The Central Coast will be swinging again during the 45th Annual Jazz Bash by the Bay in Monterey, CA! This year’s event focuses on Hot Jazz of all styles, as well as Blues, Ragtime, Swing, and Gypsy, promising to be bigger and better than ever before. With over 150 hours of music performed by more than 130 musicians in eight venues in ONE location, the beautiful and comfortable Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center will once again host this fabulous jazz celebration.
From 11:30 Friday morning through 4:30 Sunday afternoon, 25 bands and 15 featured artists will offer a tantalizing stew of American Pop Music from the 1890s-1940s, with a sprinkling of originals to spice things up.
In addition to the festival proper, there are two Thursday night events, scheduled so attendees can enjoy both if they wish, that will not be featured during the weekend. From 7:00-8:15, the original We3 will make their only 2025 appearance. The music is hot while the humor is side-splitting as Bob Draga, Jeff Barnhart, and Danny Coots trade musical licks, jokes and barbs. Jazz history is always made during one of this trio’s sets. Don’t miss it! Afterwards, on Thursday in the DeAnza ballroom, our flagship venue, from 8:30-10:45 two thrilling bands combine to create unprecedented hot music. When Carl Sonny Leyland’s Boogie Boys take the stage with Dave Stuckey’s Hot House Gang, the most spontaneous musical entertainment of the century will scintillate listener and dancer alike. If you’re only able to attend one jazz event this year, jump to the top and make it this one!
During the three-day event, several sets will mark new beginnings and fond farewells. Two groups debuting are the stellar Cellar Boys from Chicago, led by multi-instrumentalist phenom Andy Schumm, and the astounding Swing sextet from Colorado, After Midnight, channeling Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, and Nat King Cole among others. Our festival will also host the final performance of the legendary Royal Society Jazz Orchestra.
Monterey Jazz Bash is the only jazz festival showcasing a two-piano venue that will feature the likes of Paolo Alderighi, Paul Asaro, Jeff Barnhart, Chris Calabrese, Caroline Dahl, Chris Dawson, Yve Evans, Brian Holland, Carl Sonny Leyland, Stephanie Trick, and Jason Wanner! AND our new venue, The Club Room, will host a “Piano Pile-on” and “Boogie Bash” sure to amaze!
Other entertainment unique to our festival includes the long-awaited Jazzdagen Reunion featuring clarinetists Pieter Meijers and Bob Draga, backed by curated, nonpareil rhythm sections. Moreover, the legendary banjoist, guitarist, and vocalist Eddie Erickson comes out of retirement to appear ONLY at Monterey Jazz Bash. Don’t wait to see him anywhere else: he won’t be there. Also, we have the exclusive on world-renowned pianist Carl Sonny Leyland receiving the Musician of the Year award, with all of the rights and responsibilities that entails.
Say you’d rather not sit and listen, but dance the night away? Jazz Bash has you covered with our brand new dance-centric venue featuring dance ensembles on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as double dance floors on either side of the bandstand in our largest venue, the DeAnza ballroom!
If over 100 hours of jazz proves too much for you, wander around the pristine beaches, historical wharfs, and award-winning restaurants; the famous Monterey Wharf offers the best and freshest seafood found anywhere in the world. The opulent rooms at the Portola Hotel & Spa are not the only housing options. Hotel Pacific and The Marriott are across the street, and a few blocks up Munras Ave. you’ll find popular hotel chains to fit any taste and budget.
Regarding budget, an all-events badge (excluding Thursday’s shows) costs only $125, with single-day badges available from $50-75. Those who wish to support the festival more significantly are invited to investigate Patron and Sponsor options. No matter how you choose to enjoy the Monterey Jazz Bash by the Bay, this will be the event you’ll talk about for the rest of the year. As there are too many acts to list here, be sure to visit the festival website for updates and information about the bands, featured musicians, and amenities at our venues: www.jazzbashmonterey.com.
Jeff Barnhart is an internationally renowned pianist, vocalist, arranger, bandleader, recording artist, ASCAP composer, educator and entertainer. Visit him online atwww.jeffbarnhart.com. Email: Mysticrag@aol.com
