By Chris J. Walker

contemporary-&-preview

For over forty years, saxophonist Michael Paulo has made a living making records and performing with some of the brightest stars in pop, R&B and jazz, but when he produces events like the Temecula Wine & Music Festival, it’s personal. He’s not only a longtime Murrieta resident, but also the festival’s beneficiary. Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County, directly impacts his own family.

“A few years ago, my youngest daughter, Natasha, volunteered to help out the Club. She came home and said they don’t even have supplies for the kids she was working with. We are close friends with one of the founding members who said that they needed help. This is the fifth year that the festival will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Riverside County,” said Paulo, whose Apaulo Productions produces the festival that will mark its 15th edition this Memorial Day Weekend.

Paulo has assembled a diverse international musical lineup along with world-class winemakers. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to partake in some of the region’s finest vintners such as Wilson Creek Winery, Falkner Winery, San Antonio Winery, 14 Hands Winery, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, BWSB, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Drumheller and Murder Ridge.

This year’s festival is the second consecutive to take place at Hawk Ranch. “The venue sets the mood for the festival with its scenic park setting nestled among tress and a quaint pond,” said Paulo.

Lineup:

Pablo Cruise

Michael Paulo Band with keyboardist Patrice Rushen, members of Hiroshima, Japanese sax man Kanzaki, bassist Freddie Washington, drummer Michael White, guitarist Fred Schreuders and Paulo’s father, Rene Paulo on piano.

Barbara Morrison, with Japanese guitarist Yu Ooka, keyboardist Kimo Cornwell, trumpeter Ron King, bassist JV Collier, percussionist Arno Lucasand and drummer Land Richards

Temecula Wine & Music FestivalRed Ticket
May 25
12-6pm
Hawk Ranch
Temecula, CA
www.temeculawineandmusicfestival.com.

 

 

 

The word world in blue colors and green colers

Brooklyn-based Red Baraat combines the structure and frolicking of New Orleans brass bands with Northern Indian bhangra to produce a highly infectious collision of Bollywood, funk, jazz and hip-hop. At the Soraya on the Cal State University Northridge campus, the rollicking sextet with sousaphone, led by dhol (Indian drum) player Sunny Jain, celebrated the Hindu holiday Holi as part of its Festival of Colors Tour. Needless to say, the show was a highly festive affair and highlighted the ensemble’s newest CD Sound The People. Much like NOLA brass bands, the band’s horns and percussion worked up a danceable frenzy that was hard to resist.

Jain maintained the energy playing and chanting intensely with his band mates. They in turned soloed resoundingly as the bandleader urged the audience to dance nonstop. Soon members of the audience were on stage jumping and dancing wildly for a quasi competition with the people seated cheering them on. Bringing things back to a manageable level the band served up extensive “Holi Ke Din,” “Vibrations” and “Ghadar Machao” featuring one of the horn players singing. Vidya Vox opened the concert doing an alluring mix of Indian EDM and dance, with a band and two dancers. With costume changes, dance props, laser lights, graphics and film clips, Vox’s set was visually more dazzling than Red Baraat.

 

 

Similar to the tribute for Brazilian singer-songwriter Luiz Melodia in 2018, there was a celebration of renowned lyricist/songwriter/poet/playwright/writer/diplomat Vinícius de Moraes at the Blue Whale. He was called “O Poetinha” (The Little Poet) and served as Vice-Consul at the Brazilian Embassy in Los Angeles, and helped define Bossa Nova in the 60’s, co-writing the classic “Girl from Ipanema” with Tom Jobim. Granddaughter, singer Mariana de Moraes hosted and presided over the event. Joining and supporting her were Mika Mutti-keyboards, Ted Falcon-violin/mandolin, Lucio Vieira-drums, John Leftwich-bass/Musical Director, Nando Duarte-7-string guitar and special guest Scott Mayo-saxophone/flute.

The rich and historic tapestry of songs created by Moraes, and with Jobim, Baden Powell, Moacir Santos, Edu Lobo and Carlos Lira engulfed the club. The audience who often sang along were both excited and spellbound as the songwriter’s granddaughter astonishingly rendered gems such as: “Valsa de Euridice,” “Lamento no Morro,” “A Felicidade,” “Medo de Amar,” “Frevo de Orfeu,” “O Grande Amor,” “Tempo de Amor,” “Se Você Disser Que Sim,” “Só Me Fez Bem,” and “Coisa Mais Linda.” Encores were “Você e Eu” and “Amor em Paz” to remarkably conclude an inspiring fête.

 

 

text the word preview

The Shakti Fest community of yogis, mediators, conscious parents, and spiritual seekers comes back together for its ninth season, this year on Mother’s Day weekend – May 9 – 13. Organized by Bhakti Fest, recently surpassing 10 years of producing conscious events, Shakti Fest is a unique springtime celebration. Driven by the divine feminine spirit, described in Eastern philosophy as the ‘dynamic force which moves the universe’ Shakti Fest features world famous yoga teachers, sacred music stars, spiritual and emotional growth workshops, sound baths, a healing sanctuary, and much, much more.

The Shakti Fest 2019 music lineup inspires attendees to sing, dance and open their hearts. This year’s line up once again includes the best Kirtan (a.k.a. chanting) artists on the sacred music scene: Jai Uttal, Donna De Lory, MC Yogi, Saul David Raye, Amritakripa, Gina Sala, Bhagavan Das, Larisa Stowe & the Shakti Tribe, Govind Das & Radha, Girish, Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda, Gina Sala, Fannah Fi Allah, Kavita Kat MacMillan, Krishna’s Kirtan, David Newman, Sirgun Kaur, and Wicked Hanging Chads, with more to be announced. The centuries-old practice of devotional chanting is considered to connect humans with themselves, the universe, and spirit.

World-class yoga teachers are the heart of Shakti Fest, and spring in Joshua Tree is a beautiful time to practice in nature. With a multitude of yoga venues with classes from sun up to sundown, there really is something for everyone! 2019 Shakti Fest teachers include; Shiva Rea, Mark Whitwell, Mas Vidal, Kia Miller, Georgina Meister, Leeza Villagomez, Carmen Curtis, Hemalayaa Behl, Nubia Teixeira, Dr. Haridass Kaur Khalsa, Lisa Gniady, Dharma Shakti, Hannah Muse, Saul David Raye, Govind Das & Radha and local desert favorite Kristin Olson.

Shakti Fest 2019 workshops will cover a plethora of wellness and conscious topics including Ayurveda, spiritual nutrition, tantric energy, breathwork, Sanskrit, conscious relationships, women’s sexuality, bhakti art, and hoop dance, with internationally known speakers such as Michael Brian Baker, Mirabai Devi, Dawn Cartwright, Siva Mohan, Zoë Kors, Lorin Roche and Camille Maurine, Manoj Chalam, Peace Guardians, Sharanam, Josie Keyes, Meghan Mahealani Morris, Rana Nader, Sarah Marshank, Syamarani, Zach Leary, Bianca & Michael Alexander, and Dharma Devi. Shakti Fest also offers gender specific workshops for Women and Men, creating dedicated sacred spaces, which allow for a deeper connection and expression with sisters and brothers in a safe space.

There is no place like springtime in the high desert for a fully immersive, powerful conscious experience. Accommodation options include a huge area for car and tent camping under the amazing Joshua Tree stars. In addition, there are RV Sites with electric and water hook-ups, RV Sites with no hook-ups, Cozy Trailers, Bell Tents with an option to include cot & bedding, and fully styled out Yurt Tent Glamping (emphasis on the Glam in glamping!). There are also several hotels within a few miles of the property. Joshua Tree is also known for its variety of private homes to rent via sites like AirBnB including published modern masterpieces, rustic desert shacks, fancy Airstreams, and more.

The Shakti Fest Eco Artisan Village offers vegetarian and vegan food vendors, yoga clothing and gear, jewelry, art and unique collectibles. The organizers pride themselves on running a green event, offering free water and mindful recycling practices. The 2019 Shakti Fest is at a new location, on the southern edge of the Mojave Desert – offering panoramic views of the North face of Joshua Tree National Park, exceptional desert vistas, and spectacular night skies at the Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground, in Joshua Tree, CA.

 

 

 

Shakti Fest 2019: Yoga and Sacred Music Festival
Mother’s Day Weekend May 9 – 13, 2019
Joshua Tree, CA
Early bird festival pricing is still available for Shakti Fest 2019, plus there are discounted tickets available for local residents, veterans, military, seniors, and students.
bhaktifest.com/buy-tickets
bhaktifest.com/accommodations
bhaktifest.com/shaktifest

logo for blues previews

The Southern California Blues Society Presents

THE TOPANGA BLUES FESTIVAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LINEUP

JIMMY D. LANE
Famed Blues-rock guitarist and son of Jimmy Rogers (guitarist for Muddy Waters in the 1950s), from Canada!

ARTHUR ADAMS
Incredible legendary Soul and Blues singer/guitarist from Tennessee.

AKI KUMAR’S
BOLLYWOOD BLUES
Up-and-coming harmonica master originally from Mumbai, fuses hard swinging blues with East Indian influences to make a gorgeous, innovative new subgenre.

CRISTINA VANE (Solo Acoustic)
Fabulous up-and-coming traditional blues guitarist/singer, from Nashville.

THE TOPANGA BLUES FESTIVALRed Ticket
May 4, 2019
11 am to 4 pm
THEATRICUM BOTANICUM
1419 NORTH TOPANGA CANYON BOULEVARD
TOPANGA, CALIFORNIA 90290
www.socalblues.org

 

 

 

 

 

The Doheny Blues Festival has grown into one of the nation’s top blues music festivals, known for the stellar mix of artists and the incredible location of Dana Point. From GRAMMY winners to music legends, Doheny Blues has been host to many of the top names in rock, soul & blues music, including B.B. King, Joe Walsh, The Black Crowes, Bonnie Raitt, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Crosby, Stills & Nash, John Fogerty, Ben Harper, Brian Setzer, Al Green, Gregg Allman, Etta James, and Los Lobos, amongst others.

The layout of the festival will offer something for everyone, as two main stages are placed at opposite ends of the venue, and the intimate third stage, known as The Backporch, is a great spot to get up-close to your favorite artists. There is also an International Food Court, Craft Breer tastings and large Vendor Village.

Lineup

Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals

Taj Mahal Quartet

Robert Cray Band

Allman Betts Band

North Mississippi Allstars

Sue Foley

The Paladins

The Delgado Brothers

GA-20

The 44s and Friends

Brandon “Taz” Niederauer

Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan

Jonny Lang

The Marcus King Band

Vintage Trouble

John Mayall

Southern Avenue

Roy Gaines

Nick Moss Band with Dennis Gruneling

Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band

B.B. and the Blue Shacks

Lindsay Beaver

Brandon “Taz” Niederauer

Johnny and Jaalene

Doheny Blues FestivalRed Ticket
Sea Terrace Park
33522 Niguel Road (Pacific Coast Highway & Niguel Rd.)
Dana Point, CA 92629
dohenybluesfestival.com
(888) 810-2063

 

 

 

 

Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival

The Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival, now in its 30th year, has continually evolved since its humble beginnings. The Festival started out in 1988 as a New England Clambake fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise, and within two years the Cajun Creole music theme was adopted. The Cajun theme proved to be very popular as the Festival gained national attention and grew to be one of the largest festivals of its kind west of the Mississippi River.

The Festival currently presents live Cajun, Creole, Zydeco and Blues entertainment on multiple stages, offers more than 150 food, beverage, craft and sponsor booths, and attracts approximately 20,000 attendees. One hundred percent of all Festival profits are donated in support of charitable, educational and humanitarian causes. Thanks to the generous and vital support of our corporate partners, profits from The Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music Festival have resulted in total charitable donations in excess of $1,600,000.

Blues Stage Sponsored by The Canyon
Pete Anderson
Lightnin’ Willie
Queen Nation
Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps
Spin Doctors
Delgado Brothers
3 Sista Blues
Ambrosia
DSB
Jefferson Starship

Stephen D. Smith Memorial Cajun Stage

David Sousa & Zydeco Mudbugs
Mark St. Mary
Corey Ledet & His Zydeco Band
Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers
Lisa Haley & The Zydekats
Bayou Brothers
Acadiana

Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Music FestivalRed Ticket
May 25-26th, 2019
10:00am – 8:00pm
Rancho Santa Susana Community Park
5005 Los Angeles Avenue
Simi Valley, California 93063
https://www.simicajun.org/

Text Special Mention

Oscar, with Love at Disney Hall was predicated on the 2015 tribute/celebration recording of the same name, which featured 17 stellar pianists playing Peterson’s music, including several duets. The iconic pianist/composer’s widow, Kelly Peterson conceived the project when the piano tuner for her husband’s massive 97-key Bösendorfer Imperial stressed that it really needed to be played. Mrs. Peterson as the host talked about her life with the high respected pianist who died in 2007. She rekindled the well-received recording, with two Bösendorfer Imperial pianos provided by Yamaha, and many of same players.

Among them were: Monty Alexander, Kenny Barron, Robi Botos from Hungary, Bill Charlap, Gerald Clayton, Benny Green, Justin Kauflin, Renee Rosnes, and John Clayton-bass who was not on the CD. Each of the musicians also took time to make heartfelt comments on how the legend influenced and impacted them musically and personally.

Gerald Clayton after receiving thunderous applause began the concert with Peterson’s “Morning” that was even keeled with a hint of stride piano. Botos continued with “Blues for Smedley” and revved things up with a vibrant mix of jazz, blues, stride and boogie-woogie that impressed the audience. Breaking protocol Kauflin played jaunting “Cakewalk” not on the three-CD tribute.

Getting back on track Barron and John Clayton got into a lively rendition of Peterson’s hard swinging “The Smudge.” Afterwards Green joined the bassist for tender ballad “He is Gone.” Shifting back uptempo was husband and wife team Charlap and Rosnes, who incredibly interacted for “Sushi (Peterson’s favorite food)” to draw strong applause. Also not on the CD was Alexander’s enchanting “Sweet Lady” renamed “Pretty Lady” by Peterson. He dedicated it to Kelly when they were dating, and played it differently.

The second half of the program began with Green and Clayton doing a dazzling piano duet/exchange of “Cool Walk.” Charlap returned for a medley of standards interpreted as Peterson would play them. Additionally, Rosnes did “Love Ballade” as a spirited duet with bassist Clayton. He continued solely bowing doing Ray Brown’s (Clayton’s mentor and Peterson’s longtime colleague) “Goodbye Old Friend.”

Concluding the concert was “When Summer Comes” that was described by Kelly Peterson as one of her husband’s most beautifully songs and played by Botos. Equally significant was gospel flavored “Hymn to Freedom,” written in 1962 for the Civil Rights Movement, and deftly performed by pianist Clayton to garner a enthusiastic standing ovation. For the encore “Paris Blues” featured all the pianists coolly taking turns working out to close with Green and Clayton. Unquestionably, Oscar With Love was a grand tribute to a one of kind musician and innovator.

There aren’t too many “sure things” in life. But one of them is definitely Barbara Morrison, who is guaranteed to captivated audiences wherever she performs. As part of the Jaz ‘N Paz series at the Unitarian Universal Church in Pasadena, Morrison held court with Charles Small-guitar, Michael Saucier-bass and Peter Buck-drums supporting. The singer, sometimes called “Queen of The Blues” began tastefully swinging with standard “On The Street Where You Live” and included a guitar solo. For more flavor, Morrison injected a bit soul in the show with Al Jarreau’s breezy “We’re in This Love Together,” bolstered by her scatting and riffing some. Cole Porter’s “Love For Sale” in the hands of the masterful singer and agile band received a funk treatment accentuated by Small’s solo.

After a few jokes, always part of any Barbara Morrison show, Billie Holiday was celebrated with easy flowing ballad “Crazy in Love” that showcased both singers’ softer sides. The mood was quickly dispelled with spirited standard “This Time The Dream is on Me” and featured the bassist soloing. Coming from a very different direction was the Beatles’ “And I Love Him (Her)” adorned by Morrison’s stellar vocal and Small’s sweet sounding playing. Blues was not to be forgotten and eased in with “It’s Still Called The Blues” that inspired some of the audience to dance as the guitarist turned in a fluid solo. Immortal blues ballad “At Last” superbly handled by the singer and band heated up the show even more to bring out more couples dancing.

For an extra treat, Morrison did a tribute to Percy Mayfield by singing soulful “I Talked to The River” with “Hit The Road Jack” mixed in. The show could have easily ended there, but continued with “The Way You Look Tonight” with the audience singing along, and astonishingly sung “I Loves You Porgy” to fully enthrall the crowd. The series returns in the fall, and for more info go to: jazznpaz.com.

Mary Stallings talked a lot about recently departed singing star Nancy Wilson during her show at the Jazz Bakery’s Moss Theatre. In many ways the singers are similar, especially regarding style and delivery. Stallings remarked that the fame and fortune part seemed to have eluded her though. Nonetheless, she is in a rare class of singers who are silky smooth, make it seem effortless and can turn a well-written song into a work of art. With sidemen Danny Janklow-alto sax, Larry Goldings-piano, Dave Ross-bass and Clayton Cameron-drums, she commenced to weave a spell.

“It’s Just The Gypsy in My Soul,” “Close Your Eyes” and “Sweet And Lovely” swung lightly as the quartet coolly flowed along with Goldings and Janklow turning in palatable solos to the audience’s delight. “East Coast, West Coast Blues” was more up-tempo and provided opportunities for the band to work out as Stallings sang with verve but also remained relaxed. Additionally, “Up And Down Broadway” was bumping with hot drums soloing/call and response. For a respite ballad “Hello Yesterday” with lyrics by D. Channsin Berry, who was in attendance, was sumptuous in the singer’s hands and amazed the audience.

Furthermore, ballad “Stuck in a Dream” by Kaye Lawrence Dunham, also in the audience, was equally mesmerizing with just the rhythm players. Stallings mentioned that she tends to do a lot of ballads because that’s where her heart is, and soulfully performed “I Want to Talk About You.” In regards to Wilson she gingerly sang “I Want a Sunday Kind of Love” with the band low to receive a very enthusiastic standing ovation. Stallings revealed that she’ll turn 80 on August 16th and will be doing a Nancy Wilson tribute in San Diego the same month. For more info go to: marystallingsjazz.com.

text previews

Mr. Musichead, celebrating 20 years as a premier boutique art gallery and its owner Sam Milgrom, teamed up with Los Angeles Jazz Radio Broadcaster and Producer LeRoy
Downs and All Music Television Founder & CEO Frederick Smith, Jr to present Just Jazz featuring a lineup of internationally recognized jazz artists. From 6:30pm to Showtime, before each show, tune into “The Jazzcat” LeRoy Downs as he spins one hour of supreme, eclectic jazz live on SoundsandColorsRadio.net direct from the Mr Musichead Gallery! Downs will play music and interview the weekly artist as jazz patrons are arriving for the performance, enticing listeners to come on out and be a part of the Curated Jazz Experience!! A portion of the proceeds from each show will be donated to a local charity.

Doors Open: 6:00pm
Drinks & Appetizer Reception: 6:30pm
Live Music: 7:30pm

Gene Coye
May 8, 2019

Isaiah Collier and the Chosen Few
May 15, 2019

John Beasley
May 22, 2019

Jean-Michel Pilc
May 29, 2019

Other upcoming artists include Marquis Hill and more…Red Ticket

Mr Musichead Gallery
7420 W. Sunset Blvd (across from Guitar Center)
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-876-90046
www.mrmusichead.com
www.SoundsandColorsRadio.net
www.allmusictelevision.net
www.TheJazzcat.net

Just Jazz Celebrates
1 Year of Extraordinary Performances on May 22 with
The John Beasley Circle
John Beasley – Performing “Skippy”
With Ralph More, Eric Revis and Anthony Fung

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moss Theater

May 18 Hubert Laws Quintet
May 24 Alan Pasqua Trio
May 25 John Beasley’s MONK’estra
New Roads School at The Herb Alpert Educational Village
3131 Olympic Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Jazz Bakery’s Moveable Feasts
jazzbakery.org
(800) 838-3006

“Concerts and Conversations with Southern California Jazz Legends” made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. KJAZZ 88.1 – official media sponsor.

 

 

Any information to be considered for this column can be sent to: chrisjwalker1@earthlink.net