The Healdsburg Jazz Festival is here once again, entering its second decade as a showcase for far-flung jazz communities around the world. This year offers a wide range cultivated by jazz musicians of all ages, with the youngest musician on the bill being San Francisco-born Julian Lage, who opens the ten day long celebration on Friday evening. Capping off the event on June 7th will be the world renowned saxophonist/flutist James Moody, along with his quartet and a special appearance by Marlena Shaw.
A diverse network of performing spaces includes wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants, public parks, independent theaters and coffee shops serve as the myriad venues hosting prominent artists during the festival, founded by Bay Area native Jessica Felix.
The mini-festival “Stars of Brazil: A Tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim” is a perfect example of the cultural diversity engraved in this ten-day event. The festival celebrates one of Brazil’s most influential and colorful cultural icons, Antonio Carlos Jobim (1927-1994). Paying tribute will be the Toninho Horta Trio, Trio da Paz and Leny Andrade, along with supporters.
Trio da Paz – “Jazz Samba” (video)
Representing both the upper end of the age scale and the rhythm and soul of African jazz will be 82-year old pianist, Randy Weston, whose most noted work dates back to the 60s. On the trombone will be Benny Powell, another powerhouse who established himself with breakthrough works in the 50s. John Handy, the alto sax player most known for his work on Charles Mingus’ album, Mingus Ah Hum, will also be making an appearance with his new ensemble, The Bay Area Melting Pot.
Randy Weston African Rhythm Trio – live video
All around, thanks to strong work by the organizers, the festival offers a clear sense of an international jazz community — showcasing the up-and-coming, the already established, and the innovators in hopes of preserving a culture that has thrived and diversified over the past century.
The festival will run from May 29th through June 7th at various locations around Healdsburg. Here is a complete list of performers and event info.
