REDWOOD COAST MUSIC FESTIVAL (Eureka, CA) – Oct. 3-6
This year’s festival, which takes place in Eureka, California, boasts seven venues: Hagadone Stage at Eureka Municipal Auditorium, Chevron & George Petersen Insurance Stage at The Adorni Center, Pierson Building Center Stage at The Sequoia Center, The Eagle House Stage at The Inn & 2nd and C, Sun Valley Group Stage at Morris Graves Museum, and two performance stages at The Red Lion Hotel (which is the home base of the festival). All venues have food, bars, and dance floors—with complimentary shuttles between venues.
Featuring: Americana, Hot and New Orleans Jazz, Swing, Blues, Western Swing, Zydecco, Rockabilly, and Country, 40 Bands, and 100 sets of music, TST readers will find many of their favorites in the mix. Artists of special interest to TST readers include: Joel Paterson Trio, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Carl Sonny Leyland, Dave Bennett & The Memphis Speed Kings, Dave Stuckey & The Hot House Gang, Jonathan Stout’s Campus Five Featuring Hilary Alexander, Casey MacGill, Matt Munisteri, Jon-Erik Kellso, Katie Cavera and The Lost Boys, Cornet Chop Suey, Miss Jubilee & The Yas Yas Boys, The Western Flyers, Clint Baker’s Jazz Band, Hal Smith’s El Dorado Jaz Band, John Reynold’s Hollywood Hotshots, Holland Coots Jazz Quintet, Dawn Lambeth, The EarRegulars, Dave Stuckey’s Hoot Owls, Jonathan Doyle Swingtet, Brian Casserly, Mikiya Matsuda’s Alcatraz Islanders, Dan Barrett, Alice Spencer, The Mortonia Seven, The St Louis Steady Grinders, Gino and the Lone Gunmen, Marc Caparone’s Back O’Town Allstars, Ray Skjelbred, Kris Tokarski, Dennis Lichtman, Josh Collazo, TJ Muller, Andy Schumm, Groovus, Nate Ketner, Nice & Easy, Redwood Dixie-Gators, and the Fresh Water Jazz Band.
Please write admin@redwoodjazz.org with questions. Find payment options and other information online at www.rcmfest.org. Please check the hotel page to see if there are ticket packages available from official festival hotels. Special combination packages may be available.
SUN VALLEY JAZZ & MUSIC FESTIVAL (Sun Valley, ID) – Oct. 16-20
Idaho’s Sun Valley Jazz and Music Festival covers five days and offers excellent bands in five venues at the Sun Valley Resort, plus free community concerts in Ketchum Town Square. Performing this year are Hot Jazz Collective featuring: Greg Varlotta, Jerry Krahn, Kevin Congelton, Terry Myers, Russ Phillips, Jamie Roberts, Bobby Durham, and Jason Wanner. Tom Hook & the Hounds featuring Tom Hook, Bobby Durham, Pat Gulotta, Davy Jones, and Eddie Metz. Also appearing will be Clint Baker, David Bennet, Matty Bottel, Brian Casserly, Sherri Colby, Josh Collazo, Shaymus Hanlin, Nate Ketner, Carl Sonny Leyland, Sam Rocha, Tom Rigney, Rob Verdi, Professor Cunningham and His Old School, Summer Groove Party Band (High Street Party Band), Blue Street Jazz Band, and the Kings of Swing.
Tickets are available by telephone (877) 478-5277 or on our website; sunvalleyjazz.com.
ROSWELL JAZZ FESTIVAL (Roswell, NM) – Oct. 23-27
Scheduled musicians this year include Harry Allen, John Allred, Andrew Barrett, Danny Coots, Yve Evans, Michael Francis, Duke Heitger, Jon-Erik Kellso, Ricky Malichi, Ken Peplowski, Houston Person, Vinny Raniolo, Chuck Redd, Ted Rosenthal, Richard Simon, Allan Vaché, Jason Wanner, Peter Washington, and many more. Special guest of honor this year is legendary drummer Hal Smith.
Tickets for the 17th annual festival will go on sale in September; for more information visit roswelljazz.org, email jazzroswell@gmail.com, or telephone 505-359-4876.
The Final ARIZONA CLASSIC JAZZ FESTIVAL (Chandler, AZ) – Oct 31-Nov. 3
Scheduled performers: Howard Alden, Cheryl’s Vintage Jazz with special guests Dan Levinson & Katie Cavera, St. Louis Stompers, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Holland-Coots Jazz Quintet, Groovus, Sentimental Breeze, Stephanie Trick & Paolo Alderighi, Sun City Stomperz, WE 3 + 1 (Patrick, Lansford, Pesce, Early), Wildcat Jazz Band, Wolverine JazzBand, ACJS JAMMERS.
“Afterglow” event to be held in the San Tan Ballroom 6 – 8 pm. MUST MAKE RESERVATIONS With ACJF
Must purchase the buffet to attend. $40 per person. Please send a separate check with notation “Afterglow”
Cash bar for alcohol.
For details, including hotel blocks, 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) – Nov. 1-3
The globe’s foremost gathering of specialist Classic Jazz musicians and fans; a three-day concert series featuring live music of a rarely heard quality and authenticity, performed by a truly international roster of world-class performers. Held over a long weekend from midday on Friday until late on Sunday evening, the Party takes the form of a series of special themed concerts chosen and curated by the musicians themselves and drawn from the canon of the first 40 years of jazz.
Themes this year include: A Centenary Celebration: Bix and The Wolverines, After the Armistice: Jass in London 1919-23, Pleasure Mad – Charlie Creath and Dewey Jackson, Futuristic Rhythms – Irving Mills’ Hotsy Totsy Gang, The Red Heads and Ukulele Ike, A Rhythmic Dream: Fletcher Henderson, Modernism in Mayfair: The Piccadilly Revels Band, Mamie Smith’s Jazz Hounds, Clarence Williams’ Blue Five, Creole Trombone: The Music of Kid Ory, Roger Wolfe Kahn’s Orchestra, Boyd Senter, Vic Meyers, Lil Armstrong, Early Bennie Moten, Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, The Two Bright Boys: Cecil Scott and Lloyd Scott, Thomas Morris, Bobby Hackett & the Singers, Gene Austin, Benny Goodman’s Rhythm Makers Orchestra, and A Battle of the Bands: Duke Ellington vs Luis Russell
Artists include: Trumpet – Andy Schumm (USA), Malo Mazurié (France), Mike Davis (USA), Enrico Tomasso (UK), Torstein Kubban (Norway), Jon-Erik Kellso (USA). Reeds – Lars Frank (Norway), Lorenzo Baldasso (Italy), Michael McQuaid (UK), Natalie Scharf (USA – new for 2024) David Horniblow (UK), Richard Exall (UK). Trombone – Alistair Allan (UK), Graham Hughes (UK), Charlie Halloran (USA – new for 2024). Piano – Andrew Oliver (USA), David Boeddinghaus (USA), Morten Gunnar Larsen (Norway), Ulf Johansson Werre (Sweden – new for 2024!). Guitar & Banjo – Thomas “Spats” Langham (UK), Martin Wheatley (UK), Félix Hunot (France), Curtis Volp (UK – new for 2024). Brass bass & string bass – Phil Rutherford (UK), Henry Lemaire (France), Harry Evans (UK). Drums & Percussion – Nicholas D. Ball (UK), Josh Duffee (USA), Richard Pite (UK). Violin – Emma Fisk (UK). Vocals – Thomas “Spats” Langham (UK), Nicolle Rochelle (France).
At the end of each day, musicians and audience relax and enjoy themselves at the legendary after-hours jam sessions in the hotel’s bar, often going on into the wee small hours.
The concerts take place in 4-star luxury, with audience members being assigned to cabaret seating of 8 to a table. A twice-daily rotation system is in place to ensure that everybody gets a good view. For tickets and other information, please visit whitleybayjazzfest.com; wbjazzfest@btinternet.com.
SUNCOAST JAZZ FESTIVAL (Clearwater Beach, FL) – Nov. 22-24
31st Annual EAGLES AND IVORIES MUSIC FEST (Muscatine, IA) – Jan. 16-19
The 31st Annual Eagles & Ivories Music Fest is staged in Muscatine, Iowa, at five different locations. A free eagle watch takes place Saturday morning at Pearl City Station in Riverfront Park. The music will be performed by Ivory &Gold® featuring Jeff and Anne Barnhart, Andy Schumm, Josh Duffee, Marty Mincer, the Mad Creek Mudcats, and the Locust Street Boys. Special events include silent film accompaniment.
An entire four-day concert package costs $70; individual event admissions range from $5 to $20; children ages 16 and younger are admitted free to all events; for more information and tickets: muscatineartscouncil.org; (563) 263-9978; davidales@machlink.com.
TUCSON JAZZ FESTIVAL (Tucson, AZ) – January 17-25
A week-long, city-wide 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. Acts of interest to TST readers include Emmet Cohen Trio, Gunhild Carling, Samara Joy, The Black Market Trust, Delfeayo Marsalis and The Uptown Jazz Orchestra w/Opening Act-New Breed Brass Band, and Caity Gyorgy. Adventurous readers can explore a dozen other acts.
Ticket pricing, festival schedule, and lodging information may be found at the festival website: tucsonjazzfestival.org; (520) 989-0720.
JAZZ FEST AT SEA (Caribbean) January 17-27, 2025
If you are a fan of Swing, Dixieland, Classic Jazz, Chicago Jazz, Traditional Jazz, in fact just about any style which emerged during the first half of the 20th century, plan to attend JazzFest at Sea – presented in a private jazz club atmosphere limited to 200 guests! Our cruise will be departing roundtrip Miami to St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic and Ocean Cay on the MSC Divina for 10-nights of jazz and fun.
Scheduled artists include Allan Vaché – clarinet, Terry Myers – tenor sax, Houston Person – tenor sax, Davy Jones – cornet, Dave Bennett – clarinet, Mike Francis – piano, Kris Tokarski – piano, Jim Fryer – trombone, Jake Jones – guitar & banjo, Jon-Erik Kellso – trumpet, Mark Shane – piano, Danny Coots – drums, Charlie Silva – bass, Paul Keller – bass, Ricky Malichi – drums, with Vocalists Banu Gibson and Yve Evans.
Call us for more information! 1-800-654-8090 or visit www.JazzFestatSea.com
NORTH CAROLINA JAZZ FESTIVAL (Wilmington, NC) – Feb. 6-8
Wilmington gives a warm welcome to all of the jazz lovers attending our 45th North Carolina Jazz Festival! This historic city located on the bank of the Cape Fear River has many interesting shops, art galleries, museums and restaurants, as well as a movie studio, nearby beaches, plus Revolutionary and Civil War sites to explore during your days here. We will fill your evenings with exciting performances by some of the greatest traditional jazz musicians from around the globe!
Thursday Night Showcase: Gregg Gelb will headline the 45th annual opening night’s Special Event.
Friday and Saturday Nights: All evening concerts begin at 7:30 pm and are held at the Hotel Ballast ballroom. We will continue our celebration with All-Star musicians playing in the traditional seven sets of six or seven players, each set with a different leader. You will see/hear many of our favorite NCJF musicians plus new additions to our lineup. You will not want to miss this exciting 45th annual North Carolina Jazz Festival! These will be 4 ½ hour concerts. Scheduled musicians include Adrian Cunningham, Bruce Harris, Chuck Redd, Dion Tucker, Herman Burney, Jonathan Russell, Lucy Yeghiazaryan, Nate Najar, and Rossano Sportiello.
Patron Brunch: On Saturday from 10:30 until 2pm we treat our patrons to a musical brunch, when all of our All-star musicians play for their pleasure while everyone enjoys a delicious brunch. During the last hour we have a “jam” when the patrons who are musicians have the opportunity to play with the All-stars. Fun for all!
Ticket are $65 for Thursday, and $65 for Friday & Saturday. Each night $25 military, $15 students. Patron tickets are $215, for the Friday and Saturday evening concerts plus the special patron brunch at 10:30 Sat. morning. 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.
For more information visit www.ncjazzfestival.org, e-mail ncjazzfest@yahoo.com, or call (910)-399-6596.
TEAGARDEN JAZZ FESTIVAL for Young Musicians (Sacramento, CA) Feb. 8
The joy of New Orleans-style jazz is at the heart of this scholastic combo festival, which is dedicated to fostering a better appreciation of this classic American art form. Each year, scores of young musicians gather at the annual Teagarden Jazz Festival (formerly named Traditional Jazz Youth Band Festival) for experiences that take their musical skills to the next level. Don’t miss the Closing Concert featuring the Teagarden Jazz Festival All-Star Clinicians Band with guest artist Gunhild Carling.
General admission to the Jazz Festival for the public is $15 (students are admitted at no charge) and is valid all day. Tickets will be sold onsite. For band registration and tickets, call Patricia Jones at the SacJEF office: (916) 571-5533 or email: pjones@sacjef.org; write PO Box 661763, Sacramento 95866; or visit the festival website: TeagardenJazzfestival.org.
SOUNDS OF MARDI GRAS (Fresno, CA) – Feb. 13-16
The 41st edition of the Sounds of Mardi Gras in Fresno kicks off at the Doubletree by Hilton with a Thursday evening pre-party. The schedule picks up Friday with a themed parade, followed by the annual coronation of the Festival King and Queen, a Friday night swing dance, and a Saturday Night Mardi Gras Dance Party. Festivities include a Parasol Parade and Masquerade and Costume Parade in the grand tradition of Mardi Gras. This year one parade has a “1920’s Great Gatsby” theme.
Invited bands for 2024 include: Alpha Rhythm Kings, Groovus, Gino and the Lone Gunmen, Dave Stuckey and the Hot House Gang, Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Bob Schulz Frisco Jazz Band, Yosemite Jazz Band, CJ’s Open jams, The Flying Eagles Jazz Band, the Reedley River Rats, and more to be announced.
Special festival room rates at the Fresno Double Tree by Hilton are available. For more information you can call Linda (209) 534-1924 or visit www.fresnodixie.com.
SAN DIEGO JAZZ PARTY (Del Mar, CA) Feb. 21-23
The 33rd annual San Diego Jazz Party is set to take place in Del Mar, Calif., 20 miles north of San Diego.
Performing at the 2025 Jazz Party will be Chuck Redd, Dan Barrett, Danny Coots, Denny Ilett, Duke Heitger, Harry Allen, Houston Person, Jr., Jason Fabus,Jason Wanner, John Allred, Jon-Erik Kellso, Josh Collazo, Ken Peplowski, Lizzy & the Triggermen, Nate Ketner, Peter Washington, Richard Simon, Rossano Sportiello, Sam Rocha,and Vinny Raniolo
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.
43rd annual JAZZ BASH BY THE BAY (Monterey, CA) March 7-9
The 43rd annual Jazz Bash By the Bay Monterey takes place March 7-9, 2025, in the beautiful Conference Center and Portola Hotel & Spa with eight venues.
Invited bands and artists for 2025 will be announced soon.
Badges can be ordered by phone at 831-754-8786 or 888-349-6879. More information online at jazzbashmonterey.com; Jazz Bash by the Bay, 177 Webster St., #206, Monterey, CA 93940.
JAZZAFFAIR (Three Rivers, CA) April 11-13
The 5-th annual Jazzaffair, hosted by the Sierra Traditional Jazz Club, takes place at three venues in Three Rivers: the Lions Club Arena, the Memorial Building, and St. Anthony’s Retreat.
Bands will include the Sierra Stompers, Blue Street Jazz Band, Dave Bennett Quartet, The Memphis Speed Kings, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, Gino & The Lone Gunmen, Holland & Coots Quintet, Brian Holland & the Ragabonds, Sonny’s Boogie Woogie Boys, St. John’s Riverboat Jazz Band, Bob Schulz Barbary Coast Band, Okie Weiss & the Zydeco Playboys, and Nathan’s Fearless Five. With Special Guests: Jan Sutherland, Dave Stuckey, Jim Martinez and more surprises!
Also Featuring: Zydeco Dance Lessons, Special Events Nights, Thursday’s Kickoff Dinner, Friday’s Rowdy Breakfast, and Dance floors at all three venues.
Visit the Sierra Traditional Jazz Club online and download the order form: www.threeriversjazzaffair.com S.T.J.C., PO Box 712, Three Rivers, CA 93271. Call or text Jazzaffair Director: Linda McKee Amaral at (559) 303-5193
AHOY VINTAGE CRUISES: Matt Tolentino and his Orchestra (Southampton, UK – New York, NY) May 16-23, 2025 / Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra (Southampton, UK – New York, NY) Sept. 26-Oct. 3, 2025
Ahoy Vintage Cruises is celebrating 100 years of Art Deco with two exclusive trans-Atlantic crossings. We will start off with a few days touring era-influenced sites in Paris, the birthplace of Art Deco in 1925. After a quick jaunt in London, we’ll board the iconic RMS Queen Mary 2 for a seven-night crossing.
Each crossing, departing from Southampton and arriving in New York City, features a renowned orchestra playing Deco-era music for nightly dances.
Enjoy dining, drinking, and dancing your way across the Atlantic in the delightful Deco style. Live your best vintage life for this trip. Is it 1925 or 2025? It’s a dream come true. ahoyvintagecruises.com
