Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
38th
FESTIVAL PERFORMER’S INFORMATION PAGE
Artist Line-Up Now Being Announced
A New Artist Announced Each Week
Full Weekend Series
(and Thursday Evening Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach Tickets)
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OPENING WEEKEND
OCTOBER 9, 10, 11, 12
CLOSING WEEKEND
OCTOBER 16, 17, 18, 19
OPENING WEEKEND
OCTOBER 9, 10, 11, 12
-
Mindi Abair
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: October 9th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
Saxophonist
MINDI ABAIR
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: October 9th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
Since 1st being spotted by Art Good in a La Jolla Jazz Club one night in 1991 Arriving for the 1st time on Catalina Island in 1994 Arriving in Jonathan Butler’s Band in 1998 Debuting Solo in 2003 she appeared on the JazzTrax Performance Stage almost every year through 2016. Returning in 2021, this will be Mindi’s 5th Consecutive October On the Island .. this time .. BACK UNDER THE STARS ON THE BEACH OPENING WEEKEND
WATCH VIDEO of the Descanso Beach Setting and then Mindi Performing on our 2013 Unplugged Stage
WATCH MINDI surprise the Friday Evening Audience this past Closing Weekend, having arrived 2 nights before her scheduled Sunday Evening Show with Peter and Vincent as BOOKER T. JONES brings Mindi out
for “Born Under a Bad Sign”WATCH MINDI on Sax for Phillip Phillips on AMERICAN IDOL
Don’t Miss MINDI ABAIR OPENING WEEKEND .. Thursday Evening of this Fall’s 38th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: October 9th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
-
Gerald Albright
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Returning 26 miles across the sea OPENING WEEKEND
Saxophonist
GERALD ALBRIGHT
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Saxophonist
GERALD ALBRIGHT
Returning 26 miles across the sea OPENING WEEKEND
This his latest, a 2024 3 Song EP has already scored the title track on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Charts 3 Weeks at Number #1 last Summer. A 2nd Single “G Funk” featuring Trombone Shorty hit the Charts as 2025 began
A true Angelino, born and raised in Los Angeles, but now long having escaped to Colorado, just outside Denver. Everyone knows Gerald as Mr. Saxman, but he’s as accomplished on Bass Guitar. With Patrice Rushen straight out of University of Redlands, on the east end of the L.A. sprawl. Playing both bass and sax for the likes of Anita Baker, Ray Parker Jr., Atlantic Starr, The Temptations, Maurice White, Teena Marie, The Winans, Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones. In our realm Sax for Lee Ritenour early 90’s. Featured Instrumentalist on a Phil Collins World Tour.
As well beginning his own Solo Career as “Smooth Jazz” was just beginning to spread outa San Diego through L.A. and S.F. back to N.Y. with his debut album in 1987 ‘Just Between Us.’
WATCH Gerald Albright performing his Classic Touch to Luther Vandross “So Amazing”
at the 2021 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
He’s album collaborated with Norman Brown and with Will Downing, has 2 Grammy’s on his Colorado Wall. 2012 and 2014 and 2 more Grammy Nominations, 2008 and 2009.
Toured in Smooth Jazz All Star Combinations like Guitars & Saxes, Groovin’ for Grover, Jazz Explosion and the Dave Koz Summer Horns. Such a perennial favorite JazzTrax tries to bring him back every other year, alternating weekends
Here’s a Classic Shortie .. Gerald Albright with Joe Sample
And his wife with her own career
Even more interesting and distinguishable Gerald’s saxophone appears in the PlayStation video game ‘Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’ in its theme song, “I Am the Wind.” (also with keyboardist Jeff Lorber)
In September 2021 Gerald received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden.
Enjoy this 1 Gerald Albright and Jonathan Butler at the 3rd Jazz Safari doing
“Just the Two of Us” (grover) and Jonathan’s “Dancing’ on the Shore”Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
-
Spyro Gyra
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
SPYRO GYRA
1st Band to ever confirm for this festival in 1987
OPENING WEEKEND
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
SPYRO GYRA
OPENING WEEKEND
Well before Kenny G crossed over onto the Pop Charts in the mid 80’s this Band crossed over to the Pop Charts, mid 70’s with “SHAKER SONG” off their very 1st album.
And continued with several more before we even got into the hot smooth jazz 80’s.
WATCH youtube Video of Spyro Gyra Medley-ing Up their 1st 3 Big Hits late 1970’s “Shaker Song” “Catching the Sun” “Morning Dance”
Note this was filmed and recorded during Covid apparently as they are all playing together, separately from their own home studio’sNow, go pull out some old pictures of YOU from the late 70’s Cause believe it or not, that’s the same Jay Beckenstein on sax and the same Tom Schuman on keys, almost 50 years past in time.
Chet Catello’s guitar has long become Julio Fernandez Scott Ambush is now on bass The original percussionist long gone, even Dave Samuels long gone from the band Lionel Cordew now on drums But still always Jay on sax and Tom on keys
In 2019 Jay and the Band did something almost unimaginable by Spyro Gyra Standards. They’d long ago broken their Only Instrumentals standards when Basia contributed a song and Alex Ligertwood broke that barrier on a couple of 1992 tunes but 6 years ago, an Album of Covers. Spyro Blasphemy. But Art Good called it The Best Instrumental Album of Covers JazzTrax had ever heard. (their PR person RAN with Art’s quote)
They covered Stevie Linwood, Lennon/McCartney, Blind Faith, Crosby, Stills & Nash, even the Doobies “What a Fool Believes.”
LISTEN HERE to ALL THE SONGS ON VINYL TAP .. It’s Fabulous
Then Past November Releasing ‘Jubilee’ A Best of through all their 50 years with 1 new song “50/50” included.
Such a List of Songs they will bring to Catalina Island this October
“Shakedown” .. “Freetime” .. “Old San Juan” .. “Cayo Hueso” .. “Breakfast at Igor’s” “Send One Your Love” and “Patterns in the Rain” (alex ligertwood vocals) “South Beach” .. where would one begin .. where would one end
Don’t Miss Spyro Gyra’s Celebration of 50 Years Spyro Gyra-ing This October on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage .. 26 miles across the sea.
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
-
Keiko Matsui
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Pianist
KEIKO MATSUI
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Pianist
KEIKO MATSUI
Coming from her native Tokyo to Southern California in the late 80’s Long Residing in South Bay, walking distance to the beach, Looking Straight across at Santa Catalina Island.
She debuted onto the Smooth Jazz scene in 1987 Came to the Island 1st in 1989 “Euphoria’ is her latest. Released 2023 It contained the JazzTrax Best Vocal of the Year.
LISTEN TO “Love and Nothing Less” Sung by Lalah Hathaway
LISTEN TO the JazzTrax 2007 ‘Song of the Year’ “When I Close My Eyes” by Keiko Matsui
WATCH Keiko Performing Live at the Blue Note in Tokyo
In early 2016 we arranged for Keiko to literally COMPOSE this entire album on the JazzTrax Festival Grand Piano It had been positioned in January that year on the stage in Casino Theater so Keiko sat alone in that historic 1929 theater composing on our festival piano which she’ll be playing LIVE on this October in the Avalon Ballroom above.
She themed a few songs to our Smooth Jazz Island including ’Two Harbors” (the oft used name for The Isymus on the Island’s Northern End “Blue Rose” (there’s a mexican restaurant on Main Street called Maggie’s Blue Rose.
Then in 2019 on her ‘Echo’ album a song for Avalon’s Oldest Dive Bar The Marlin Club where JazzTrax Producer Art Good, Keiko and her manager Bud Harner always do shots of “Slippery Nipples” .. it’s a liqueur drink and quite tasty.
WATCH KEIKO performing “Marlin Club Blues” with Eric Marienthal on Sax in Ontario, Canada
So Keiko is returning to Catalina Island in October. After debuting with ‘A Drop of Water’ in 1987 Her first time to the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage was in 1989. I remember meeting her as she stepped out of the elevator into the ballroom. This her 2nd album was brand new ‘Under Northern Lights’
Her discography now totals …..27 total albums ….. WOW Through her 38 year solo career she has some of the Finer Album Covers.
Watch Keiko Live in the WBGO Radio Studio in NYC one year ago.
Don’t Miss KEIKO MATSUI This October on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage .. 26 miles across the sea.
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
-
Norman Brown
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Grammy winning guitarist
NORMAN BROWN
Returning 26 miles across the sea
Opening Weekend
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Grammy winning guitarist
NORMAN BROWN
Returning 26 miles across the sea
Opening Weekend
He has been one of the most prolific of smooth jazz artists, especially from the guitar realm the past 3 1/2 decades .. releasing 14 albums since his 1992 Solo Debut, most recently, 1 year ago and gaining the honor of 2024 JazzTrax Best Album, Best Song, and Best song or album Title
Born in Shreveport, age 55, but grew up in Kansas City where his POP gave him his musicality. Came to L.A. teaching at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood through the 90’s even as he signed in 1991 on the MoJazz Record Label.
Grammy Winner in 2003 for the ‘Just Chillin’ album.
LISTEN TO the grammy winning title track14 albums total .. Half of those since 2010 .. 1 a collaboration with Gerald Albright in 2012 which received a Grammy Nomination
WATCH NORMAN performing “That’s the Way Love Goes” at the 2015 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival.
We’re not The Grammy’s nor the Oscars but …JazzTrax gave Norman our TWO HIGHEST HONORS last year, 2024 JazzTrax Album of the Year ‘It Hits Different’ also JazzTrax Best Song of the Year “Wings of Love” Oh, and also Best Song or Album Title of the Year for ‘It Hits Different’
LISTEN TO “Lydian” which he said once was his most requested song when performing live.
LISTEN TO Pop’s Cool Groove” Song from 2007 for Norman’s Dad
Norman Brown has played the JazzTrax Live Performance Stages so many times through our many years. First coming in the 90’s when he was just breaking forth. He played our stage in Lake Tahoe. He was on at least 1 of our JazzTrax Christmas Tours. 1992 .. his break out year
1994 .. this one really Stirred the Pot
WATCH NORMAN performing “After the Storm” at the 2019 Seabreeze Jazz Festival
The Grammy Winner 2003 Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
was also nominated in 2013 with Gerald Albright for ’24/7’ Signed by Warner Bros. Records in 2000 for this One.
Watch Norman and Band Performing IT’s Big Hit in UGANDA in 2014 at the Jazz Safari “Outa Nowhere”
2004 .. We actually thought this one had better songs on it than his Grammy Winner 1 album before
2022
Then of course his newest in 2024, image way up above here, ‘’It Hits Different’ that we named the JazzTrax 2024 Album of the Year.
Don’t Miss NORMAN BROWN This October on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage .. 26 miles across the sea.
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
-
Vincent Ingala
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Saxman
VINCENT INGALA
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Saxman
VINCENT INGALA
Since emerging outa nowhere, still a teenager around 2010. Pulled up on stage by Peter White at a San Diego Awards Show at age 17, he is now long managed by Peter’s own Management Group. A winner TWICE of the Prestigious Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year. Finally arriving in his 30’s, with a total of ten #1 Billboard hits, 23 Top 10 Singles.
WATCH VINCENT Performing EUROPA at the 2017 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival.
Most Recent, Released Summer 2024
WATCH VINCENT in a Full 90 Minute Performance at Tin Pan Listening Room in Richmond, Virginia 2023.
WATCH VINCENT during 2020’s Covid Performing ‘Live from Daryl’s House Club’
And You Thought Vincent was JUST a SAXOPHONIST? WATCH VINCENT ON GUITAR Performing “WISH YOU WERE HERE” 10 Years Ago on Morning Television.
Don’t Miss SAXMAN VINCENT INGALA This October .. 26 miles across the sea In the Historic 1929 Avalon Ballroom .. looking out to sea.
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
CLOSING WEEKEND
OCTOBER 16, 17, 18, 19
-
Hiroshima
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: October 16th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
From the legendary now (mostly) retired band HIROSHIMA
THE HIROSHIMA TRIO
Featuring
JUNE KURAMOTO
With
Kimo Cornwell on keys
And
Dan Kuramoto on sax
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: October 16th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
From the legendary now (mostly) retired band HIROSHIMA
THE HIROSHIMA TRIO
Featuring
JUNE KURAMOTO
With
Kimo Cornwell on keys
And
Dan Kuramoto on sax
2018 was the Last Time Hiroshima came to our historic JazzTrax Island Stage They had basically retired, but we kept asking and found that June and Kimo were still doing some DUO performances. They will bring that to our Closing Weekend Descanso Beach Stage with the waves of the Pacific rolling in behind. We insisted Dan had to come along and bring his sax.
Avalon Ballroom 2018 setting up for JazzTrax Performance June and Kimo Koto and Keys.
WATCH June Kurmoto’s Koto and Band Performing the Absolute Hiroshima Signature Song “THOUSAND CRANES” at the 2018 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival.
Which was on their Classic 1989 Album
They are 3rd Generation Japanese Americans .. June is the one born in Saitama-ken, Japan to a 2nd generation Japanese American, just outside Tokyo before sending June to Los Angeles with her mother and siblings for a better education.
Renowned Koto Master, Madame Kazue Kudo began teaching koto to them in June’s family home. Beginning at age 6. By her late teens receiving advanced degrees from the Miyagi School of Koto in Japan. Returning here to inspire and teach Koto in Little Tokyo. With June and Dan forming the band Hiroshima late 70’s they blended the Koto with keyboards, saxophone, drums and bass.
She also has television and movie score recording credits. “The Last Samurai” as a featured musicians. “Black Rain,” NBC’s “Heroes,” PBS “Simply Ming,” plus national commercials for Hilton Hotel Benihana and the Hawaiian Electric Company.
June has 3 solo albums herself, 2003, 2005, 2009’s ‘Under the Stars’.
WATCH Hiroshima Performing ‘One Wish’ 13 years ago at Spagettini’s in Seal Beach featuring Terry Steele on some vocals.
Kimo was born in Honolulu and will fly from there back over for this performance. He joined Hiroshima in the mid 80’s, their absolute RED HOT period. He had played with Frankie Beverly and Maze, Al Jarreau, John Klemmer, and Ronnie Laws.
Dan was literally a sports specialist for L.A. County parks and recreation when he met June. They have a child together and now baby sitting their 2 grand kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays is his priority. Dan passed up going to a Clippers game next week with Art & Austin, because …. the game is on his assigned Babysitting Evening. His ’Shakuhachi’ is heard on “Black Rain,” “Pearl Harbor,” “The Thin Red Line,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
1987
2018 Doors About to Open for Hiroshima’s JazzTrax Festival Performance.
WATCH HIROSHIMA introduced by Dionne Warwick at the 1988 Soul Train Awards while Winning Best Jazz Album Award and get this …. WITH GEORGE DUKE guesting ON KEYS and June Kuramoto stepping over to join Barbara Long and George ON VOCALS.
YOU MUST WATCH THIS VIDEO TO THE VERY END (about 10 minutes long) because after Performing on this Award Show 37 Years Ago, They Win … Eric Dickerson of the Indianapolis Colts hands them their prestigious honor.
Don’t Miss June Kuramoto, Kimo Cornwell, & Dan Kuramoto This October .. 26 miles across the sea in a so unique performance .. On the Beach in a very unique Hiroshima Trio Performance as the ocean waves roll in behind our Descanso Beach Stage.
- Performance Date: October 16th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
Also FULL WEEKEND SERIES TICKETS Available IN THE HISTORIC 1929 AVALON BALLROOM .. stay for it ALL
-
Eric Darius
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Saxophonist
ERIC DARIUS
is Returning 26 miles across the sea
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Saxophonist
ERIC DARIUS
is Returning 26 miles across the sea
Watch Eric Darius at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
2012A very young Eric Darius made his Catalina Island Debut 2 Decades ago. October 2004. Nobody has worked harder at turning himself into a Smooth Jazz Superstar and muchly of his Electric Live Performance. Now having earned many years on the Dave Koz Cruise and on Dave Koz Summer Horns and Dave Koz Christmas Tours. His latest came in 2022.
Watch Eric Darius 2 years ago with the Dave Koz Summer Horns including Candy Dulfer
Originally from Tampa from a musical household with Caribbean influences.
Watch Eric Darius at the Blue Note in Napa
And then there’s his legendary on stage “LEAP” This pic is “to size”
Don’t Miss ERIC DARIUS CLOSING WEEKEND of this Fall’s 38th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
-
Damien Escobar
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Violinist
DAMIEN ESCOBAR
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Violinist
DAMIEN ESCOBAR
NYC electric violinist who broke loudly into the scene in 2017. Named the 2017 JazzTrax Debut Artist of the Year So Powerful in his Catalina Island 2018 JazzTrax Debut The Festival brought him back for BOTH 2019 Weekends This Marks Damien’s 5th Appearance 26 miles across the sea
His latest album, ‘Gemini’ came out last June.
WATCH OFFICIAL VIDEO of
“Symphony of Romance”This October will be Damien’s 5th Appearance on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage His first in 2018 got him the JazzTrax Best Live Performance Honor of the Year Thus BRINGING HIM BACK in 2019 When he did something so rare .. Playing BOTH 2019 JazzTrax Weekends SO EVERYBODY COULD SEE HIM.
WATCH his Violin Cover of Prince “PURPLE RAIN”
And the Official Video of the Song that in 2017 introduced us to Damien Escobar and made him The JazzTrax Debut Artist of THAT YEAR “Get Up and Dance”
Don’t Miss electric violinist DAMIEN ESCOBAR CLOSING WEEKEND of this Fall’s 38th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival.
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
-
Ronnie Laws
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Famed legendary saxophonist
RONNIE LAWS
Returning 26 miles across the sea CLOSING WEEKEND
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Famed legendary saxophonist
RONNIE LAWS
Returning 26 miles across the sea CLOSING WEEKEND
When after a 20 year lapse we brought Ronnie back to Catalina Island in 2023 Austin Good named it The Best Live Performance of the Year Still in his early 20’s it was Austin who pushed his Dad to bring this legend back to the JazzTrax Stage after retro-ing Ronnie’s music of the 70’s and 80’s
WATCH RONNIE Performing “Friends and Strangers” Live at Leoness Cellars Vineyards
Arriving, from Houston, in Los Angeles in 1971, he originally latched on to Hugh Masekela and then Ronnie was the original saxophonist of Earth, Wind & Fire when they broke out in 1972, but Ronnie broke loose to do his own solo career after just a couple years. He was the Red Hot Solo Saxophonist of the 70’s, long before Kenny G. By his 3rd album, ‘Fever,’ in 1977 he went certified GOLD.
But his Signature Song that lives on, “Always There” came from his 1975 debut. When he played it, stretched it, on our October stage in 2023, one of the audience members, SPIKE LEE, who just happened to be on the Island for god only knows what reason, hearing Ronnie was performing, bought a ticket, came up, and went up on stage, inspiring an even LONGER stretch out of “Always There.”
WATCH RONNIE Performing “Always There” Live on stage in Detroit.
NOW LISTEN to the Original 1975 Version of “Always There”
Don’t Miss Ronnie doing the LONG INCREDIBLE LIVE Version of ‘ALWAYS THERE” on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage This October 2025
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
-
Bob James Quartet
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
THE ABSOLUTE LEGEND
of
Composing
Keyboards
Collaborations
Fourplay
THE BOB JAMES QUARTET
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
THE ABSOLUTE LEGEND
of
Composing
Keyboards
Collaborations
Fourplay
THE BOB JAMES QUARTET
At age 85 if you can’t get Fourplay, you get Bob
WATCH Bob James in studio Performing his Classic “Westchester Lady”
One of Bob’s Best Quotes as he reached his own 80’s “The Way You Stay Young is to (turns to band) Hire the Best Young Cats” Bob turned 85 this past Christmas Day …
And Now LISTEN TO BOB and his trio re doing the Television Theme Song
Classic that 1st made him famous around 1977. Theme from TAXI
Where does one even begin with BOB JAMES. He was 1st Music Director for Sarah Vaughn.
He’d released some early solo albums early 1970’s
Bob James 1
Bob James 2
Bob James 3
Bob James 4
Guess he was too busy with Sarah to come up with brilliant album titles but when he got to Bob James 5 … he started thinking
Get It? Then instead of Bob James 6
I know you’re thinking that should have been Bob James 7 but a touchdown is only 6 points, then there’s the Extra Point kicked That’s how Bob thinks, come on, when he generated the 1st Smooth Jazz All Star Band, the Four Who Play
Here’s a GREAT Shot of all who have been part of FOURPLAY since Bob created it in 1990 Originals still there Bassist Nathan East Far Left, Drummer Harvey Mason Far Right. Bob in the middle and the 3 who at different points were on guitar. Larry Carlton 2nd to left. the late Chuck Loeb to Bob’s Left, original Fourplay guitarist Lee Ritenour other side of Chuck
If you can’t get Fourplay as Bob is in his mid 80’s, you at least Get Bob. Fourplay so far hasn’t continued post losing Chuck Loeb, BUT, we’ll see if it happens. Art Good has “suggested” to Bob, at least a FOURPLAY MEDLEY inside this October’s Island Show
So very many Bob James Great Songs through the past 50 years including collaborations with EARL KLUGH
with DAVID SANBORN .. a Grammy Winner
And Now his Newest Collaboration & Tour with DAVE KOZ … March Release
Heads, We’re All Alone, I’m In You, Night Crawler, You Are So Beautiful, One Loving Night, Street Smart, Baby Cakes, Angela (theme from Taxi), Touchdown, I Want to Thank You Very Much, Caribbean Nights Sun Runner, Choose Me, Fresh Start, Bare Bones, Restoration, Wings for Sarah, Worlds Apart, Maputo with David Sanborn, Since I Fell For You with Sanborn and Al Jarreau, I’ll Never See You Smile Again with Earl Klugh, Fugitive Life with Earl Klugh, Playing With Fire, On This Day with Hillary James, Take Me There, Raise the Roof, Joy Ride, Westchester Lady, Whiplash with Earl Klugh, Where I Wander with Earl Klugh, The Falcon with Earl Klugh, Tradewinds, Obsession, Kari, Mambalicious, The Otherside, The Secret Drawer, Rocket Man
OH … Then there’s his latest Named the JazzTrax 2023 Album of the Year
“Jazz Hands” Included the JazzTrax 2023 Song of the Year
LISTEN TO “The Otherside”
BACK IN TIME BOB .. so much so that this Jazz Festival hasn’t existed in decades… but the Queen Mary still there… as you depart on board Catalina Express in Long Beach for the Island.
Don’t Miss the BOB JAMES QUARTET Closing Weekend This October on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage .. 26 miles across the sea.
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
-
Peabo Bryson
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Grammy Winning Singer
PEABO BRYSON
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Grammy Winning Singer
PEABO BRYSON
He did come as special guest with Norman Brown 20 years ago to the JazzTrax Summer Music Festival in Lake Tahoe, our stage at the base of Squaw Valley, but this marks his first FULL show with us AND 1st time to Catalina Island. He was a “Reliable Hit Maker” through the 70’s and 80’s until these next two songs in the earliest 90’s VAULTED him to the top of the pop charts.
A 2 Time GRAMMY WINNER ...in 1992 for the theme song to the Disney Movie ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
WATCH Peabo Bryson Performing “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion in Japan 1994 with David Foster on Keys and to Full Orchestra.
Then 1 Year Later, 1993 another GRAMMY for the theme song to the Disney Movie ‘Aladdin’.
WATCH “A Whole New World” sung by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle (who sang this song on ou JazzTrax Stage 2 years ago with Chris Walker.
Watch PEABO on Stage Performing “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” at The Mable House Amphitheatre in Mableton, Georgia … September, 2018.
WATCH PEABO BRYSON Singing a Medley “Feel the Fire” “I’m So Into You”.
WATCH PEABO BRYSON and Roberta Flack Official Music Video of “Tonight I Celebrate My Love”.
Here’s a fun one from Peabo Bryson
WATCH PEABO BRYSON Singing The National Anthem at Game 2 of the 1992 World Series in Atlanta
Don’t Miss Grammy Winning PEABO BRYSON This October .. 26 miles across the sea Singing His Ballads on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage.
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: October 9th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
Saxophonist
MINDI ABAIR
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: October 9th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
Saxophonist
MINDI ABAIR
Since 1st being spotted by Art Good in a La Jolla Jazz Club one night in 1991 Arriving for the 1st time on Catalina Island in 1994 Arriving in Jonathan Butler’s Band in 1998 Debuting Solo in 2003 she appeared on the JazzTrax Performance Stage almost every year through 2016. Returning in 2021, this will be Mindi’s 5th Consecutive October On the Island .. this time .. BACK UNDER THE STARS ON THE BEACH OPENING WEEKEND
WATCH VIDEO of the Descanso Beach Setting and then Mindi Performing on our 2013 Unplugged Stage
WATCH MINDI surprise the Friday Evening Audience this past Closing Weekend, having arrived 2 nights before her scheduled Sunday Evening Show with Peter and Vincent as BOOKER T. JONES brings Mindi out
for “Born Under a Bad Sign”
WATCH MINDI on Sax for Phillip Phillips on AMERICAN IDOL
Don’t Miss MINDI ABAIR OPENING WEEKEND .. Thursday Evening of this Fall’s 38th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: October 9th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: October 16th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
From the legendary now (mostly) retired band HIROSHIMA
THE HIROSHIMA TRIO
Featuring
JUNE KURAMOTO
With
Kimo Cornwell on keys
And
Dan Kuramoto on sax
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: October 16th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
From the legendary now (mostly) retired band HIROSHIMA
THE HIROSHIMA TRIO
Featuring
JUNE KURAMOTO
With
Kimo Cornwell on keys
And
Dan Kuramoto on sax
2018 was the Last Time Hiroshima came to our historic JazzTrax Island Stage They had basically retired, but we kept asking and found that June and Kimo were still doing some DUO performances. They will bring that to our Closing Weekend Descanso Beach Stage with the waves of the Pacific rolling in behind. We insisted Dan had to come along and bring his sax.
Avalon Ballroom 2018 setting up for JazzTrax Performance June and Kimo Koto and Keys.
WATCH June Kurmoto’s Koto and Band Performing the Absolute Hiroshima Signature Song “THOUSAND CRANES” at the 2018 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival.
Which was on their Classic 1989 Album
They are 3rd Generation Japanese Americans .. June is the one born in Saitama-ken, Japan to a 2nd generation Japanese American, just outside Tokyo before sending June to Los Angeles with her mother and siblings for a better education.
Renowned Koto Master, Madame Kazue Kudo began teaching koto to them in June’s family home. Beginning at age 6. By her late teens receiving advanced degrees from the Miyagi School of Koto in Japan. Returning here to inspire and teach Koto in Little Tokyo. With June and Dan forming the band Hiroshima late 70’s they blended the Koto with keyboards, saxophone, drums and bass.
She also has television and movie score recording credits. “The Last Samurai” as a featured musicians. “Black Rain,” NBC’s “Heroes,” PBS “Simply Ming,” plus national commercials for Hilton Hotel Benihana and the Hawaiian Electric Company.
June has 3 solo albums herself, 2003, 2005, 2009’s ‘Under the Stars’.
WATCH Hiroshima Performing ‘One Wish’ 13 years ago at Spagettini’s in Seal Beach featuring Terry Steele on some vocals.
Kimo was born in Honolulu and will fly from there back over for this performance. He joined Hiroshima in the mid 80’s, their absolute RED HOT period. He had played with Frankie Beverly and Maze, Al Jarreau, John Klemmer, and Ronnie Laws.
Dan was literally a sports specialist for L.A. County parks and recreation when he met June. They have a child together and now baby sitting their 2 grand kids on Tuesdays and Thursdays is his priority. Dan passed up going to a Clippers game next week with Art & Austin, because …. the game is on his assigned Babysitting Evening. His ’Shakuhachi’ is heard on “Black Rain,” “Pearl Harbor,” “The Thin Red Line,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
1987
2018 Doors About to Open for Hiroshima’s JazzTrax Festival Performance.
WATCH HIROSHIMA introduced by Dionne Warwick at the 1988 Soul Train Awards while Winning Best Jazz Album Award and get this …. WITH GEORGE DUKE guesting ON KEYS and June Kuramoto stepping over to join Barbara Long and George ON VOCALS.
YOU MUST WATCH THIS VIDEO TO THE VERY END (about 10 minutes long) because after Performing on this Award Show 37 Years Ago, They Win … Eric Dickerson of the Indianapolis Colts hands them their prestigious honor.
Don’t Miss June Kuramoto, Kimo Cornwell, & Dan Kuramoto This October .. 26 miles across the sea in a so unique performance .. On the Beach in a very unique Hiroshima Trio Performance as the ocean waves roll in behind our Descanso Beach Stage.
- Performance Date: October 16th
- Location: Unplugged Under the Stars on Descanso Beach
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Separate Ticket Required
Also FULL WEEKEND SERIES TICKETS Available IN THE HISTORIC 1929 AVALON BALLROOM .. stay for it ALL
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Returning 26 miles across the sea OPENING WEEKEND
Saxophonist
GERALD ALBRIGHT
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Saxophonist
GERALD ALBRIGHT
Returning 26 miles across the sea OPENING WEEKEND
This his latest, a 2024 3 Song EP has already scored the title track on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Charts 3 Weeks at Number #1 last Summer. A 2nd Single “G Funk” featuring Trombone Shorty hit the Charts as 2025 began
A true Angelino, born and raised in Los Angeles, but now long having escaped to Colorado, just outside Denver. Everyone knows Gerald as Mr. Saxman, but he’s as accomplished on Bass Guitar. With Patrice Rushen straight out of University of Redlands, on the east end of the L.A. sprawl. Playing both bass and sax for the likes of Anita Baker, Ray Parker Jr., Atlantic Starr, The Temptations, Maurice White, Teena Marie, The Winans, Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones. In our realm Sax for Lee Ritenour early 90’s. Featured Instrumentalist on a Phil Collins World Tour.
As well beginning his own Solo Career as “Smooth Jazz” was just beginning to spread outa San Diego through L.A. and S.F. back to N.Y. with his debut album in 1987 ‘Just Between Us.’
WATCH Gerald Albright performing his Classic Touch to Luther Vandross “So Amazing”
at the 2021 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
He’s album collaborated with Norman Brown and with Will Downing, has 2 Grammy’s on his Colorado Wall. 2012 and 2014 and 2 more Grammy Nominations, 2008 and 2009.
Toured in Smooth Jazz All Star Combinations like Guitars & Saxes, Groovin’ for Grover, Jazz Explosion and the Dave Koz Summer Horns. Such a perennial favorite JazzTrax tries to bring him back every other year, alternating weekends
Here’s a Classic Shortie .. Gerald Albright with Joe Sample
And his wife with her own career
Even more interesting and distinguishable Gerald’s saxophone appears in the PlayStation video game ‘Castlevania: Symphony of the Night’ in its theme song, “I Am the Wind.” (also with keyboardist Jeff Lorber)
In September 2021 Gerald received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden.
Enjoy this 1 Gerald Albright and Jonathan Butler at the 3rd Jazz Safari doing
“Just the Two of Us” (grover) and Jonathan’s “Dancing’ on the Shore”
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Saxophonist
ERIC DARIUS
is Returning 26 miles across the sea
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Saxophonist
ERIC DARIUS
is Returning 26 miles across the sea
Watch Eric Darius at the Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
2012
A very young Eric Darius made his Catalina Island Debut 2 Decades ago. October 2004. Nobody has worked harder at turning himself into a Smooth Jazz Superstar and muchly of his Electric Live Performance. Now having earned many years on the Dave Koz Cruise and on Dave Koz Summer Horns and Dave Koz Christmas Tours. His latest came in 2022.
Watch Eric Darius 2 years ago with the Dave Koz Summer Horns including Candy Dulfer
Originally from Tampa from a musical household with Caribbean influences.
Watch Eric Darius at the Blue Note in Napa
And then there’s his legendary on stage “LEAP” This pic is “to size”
Don’t Miss ERIC DARIUS CLOSING WEEKEND of this Fall’s 38th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
SPYRO GYRA
1st Band to ever confirm for this festival in 1987
OPENING WEEKEND
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
SPYRO GYRA
OPENING WEEKEND
Well before Kenny G crossed over onto the Pop Charts in the mid 80’s this Band crossed over to the Pop Charts, mid 70’s with “SHAKER SONG” off their very 1st album.
And continued with several more before we even got into the hot smooth jazz 80’s.
WATCH youtube Video of Spyro Gyra Medley-ing Up their 1st 3 Big Hits late 1970’s “Shaker Song” “Catching the Sun” “Morning Dance”
Note this was filmed and recorded during Covid apparently as they are all playing together, separately from their own home studio’s
Now, go pull out some old pictures of YOU from the late 70’s Cause believe it or not, that’s the same Jay Beckenstein on sax and the same Tom Schuman on keys, almost 50 years past in time.
Chet Catello’s guitar has long become Julio Fernandez Scott Ambush is now on bass The original percussionist long gone, even Dave Samuels long gone from the band Lionel Cordew now on drums But still always Jay on sax and Tom on keys
In 2019 Jay and the Band did something almost unimaginable by Spyro Gyra Standards. They’d long ago broken their Only Instrumentals standards when Basia contributed a song and Alex Ligertwood broke that barrier on a couple of 1992 tunes but 6 years ago, an Album of Covers. Spyro Blasphemy. But Art Good called it The Best Instrumental Album of Covers JazzTrax had ever heard. (their PR person RAN with Art’s quote)
They covered Stevie Linwood, Lennon/McCartney, Blind Faith, Crosby, Stills & Nash, even the Doobies “What a Fool Believes.”
LISTEN HERE to ALL THE SONGS ON VINYL TAP .. It’s Fabulous
Then Past November Releasing ‘Jubilee’ A Best of through all their 50 years with 1 new song “50/50” included.
Such a List of Songs they will bring to Catalina Island this October
“Shakedown” .. “Freetime” .. “Old San Juan” .. “Cayo Hueso” .. “Breakfast at Igor’s” “Send One Your Love” and “Patterns in the Rain” (alex ligertwood vocals) “South Beach” .. where would one begin .. where would one end
Don’t Miss Spyro Gyra’s Celebration of 50 Years Spyro Gyra-ing This October on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage .. 26 miles across the sea.
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Violinist
DAMIEN ESCOBAR
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Violinist
DAMIEN ESCOBAR
NYC electric violinist who broke loudly into the scene in 2017. Named the 2017 JazzTrax Debut Artist of the Year So Powerful in his Catalina Island 2018 JazzTrax Debut The Festival brought him back for BOTH 2019 Weekends This Marks Damien’s 5th Appearance 26 miles across the sea
His latest album, ‘Gemini’ came out last June.
WATCH OFFICIAL VIDEO of
“Symphony of Romance”
This October will be Damien’s 5th Appearance on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage His first in 2018 got him the JazzTrax Best Live Performance Honor of the Year Thus BRINGING HIM BACK in 2019 When he did something so rare .. Playing BOTH 2019 JazzTrax Weekends SO EVERYBODY COULD SEE HIM.
WATCH his Violin Cover of Prince “PURPLE RAIN”
And the Official Video of the Song that in 2017 introduced us to Damien Escobar and made him The JazzTrax Debut Artist of THAT YEAR “Get Up and Dance”
Don’t Miss electric violinist DAMIEN ESCOBAR CLOSING WEEKEND of this Fall’s 38th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival.
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Pianist
KEIKO MATSUI
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Pianist
KEIKO MATSUI
Coming from her native Tokyo to Southern California in the late 80’s Long Residing in South Bay, walking distance to the beach, Looking Straight across at Santa Catalina Island.
She debuted onto the Smooth Jazz scene in 1987 Came to the Island 1st in 1989 “Euphoria’ is her latest. Released 2023 It contained the JazzTrax Best Vocal of the Year.
LISTEN TO “Love and Nothing Less” Sung by Lalah Hathaway
LISTEN TO the JazzTrax 2007 ‘Song of the Year’ “When I Close My Eyes” by Keiko Matsui
WATCH Keiko Performing Live at the Blue Note in Tokyo
In early 2016 we arranged for Keiko to literally COMPOSE this entire album on the JazzTrax Festival Grand Piano It had been positioned in January that year on the stage in Casino Theater so Keiko sat alone in that historic 1929 theater composing on our festival piano which she’ll be playing LIVE on this October in the Avalon Ballroom above.
She themed a few songs to our Smooth Jazz Island including ’Two Harbors” (the oft used name for The Isymus on the Island’s Northern End “Blue Rose” (there’s a mexican restaurant on Main Street called Maggie’s Blue Rose.
Then in 2019 on her ‘Echo’ album a song for Avalon’s Oldest Dive Bar The Marlin Club where JazzTrax Producer Art Good, Keiko and her manager Bud Harner always do shots of “Slippery Nipples” .. it’s a liqueur drink and quite tasty.
WATCH KEIKO performing “Marlin Club Blues” with Eric Marienthal on Sax in Ontario, Canada
So Keiko is returning to Catalina Island in October. After debuting with ‘A Drop of Water’ in 1987 Her first time to the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage was in 1989. I remember meeting her as she stepped out of the elevator into the ballroom. This her 2nd album was brand new ‘Under Northern Lights’
Her discography now totals …..27 total albums ….. WOW Through her 38 year solo career she has some of the Finer Album Covers.
Watch Keiko Live in the WBGO Radio Studio in NYC one year ago.
Don’t Miss KEIKO MATSUI This October on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage .. 26 miles across the sea.
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Famed legendary saxophonist
RONNIE LAWS
Returning 26 miles across the sea CLOSING WEEKEND
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Famed legendary saxophonist
RONNIE LAWS
Returning 26 miles across the sea CLOSING WEEKEND
When after a 20 year lapse we brought Ronnie back to Catalina Island in 2023 Austin Good named it The Best Live Performance of the Year Still in his early 20’s it was Austin who pushed his Dad to bring this legend back to the JazzTrax Stage after retro-ing Ronnie’s music of the 70’s and 80’s
WATCH RONNIE Performing “Friends and Strangers” Live at Leoness Cellars Vineyards
Arriving, from Houston, in Los Angeles in 1971, he originally latched on to Hugh Masekela and then Ronnie was the original saxophonist of Earth, Wind & Fire when they broke out in 1972, but Ronnie broke loose to do his own solo career after just a couple years. He was the Red Hot Solo Saxophonist of the 70’s, long before Kenny G. By his 3rd album, ‘Fever,’ in 1977 he went certified GOLD.
But his Signature Song that lives on, “Always There” came from his 1975 debut. When he played it, stretched it, on our October stage in 2023, one of the audience members, SPIKE LEE, who just happened to be on the Island for god only knows what reason, hearing Ronnie was performing, bought a ticket, came up, and went up on stage, inspiring an even LONGER stretch out of “Always There.”
WATCH RONNIE Performing “Always There” Live on stage in Detroit.
NOW LISTEN to the Original 1975 Version of “Always There”
Don’t Miss Ronnie doing the LONG INCREDIBLE LIVE Version of ‘ALWAYS THERE” on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage This October 2025
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Grammy winning guitarist
NORMAN BROWN
Returning 26 miles across the sea
Opening Weekend
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Grammy winning guitarist
NORMAN BROWN
Returning 26 miles across the sea
Opening Weekend
He has been one of the most prolific of smooth jazz artists, especially from the guitar realm the past 3 1/2 decades .. releasing 14 albums since his 1992 Solo Debut, most recently, 1 year ago and gaining the honor of 2024 JazzTrax Best Album, Best Song, and Best song or album Title
Born in Shreveport, age 55, but grew up in Kansas City where his POP gave him his musicality. Came to L.A. teaching at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood through the 90’s even as he signed in 1991 on the MoJazz Record Label.
Grammy Winner in 2003 for the ‘Just Chillin’ album.
LISTEN TO the grammy winning title track
14 albums total .. Half of those since 2010 .. 1 a collaboration with Gerald Albright in 2012 which received a Grammy Nomination
WATCH NORMAN performing “That’s the Way Love Goes” at the 2015 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival.
We’re not The Grammy’s nor the Oscars but …JazzTrax gave Norman our TWO HIGHEST HONORS last year, 2024 JazzTrax Album of the Year ‘It Hits Different’ also JazzTrax Best Song of the Year “Wings of Love” Oh, and also Best Song or Album Title of the Year for ‘It Hits Different’
LISTEN TO “Lydian” which he said once was his most requested song when performing live.
LISTEN TO Pop’s Cool Groove” Song from 2007 for Norman’s Dad
Norman Brown has played the JazzTrax Live Performance Stages so many times through our many years. First coming in the 90’s when he was just breaking forth. He played our stage in Lake Tahoe. He was on at least 1 of our JazzTrax Christmas Tours. 1992 .. his break out year
1994 .. this one really Stirred the Pot
WATCH NORMAN performing “After the Storm” at the 2019 Seabreeze Jazz Festival
The Grammy Winner 2003 Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
was also nominated in 2013 with Gerald Albright for ’24/7’ Signed by Warner Bros. Records in 2000 for this One.
Watch Norman and Band Performing IT’s Big Hit in UGANDA in 2014 at the Jazz Safari “Outa Nowhere”
2004 .. We actually thought this one had better songs on it than his Grammy Winner 1 album before
2022
Then of course his newest in 2024, image way up above here, ‘’It Hits Different’ that we named the JazzTrax 2024 Album of the Year.
Don’t Miss NORMAN BROWN This October on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage .. 26 miles across the sea.
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
THE ABSOLUTE LEGEND
of
Composing
Keyboards
Collaborations
Fourplay
THE BOB JAMES QUARTET
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
THE ABSOLUTE LEGEND
of
Composing
Keyboards
Collaborations
Fourplay
THE BOB JAMES QUARTET
At age 85 if you can’t get Fourplay, you get Bob
WATCH Bob James in studio Performing his Classic “Westchester Lady”
One of Bob’s Best Quotes as he reached his own 80’s “The Way You Stay Young is to (turns to band) Hire the Best Young Cats” Bob turned 85 this past Christmas Day …
And Now LISTEN TO BOB and his trio re doing the Television Theme Song
Classic that 1st made him famous around 1977. Theme from TAXI
Where does one even begin with BOB JAMES. He was 1st Music Director for Sarah Vaughn.
He’d released some early solo albums early 1970’s
Bob James 1
Bob James 2
Bob James 3
Bob James 4
Guess he was too busy with Sarah to come up with brilliant album titles but when he got to Bob James 5 … he started thinking
Get It? Then instead of Bob James 6
I know you’re thinking that should have been Bob James 7 but a touchdown is only 6 points, then there’s the Extra Point kicked That’s how Bob thinks, come on, when he generated the 1st Smooth Jazz All Star Band, the Four Who Play
Here’s a GREAT Shot of all who have been part of FOURPLAY since Bob created it in 1990 Originals still there Bassist Nathan East Far Left, Drummer Harvey Mason Far Right. Bob in the middle and the 3 who at different points were on guitar. Larry Carlton 2nd to left. the late Chuck Loeb to Bob’s Left, original Fourplay guitarist Lee Ritenour other side of Chuck
If you can’t get Fourplay as Bob is in his mid 80’s, you at least Get Bob. Fourplay so far hasn’t continued post losing Chuck Loeb, BUT, we’ll see if it happens. Art Good has “suggested” to Bob, at least a FOURPLAY MEDLEY inside this October’s Island Show
So very many Bob James Great Songs through the past 50 years including collaborations with EARL KLUGH
with DAVID SANBORN .. a Grammy Winner
And Now his Newest Collaboration & Tour with DAVE KOZ … March Release
Heads, We’re All Alone, I’m In You, Night Crawler, You Are So Beautiful, One Loving Night, Street Smart, Baby Cakes, Angela (theme from Taxi), Touchdown, I Want to Thank You Very Much, Caribbean Nights Sun Runner, Choose Me, Fresh Start, Bare Bones, Restoration, Wings for Sarah, Worlds Apart, Maputo with David Sanborn, Since I Fell For You with Sanborn and Al Jarreau, I’ll Never See You Smile Again with Earl Klugh, Fugitive Life with Earl Klugh, Playing With Fire, On This Day with Hillary James, Take Me There, Raise the Roof, Joy Ride, Westchester Lady, Whiplash with Earl Klugh, Where I Wander with Earl Klugh, The Falcon with Earl Klugh, Tradewinds, Obsession, Kari, Mambalicious, The Otherside, The Secret Drawer, Rocket Man
OH … Then there’s his latest Named the JazzTrax 2023 Album of the Year
“Jazz Hands” Included the JazzTrax 2023 Song of the Year
LISTEN TO “The Otherside”
BACK IN TIME BOB .. so much so that this Jazz Festival hasn’t existed in decades… but the Queen Mary still there… as you depart on board Catalina Express in Long Beach for the Island.
Don’t Miss the BOB JAMES QUARTET Closing Weekend This October on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage .. 26 miles across the sea.
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Saxman
VINCENT INGALA
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Saxman
VINCENT INGALA
Since emerging outa nowhere, still a teenager around 2010. Pulled up on stage by Peter White at a San Diego Awards Show at age 17, he is now long managed by Peter’s own Management Group. A winner TWICE of the Prestigious Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year. Finally arriving in his 30’s, with a total of ten #1 Billboard hits, 23 Top 10 Singles.
WATCH VINCENT Performing EUROPA at the 2017 Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival.
Most Recent, Released Summer 2024
WATCH VINCENT in a Full 90 Minute Performance at Tin Pan Listening Room in Richmond, Virginia 2023.
WATCH VINCENT during 2020’s Covid Performing ‘Live from Daryl’s House Club’
And You Thought Vincent was JUST a SAXOPHONIST? WATCH VINCENT ON GUITAR Performing “WISH YOU WERE HERE” 10 Years Ago on Morning Television.
Don’t Miss SAXMAN VINCENT INGALA This October .. 26 miles across the sea In the Historic 1929 Avalon Ballroom .. looking out to sea.
Performance Info
Opening Weekend
- Performance Date: Opening Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Grammy Winning Singer
PEABO BRYSON
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
Grammy Winning Singer
PEABO BRYSON
He did come as special guest with Norman Brown 20 years ago to the JazzTrax Summer Music Festival in Lake Tahoe, our stage at the base of Squaw Valley, but this marks his first FULL show with us AND 1st time to Catalina Island. He was a “Reliable Hit Maker” through the 70’s and 80’s until these next two songs in the earliest 90’s VAULTED him to the top of the pop charts.
A 2 Time GRAMMY WINNER ...in 1992 for the theme song to the Disney Movie ‘Beauty and the Beast’.
WATCH Peabo Bryson Performing “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion in Japan 1994 with David Foster on Keys and to Full Orchestra.
Then 1 Year Later, 1993 another GRAMMY for the theme song to the Disney Movie ‘Aladdin’.
WATCH “A Whole New World” sung by Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle (who sang this song on ou JazzTrax Stage 2 years ago with Chris Walker.
Watch PEABO on Stage Performing “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” at The Mable House Amphitheatre in Mableton, Georgia … September, 2018.
WATCH PEABO BRYSON Singing a Medley “Feel the Fire” “I’m So Into You”.
WATCH PEABO BRYSON and Roberta Flack Official Music Video of “Tonight I Celebrate My Love”.
Here’s a fun one from Peabo Bryson
WATCH PEABO BRYSON Singing The National Anthem at Game 2 of the 1992 World Series in Atlanta
Don’t Miss Grammy Winning PEABO BRYSON This October .. 26 miles across the sea Singing His Ballads on the JazzTrax Live Performance Stage.
Performance Info
Closing Weekend
- Performance Date: Closing Weekend
- Location: Avalon Ballroom
- Time: TBD
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This Year's Magic of October on Catalina Island
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