues its fall series under the stars.
Don’t miss this melodic evening of smooth jazz with acoustic guitar virtuoso Marc Antoine, and the eloquent, sophisticated keyboards of Brian Simpson. Tickets are available on Tix.com and range from $50.00 to $85.00. Produced by Apaulo Productions and promoted by Jim Pedone of the Westin Mission Hills.
As a virtuoso on the acoustic guitar Marc Antoine boasts many No. 1 hits on the R&R contemporary jazz charts, as well as topping the Billboard charts. Inspired keyboardist, composer, prolific studio musician and producer Brian Simpson is a master of all he purveys. His eloquent approach to playing, sophisticated harmonics sense, bluesy overtones, R&B flavor and keen sense on how to craft a song that stands the test of time have made him the go-to man for many. He has toured with some of the greats of recent jazz history, including George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Larry Carlton, George Howard, Billy Cobham, and Gerald Albright. Brian has been the musical director for jazz saxophonist Dave Koz for close to 20 years, and for close to a decade the Musical Director of the ambitious and highly popular “The Smooth Jazz Cruise.” In 2010 Simpson released South Beach whose title track snagged a #1 slot on the charts
CELEBRITY JAZZ JAM: On November 22, the first of a series of ‘Celebrity Jazz Jams’ will be taking place at Arnold Palmers at a special jazz brunch. A blend of National recording artists and local favorites will jam from 11:30-2:30. Surprise special guests! A special brunch menu and cocktails are offered at an additional cost. Produced by Patte Purcell and Karl Erikson and sponsored by Coachella Valley Weekly, there will be some surprise celebrities.
The core band includes smooth Jazz guitarist Joe Baldino, pianist Ross Martin, “La Collective” bassist Darryl Williams and favorite son drummer Craig Chestnut. Guest artists and celebs include Slim Man, Ronnie King, Rick Parma, Curtis Brooks, Victor Robles, and Tazz Martin. Local favorites include John Carey, Bonnie Gilgallon, Rose Mallett, and more. This will be the first in a monthly series at different locations. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Celebrity Jazz Jam – Purplepass . Reservations for the brunch can be booked directly with Arnold Palmers. 760-771-4653, 78164 Avenue 52, La Quinta.
GROOVES AT THE WESTIN: Sax for Christmas. Saturday, November 28, 2015, 7:00pm
It’s “Sax for Christmas”. Start off the Holiday season with three veteran saxophonists who helped define the sound of contemporary jazz for the last 3 decades: Warren Hill, Marion Meadows and Michael Paulo. For more information visit: westinmissionhills.com/Grooves or purchase tickets at Tix.com.
Patte Purcell – Muze Muzic
pattepurcell@yahoo.com 702-219-6777
