By Chris Clemens
The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa debuts its fall concert series, “Grooves at the Westin,” on October 10 with multi-Grammy award-winning guitarist Paul Brown and sax man Paul Taylor performing under the stars. Three concerts follow with other multi-talented performers on Oct. 31, Nov. 14 and Nov. 28.
For more than two decades, Paul Brown’s dynamic R&B driven sound has set the standard for the urban jazz format and made him the genre’s top producer with over 60 No. 1 radio airplay hits combined as a solo artist, and with other artists. The guitarist and composer’s dynamic new ten track set on Truth B Told, which debuted this year, features performances from many of the artists he’s produced or played with over the years, including saxophonists Darren Rahn, Richard Elliot, Euge Groove, Dave Koz and others.
Joining Brown on the stage is smooth jazz saxophonist Paul Taylor who has released eight albums, with his most recent in 2014: Tenacity, featuring guest appearances from Jeff Lorber and Jonathan Fritzen. His sensuous and romantic smooth jazz vibe has made him one of the genre’s most dynamic saxophonists. In addition to his success as a soloist, Taylor worked with the Rippingtons in 2000, and has made several very popular CDs for Peak Records, including Ladies’ Choice, with talented vocalists Regina Belle, La Toya London and Terry Dexter. He has also notably toured with Groovin’ For Grover, an all-star group with Jeff Lorber, Richard Elliot and Gerald Albright.
Following this concert, on October 31, Rick Braun and the hottest smooth jazz R&B band, DW3 perform for a special Halloween celebration. In addition to the great music there will be dancing, a costume contest and other Halloween inspired activities. Then on November 14 Marc Antoine and Brian Simpson perform, and the concert series concludes on November 28 with “Sax for Christmas,” featuring Warren Hill, Marion Meadows and Michael Paulo.
All concerts take place at the outdoor Masters Plaza and begin at 7:00 p.m. with gates opening at 6 p.m. Ticket prices range between $50 and $85 per show, or for a Concert Series Package prices are from $160 to $300. In addition, a special three-course dinner package, including a glass of celebratory house wine, is available for $99 per person at the resort’s Fireside Lounge, neighboring the Masters Plaza where the performances are held. The dinner package includes prime outdoor seating situated around a centralized outdoor fire pit with exceptional views of the concert.
For concert tickets visit www.tix.com. For more information about the musicians and Apaulo Music Productions visit http://apaulomusic.com. Sponsorships for the jazz series are also available by contacting Jim Pedone at (760) 770-2143 or via email at jim.pedone@westin.com.
For more information about the resort visit www.westinmissionhills.com or call (760) 770-2150. The resort is located at 71333 Dinah Shore Drive in Rancho Mirage. Discounted room rates are available for 20 percent off the best available rate when purchasing concert tickets, by using code JAZZ when booking at (877) 253-0041.
