The Inaugural Jazz Experience Gives June a Brand-New Soundtrack
By Sweet Baby J’ai
Most mornings begin with two words: “Alexa, play…” Depending on my mood, it might be smooth jazz, straight-ahead jazz, or something with enough swing to get the coffee moving. So, when the McCallum Theatre announced its inaugural Jazz Experience, I was all in.
Because jazz doesn’t just fill a room—it tells a story.
That was certainly the case at the inaugural McCallum Theatre Jazz Experience, a day-long celebration that brought students, educators, professional musicians, and jazz legends together under one roof.
The McCallum Theatre season traditionally wraps in May. But thanks to a special partnership with the City of Palm Desert, the theater extended its season into June for the first time, presenting the McCallum Jazz Experience—a spectacular event devoted entirely to Jazz.
And the gamble paid off.
According to Brooke Stuessy, Director of McCallum Events, more than 800 people filled the theater. “We’ve never presented an event this late in the season before,” Stuessy said. “To see that kind of response from local residents was incredible. Even with many of our seasonal patrons already gone for the summer, the community showed up.”
As a jazz-loving desert dweller, I think they’re on to something.
And on this day, jazz unfolded in three acts.
Act One: The Future
The opening act belonged to the next generation, with Palm Swings, Desert Winds Freedom Quartet, Palm Desert Charter Middle School Jazz Band, Palm Desert High School Jazz Ensemble, and Fashionably Late taking the stage.
The middle school students brought Duke Ellington’s “A Train” roaring down the tracks with confidence, prompting acclaimed vocalist Yve Evans to say, “The work and effort these young people put into delivering those arrangements was stellar.”
And to think they’re middle schoolers? Somebody better hide the keys to the jazz kingdom, because they’re already at the door.
Act Two: The Torchbearers
The second act belonged to The McCallum All-Star Jazz Band and the musicians carrying the tradition forward. Featuring Kenyon Carter, Scott Smith, Alex McLaughlin, and Jim Watson, the set welcomed Gene Pietragallo, Philly Joe Little & Tony Bolivar, Autumn Ivy, Johnny Meza, Jared Guebara, and Leanna Rogers—exceptional artists who gave the audience plenty to cheer about.
My impromptu audience poll pointed to a couple of standouts. Recent college graduate pianist David Yunho Lim played with artistry and poise beyond his years, while Daniel Gutierrez delivered one of the afternoon’s most memorable moments with his arrangement of “The Days of Wine and Roses.”
His interpretation was a reminder of what keeps jazz alive. A standard may be played thousands of times over decades, but no two performances are ever exactly alike. The melody may be familiar, but every musician brings a new mood, a new breath, and a new road into the song.
That’s the beauty of jazz. Reinvention isn’t the exception. It’s the tradition.
The set closed with a special appearance by Yve Evans, who led one of her signature sing-alongs and sent the audience into intermission smiling.
Act Three: The Finale
And if that wasn’t enough, Act Three closed out the daytime program with talent curated by the Pacific Jazz Orchestra and directed by Andy Fraga. Barnaby Finch’s JazzGrass, Kari Kirkland, Matt Hall, Sherry Williams, and Will Donato each brought a different flavor to the stage, fro blue grass to contemporary, proving jazz can honor its roots while continuing to evolve.
By the time the Evening Jazz Spotlight arrived, the audience had already spent the day immersed in jazz. And before they even reached their seats, Todd Ashley on guitar, Bill Saitta on bass, and Kenyon Carter on saxophone were waiting in the lobby, serving up a musical welcome that set the tone for what would become an unforgettable evening.
Then came the concert I had been waiting for: Grammy-nominated pianist, composer, and arranger David Benoit.
A musical phenomenon in contemporary jazz, Benoit has spent decades building a sound that is instantly recognizable—elegant, melodic, joyful, and deeply connected to the audience. He doesn’t just play the piano; he makes the instrument smile.
The last time I saw Benoit perform was at the Playboy Jazz Festival, commanding a stage in front of thousands. Yet here, in the intimate setting of the McCallum, he seemed completely at home.
Joined by bassist Luca Alemanno and drummer Andy Fraga, Benoit moved effortlessly between trio performances and larger ensemble arrangements featuring saxophonist Bob Sheppard, guitarist Justin Smith, and Pacific Jazz Orchestra Music Director Josh Nelson.
The evening’s set list felt like a visit through Benoit’s musical scrapbook. He opened with his hit “Every Step of the Way,” then moved through favorites including “Freedom at Midnight,” Bill Evans’ “Letter to Evan,” the beloved “Charlie Brown Theme,” and “Blue Rondo.”
He shared stories, paid tribute to his mother, who introduced him to Nat King Cole recordings, and invited vocalist Courtney Fortune into the evening with a flawless delivery of “If I Had You.”
Fortune also sang “I Wish You Love,” made famous by Gloria Lynne, the first singer Benoit ever played with. She returned for “My Favorite Things” and “Barcelona Nights,” the latter co-written by Benoit and lyricist Lorraine Feather.
Her phrasing was effortless, her tone warm and inviting, and her performances elevated every song she touched. Together, Benoit and Fortune created the feeling that we were sitting in a living room listening to old friends share stories through music.
By the final note, the McCallum Jazz Experience had accomplished something special. It wasn’t simply a concert. It was a passing of the torch.
From students discovering jazz to emerging artists finding their voice and veterans sharing decades of wisdom, the day celebrated the full arc of the music.
For an inaugural event, the McCallum Jazz Experience was packed with talent, heart, and promise.
Take it from someone who knows a little something about jazz festivals: the McCallum didn’t just extend the season — it gave June a brand-new groove. And for those who usually leave in May, you might want to consider stretching your stay through June next year.
Visit www.mccallumtheatre.org for upcoming events.
Sweet Baby J’ai writes The Groove Report for Coachella Valley Weekly
