The Festival Roundup October 2021

REDWOOD COAST MUSIC FESTIVAL (Eureka, CA) Postponed

The Redwood Coast Music Festival Board of Directors voted this week to postpone this year’s events due to Covid-19 concerns and the rapid spread of the delta variant in Humboldt County. The 30th RCMF festival had been scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 3 in eight Eureka venues.

“Our primary concern is for the safety of our audience, musicians, everyone connected to the festival and our local community,” said RCMF Board of Directors President Carol Lorentzen. “We had a great roster of American roots acts booked. We are working on re-scheduling the festival for Sept. 29 through Oct. 2, 2022.”

“We’re saddened to have to postpone, and our thoughts are with all of you that are impacted,” said Mark Jansen, RCMF board member and the booker of the musical acts. “They include friends, our community, the hard-working musicians that are struggling once again with cancellations, the sound crews and venues that have been severely impacted throughout this pandemic, our volunteers and sponsors who’ve been so supportive. Our dedicated RCMF team has been working on this event non-stop and we are all equally disappointed but we all also realize that safety is always the most important concern.”

Anyone who has purchased tickets for this year’s festival will automatically have them rolled over for admission to next year’s events. “We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you in 2022 with a safe return to live music and dance,” Jansen said.

Please consider allowing your tickets to rollover to next year. You don’t need to anything and they will automatically transfer. If you need a refund, we understand completely and please contact us at the emails below:

Ticket holders or anyone with questions can email [email protected] or [email protected] (707) 445-3378; rcmfest.org.

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL (New Orleans) Rescheduled Sept. 30 – Oct. 2 CANCELLED

French Quarter Fest 2021 had been rescheduled from it’s normal April week toe September 30 – October 3, but now it has been cancelled. The French Quarter Festival is a free event with several stages around the French Quarter and scores of local bands, many of which play traditional jazz. Information can be found on their website. frenchquarterfest.org

COLORADO SPRINGS JAZZ PARTY (Colorado Springs, CO) CANCELLED

Musicians scheduled for the 2021 jazz party include Syncopated Times favorites Adrian Cunningham, Danny Coots, Dennis Litchman, Richard Moten, Nate Najar, Nicki Parrott, Ben Polcer, Alex Raderman, Chuck Redd,, Dalton Ridenhour, and Rossano Sportiello. Call 719-471-3124 for reservations. Mail check to P.O. Box 2257, Colorado Springs, CO 80901. csjazzparty.com

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL (New Orleans, LA) October 8-10th & 15-17th CANCELED

Rescheduled for its normal time in the spring, April 29th through May 8th, 2022 Jazz Fest is now canceeled. www.nojazzfest.com

2ND ANNUAL GLENN JENKS RAGTIME REVUE (Camden, ME) Sun – Oct 10, 2021 – 2:00pm

The Glenn Jenks Ragtime Revue returns to honor the life and legacy of Camden’s own ragtime pianist and composer, Glenn Jenks. Hosted by Aaron Robinson, performers include Ethan Uslan, DaPonte String Quartet, young fiddler Owen Kennedy, singer-dancer Susan Boyce, vocalists Erin Chenard and David Myers, Jr. and the Ragtime Revue Chorus. Benefits Glenn Jenks Musical Scholarship. For wheelchair accommodation, please email dernest (at) camdenmaine.gov or call (207) 236-3154. Comfortably distanced seating; mask use requested in the building. Tickets available at www.camdenoperahouse.com

SUN VALLEY JAZZ & MUSIC FESTIVAL (Sun Valley, ID) – Cancelled

Dear Festival Friends, we are sorry to report that the 2021 festival has been cancelled due to COVID-19. We are all very sorry about this, in so many ways. We hope you will join us in Sun Valley October 12th-16th, 2022.

Tickets for 2022 will go on sale on February 1st for $265 (+tax) for a 5-day pass,
with a 1,500 ticket limit for the event. Day passes will not be available.

If you purchased tickets for 2020 and/or 2021, you will find a SURVEY HERE,
giving you an opportunity to tell us how you want your purchase(s) processed by
either donating, rolling over to 2022, or requesting a refund.

YOUR TICKETS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY ROLLED OVER TO 2022 IF WE DO NOT
RECEIVE YOUR RESPONSE TO THE SURVEY BY NOVEMBER 30, 2021.

NO REFUNDS WILL BE GRANTED AFTER NOVEMBER 30, 2021.

Tickets available by telephone or at website; (877) 478-5277; sunvalleyjazz.com. Write for brochure (with full ticket pricing information) at Sun Valley Jazz, PO Box 2745, Sun Valley, ID.

ROSWELL JAZZ FESTIVAL (Roswell, NM) – Cancelled

We’re already putting the wheels in motion for 2022 RJF event. Invited artists from the cancelled 2021 show included; Allen Vache, Ehud Adsherie, Harry Allen, Dan Barrett, Roger Dickerson, Larry Fuller, Charles Gordan, Michael Francis, Eddie Metz Jr., Chuck Redd, Ricki Malachi, Houston Person, Richard Simon, Hillary Smith, Randy Sandke, Johnny Varro, and Rossano Sportiello. You can expect a similar line up next year.

Please call or write for more information: (505) 359-4876 or (575) 808-9336; roswelljazz.org; email: [email protected]

JUBILEE BY THE SEA (Pismo Beach/Arroyo Grande) – Cancelled

With deep regret, we have canceled the 2021 Jazz Jubilee by the Sea. The rapidly changing regulatory environment surrounding the recent increase in COVID-19 cases is too overwhelming to ignore. We are concerned that we will not be able to execute the plans we are currently making.

Planning for this event started in March as an indoor, safe event. In June, this looked very possible but over time we have become less confident. Although many events are going forward, our all-volunteer run festival needs to be canceled. We are currently considering a one-day Super-Sunday-Session at the Vet’s Hall in Pismo Beach on October 24th featuring some of the bands that would have appeared at Jubilee. Stay in touch for details about this potential substitute event. Everyone who bought badges or donated will receive a refund.

Badge sales: PO Box 356, Pismo Beach, CA 93448; 805-539-5696. For badges and more information, please visit pismojazz.com. Information: [email protected]

32n annual ARIZONA CLASSIC JAZZ FESTIVAL (Chandler, AZ) – Nov. 4-7

The only major festival to go off as planned during the pandemic the ACJF will be back this fall. Bands may include: Howard Alden, B.A.D. Rhythm, Dick Maley’s WYSIWYG, Cheryl’s vintage Jazz with special guests Dan Levinson and Katie Cavera, Groovus, Queen City Jazz Band, Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi, Sun City Stomperz, We 3 +1, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Wildcat Jazz Band, Wolverine Jazz Band, and the St. Louis Stompers.

Howard Alden, “Big” B.AD. Rhythm, Brian Holland, Andy Weiss, Danny Coots, Sam Rocha, Cheryl’s Vintage Jazz with special guests Dan Levinson & Katie Cavera, Queen City Jazz Band, Big Little Ragtime Band, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Groovus, St. Louis Stompers Classic Jazz Band, Sentimental Breeze, Something Doin’, Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi, Sun City Stomperz, Dick Maley’s WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) Leader: Dick Maley, drums; Herb Bruce, trombone; Steve Pikal, bass; Randy Morris, piano, WE 3 + 1 (Patrick, Lansford, Pesce, Early), Wildcat Jazz Band, Wolverine Jazz Band, ACJS JAMMERS.

For details, go to azclassicjazz.org or call 480-620-3941. Send checks or credit card orders to ACJF, 10918 E. Michigan Ave., Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.

MIKE DURHAM’S INTERNATIONAL CLASSIC JAZZ PARTY (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK) – Delayed to 2022

We are very sorry to announce that the 2021 Classic Jazz Party is being postponed until November 2022. All of us on the organizing committee have really tried to stay optimistic through the summer, hoping that the Covid-19 situation would quieten down now, but the continuing travel restrictions mean we would not have been able to bring you the “international” part of the Classic Jazz Party with musicians from overseas, and it is financially better for us to cancel now rather than risk the plug being pulled closer to November with any potential restrictions/lockdowns being brought back in.

We are aiming to host the 2022 festival around the same time, with the first weekend in November penciled in. Let’s pray to the jazz gods that it can finally happen!

For tickets and other information, please visit whitleybayjazzfest.com; [email protected]

WEST COAST RAGTIME FESTIVAL (Online Event) Nov. 19-21st

The 35th annual West Coast Ragtime Festival will take place November 19 – 21st, 2021! Due to the on-going uncertainties with the pandemic, the festival is planning a full 3-day on-line festival only that weekend. We’ll miss all of you in person, but hope that you can tune in during our festival weekend to a full program of special shows and concerts for you to enjoy on-line. Further detailed information about our programs will be posted in the Fall. We sincerely hope that we can resume the in-person festival in November, 2022.

For more information, please visit: www.westcoastragtime.com

SUNCOAST JAZZ FESTIVAL (Clearwater Beach, FL) – Nov. 19-21

Professor Cunningham & His Old School, Dave Bennett Quartet, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Ed Metz Trio with Rossano Sportiello and Nicki Parrott, Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Bill Allred and The Suncoast Festival Allstars – Johnny Varro, Allan Vache, Davy Jones, Jay Mueller and Eddie Metz, Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Heather Thorn and Vivacity, La Lucha, Diego Figueirdo, Nate Najar, Daniela Soledade, Bakey and Betty, Betty Comora and Mike Evans, Amateur Jams with Dr. Jim Gover and His Naples Pals, Cat’s Meow, Swing Dance Lessons, and More To Be Announced!

For tickets and information, visit us online at suncoastjazzfestival.com; or write: PO Box 395, Largo, FL 33779; (727) 248-9441.

39th ANNUAL SAN DIEGO JAZZ FEST (San Diego, CA) – Nov. 24-28 (Online Event)

The hard decision has been made to make the 2021 festival an online only affair. Some of the bands that were scheduled will appear online. Please visit our website for more information.

Contact: AFCDJS, P.O. Box 880387, San Diego, CA 92168-0387; 619-297-5277.
Email: [email protected]; Website: http://www.sdjazzfest.org/

NORTH CAROLINA JAZZ FESTIVAL (Wilmington, NC) Feb. 3-5

One of the oldest Traditional Jazz Festivals in the country, the North Carolina Jazz Festival, will return February 3, 4 & 5, 2022. This 3 day event, held in the ballroom of the Hotel Ballast (formerly Wilmington Hilton Riverside), features internationally known jazz musicians from across the United States, Australia, and Italy.

Thursday is Special Event Night featuring different styles of jazz.

Thursday night will be an EXTRAVAGANZA – a celebration of our all being together again, to enjoy live jazz with our friends, at the home of the North Carolina Jazz Festival – The Hotel Ballast! We will open the evening with vocalist Steve Washington, whose style and voice are reminiscent of Nat “King” Cole and Billy Eckstine. Backing him are Herman Burney on bass, Rossano Sportiello on piano, and on drums Chuck Redd.

The next set will feature internationally renowned and award winning jazz pianist Lenore Raphael, who is a Steinway artist and radio host (Lenore Raphael’s Jazzspot) where she interviews and performs with famed jazz musicians. With her tonight is vibist extraordinaire Steve Hobbs and NCJF’s Herman Burney on bass.

Our third set for the evening will be a tribute – 2022 marks 60 years of Jazz Samba – the landmark 1962 album by Charlie Byrd and Stan Getz that launched Bossa Nova to international Stardom. Joined by Jeff Rupert on tenor saxophone, Herman Burney on bass and Chuck Redd on drums, Nate Najar pays homage to the spirit and iconic repertoire of that classic recording with songs like Desafinado, Samba Dees Days and of course One Note Samba. To help celebrate this 60th anniversary, Nate’s new album Jazz Samba Pra Sempre will make its’ debut here at our festival. It is a cd “coming out party”!

Rounding out the evening will be our Traditional Jazz Jam featuring some of our International All-Stars, who will be featured on Friday and Saturday nights.

On Friday and Saturday nights we will have thirteen jazz all-stars playing seven sets of traditional and classic jazz each night, with a different leader on each set. Invited musicians include Rossano Sportiello, Johnathan Russell, Dion Tucker, Ehud Asherie, Emily Asher, Nicki Parrott, Herman Burney, Nate Najar, Houston Person, Kevin Dorn, Steve Washington, Shaye Cohn, Chuck Redd, Adrian Cunnigham, and Bruce Harris. All concerts begin at 7:30 pm, Thursday is a three hour concert, while Friday & Saturday concerts go until midnight.

Ticket are $45 for Thursday, and $65 for each night Friday & Saturday. Each night $25 military, $15 students. Patron tickets are $215, and include Fri. & Sat. evening concerts plus the special patron brunch at 10:30 Sat. morning, where the all-star musicians will play and socialize with patrons, then patron/musicians will be invited to “sit in” with the all-stars. Patrons receive preferred, reserved seating plus their names in the program. The $240 patron tickets include all of the above plus tickets to Thursday evening’s Special Event. Tickets may be purchased from the festival website, E-Tix, or at the AudioLab at 5732 Oleander Dr., Wilmington.

For more information visit www.ncjazzfestival.org, e-mail [email protected], or call 910-793-1111.

TUCSON JAZZ FESTIVAL (Tucson, AZ) Jan. 14-23

Primarily an event with individually-ticketed concerts at the historic Fox and Rialto theaters, as well as TCC Music Hall and Club Congress, with some free outdoor events around town. Main festival acts include Lee Ritennour & Dave Grusin, Dianne Reeves, Jon Batiste, Herb Alpert & Lani Hall, Adonis Rose and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s NOJO 7 feat. Cyrille Aimee, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Dave Stryker Quartet, Eric Alexander Quintet, Kendrick Scott, Sergio Mendoza & Quetzal Guerrero, and Emmet Cohen.

Ticket pricing, festival schedule, and lodging information may be found at the festival website tucsonjazzfestival.org; (520) 989-0720.

SAN DIEGO JAZZ PARTY (Del Mar, CA) Feb. 25-27

The 30th annual San Diego Jazz Party is set to take place in Del Mar, Calif., 20 miles north of San Diego.

Performers at the 2022 Jazz Party will be Dan Barrett, Danny Coots, Evan Arntzen, Ken Peplowski, John Allred, Jon-Erik Kellso, Rebecca Kilgore, Ed Metz, Jr., Nicki Parrott, Houston Person, Ed Polcer, Vinny Raniolo, Harry Allen, Chuck Redd, Richard Simon, Peter Washington, Rossano Sportiello, and Jason Wanner. A swinging late night set with Lizzy and the Triggermen was recently added.

All-events badges cost $250 and includes Friday free-bar cocktail party, Saturday jazz brunch, and late night; Friday-evening passes cost $85; Saturday passes cost $145; Sunday passes cost $85; Saturday late night passes are $25. Purchase passes on www.sandiegojazzparty.com or order by telephone (619) 787-8792; or write San Diego Jazz Party, 1632 Hillstone Avenue, Escondido, CA 92029-4332.