featuring Dave Ellis

A benefit concert for the Healdsburg Jazz Festival

Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012
Time: two sets starting at 7:30  
Cost: $25.00
Location: Healdsburg Center for the Arts,
130 Plaza St  | Phone: 707-431-1970
Tickets: For sale online on this page or at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts during business hours (daily 11am – 5pm).
Advance purchase recommended due to limited seating.

On Saturday, April 28, the Healdsburg Jazz Festival will present the Dmitri Matheny Group with special guest Dave Ellis at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts gallery. This is the second in the 2012 concert series “Jazz in the Gallery”  co-sponsored by Healdsburg Center for the Arts to support and benefit the Healdsburg Jazz Festival. Dmitri will have performing with him an outstanding group with Dave Ellis on tenor sax; Matt Clark on piano; Seward McCain on bass; and Deszon Claiborne on drums.

Celebrated for his warm tone, soaring lyricism and masterful technique, Dmitri Matheny has been lauded as “the first breakthrough flugelhornist since Chuck Mangione” (San Jose Mercury News). First introduced to jazz audiences in the 1990s as the protégé of Art Farmer, Matheny has matured into “one of the jazz world’s most talented horn players” (SF Chronicle). Matheny leads an all-star quintet in a performance of material from his nine critically acclaimed CDs, possibly including selections from his conceptual film noir-influenced “Crime Scenes,”a  program inspired by espionage and underworld movie music.

The Saturday night show at HCA will be torqued up a notch by the presence of Dave Ellis, the tenor  saxophonist whose emphatic attack has earned him California Music Awards and Jazziz Best New Talent status (along with Diana Krall, 1997). As legendary record producer Orrin Keepnews writes in his liner notes to “State of Mind,” the first new Ellis recording in five years, “even on the shifting and difficult terrain of early 21st century jazz, a talent as formidable as his should and will be recognized.”

Wine and desserts will be available for purchase before the performance and during the break. Showtime is 7:30; tickets available online on this page

Benefit Concert at Healdsburg Center for the Arts
for the Healdsburg Jazz Festival

Date: Friday, March 30, 2012
Time: two sets, 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Location: Healdsburg Center for the Arts, 130 Plaza St., Healdsburg, CA 95448 | Phone: 707-431-1970

Cost: $25.00
Tickets: Online at this page or at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts during business hours (daily 11am – 5pm). Advance purchase recommended due to limited seating.

On Friday, March 30, the Healdsburg Jazz Festival will once again present Babatunde Lea and Friends in a special concert at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts gallery.

This is the first in the 2012 series concerts “Jazz in the Gallery” co-sponsored by Healdsburg Center for the Arts to support and benefit the Healdsburg Jazz Festival.

Performing with Babatunde will be special guest, saxophonist Azar Lawrence, Geechi Taylor, trumpet trombonist Adam Theis, with Frank Martin and Gary Brown rounding out the rhythm section.

This concert coincides with Operation Jazz Band (OJB) week in the schools. Many of the performers are participants in the popular community program which educates 5^th grade students in the Healdsburg area about the jazz band and art of jazz. This concert will be an opportunity for OJB parents and others in the community to experience the energy and talent of these top-flight musicians.

Percussionist Babatunde Lea is a charismatic performer who has played with a host of jazz luminaries, from Pharaoh Sanders to Joe Henderson and many more. Saxophonist Azar Lawrence has a career dating back to the 1960s, when he played with Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones and McCoy Tyner. Both Rhonda Benin and Angela Wellman are also inspirational entertainers, who draw upon the rich traditions of blues and jazz in their performances.

Wine and desserts will be available for purchase before the performance and during the break.

The Healdsburg Center for the Arts is located half block east of the Healdsburg Plaza. It is an artist collective that offers exhibits and classes on the arts for members and the public.

The next concert in this series is scheduled for April 28,  with the Dmitry Matheny Group featuring Dave Ellis.

Healdsburg Jazz Festival, June 1-10, 2012

The line-up for the 14th annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival is not yet finalized, but we’re happy to announce that we have received an NEA Jazz Masters Live grant of $10,000 to help support a concert on June 10, 2012 honoring jazz masters Sheila Jordan and Roy Haynes.

The Healdsburg Jazz Festival is one of only 12 not-for-profit organizations to receive a grant to support performance and educational activities featuring NEA Jazz Masters, recipients of the nation’s highest honor in jazz.

The NEA Jazz Masters concert will be the grand finale of the 10-day 14^th annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival, to run June 1 – 10, 2012. Other events yet to be finalized may include a Dixieland concert, a hip-hop influenced jazz star, and the return of Festival favorites and premieres of new-comers, emphasizing our trans-generational appeal.

Running from June 1-10 at venues around the picturesque Wine Country town, the 14th Annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival will showcase  a sensational roster of veteran jazz masters and rising stars.  The annual Festival is recognized as a rare gem of a jazz festival that focuses on quality and soul, with concerts its presented at various venues around the Healdsburg community during the 10-day celebration of jazz.

A weekend-long celebration of these NEA Jazz Masters begins Saturday morning, June 9, with Shelia Jordan presenting her four-hour vocal master class “Getting Your Act Together.” On Saturday afternoon there will be an open panel discussion, The Roy-al Family: Exploring the Haynes’ family’s musical legacy.

On Sunday June 10, a very special concert will be held in the beautiful outdoor theater at Rodney Strong Vineyards.  This afternoon triple bill will showcase NEA Jazz Master Shelia Jordan and NEA Jazz Master Roy Haynes.  The day will feature Haynes and members of his family, “the Roy-al Family of Jazz” with Mr. Haynes’ sons performing throughout the afternoon.

The concert opens with the exciting Vijay Iyer Trio and includes special guest Graham Haynes on trumpet. The Shelia Jordan Quartet, in a rare West Coast appearance, takes the stage next. The afternoon culminates with the super hot Roy Haynes Quartet featuring percussionist Craig Haynes.

Ms. Jordan is a long time friend of the Haynes Family and this marks the first time that they will perform on the same concert. Expect some surprises!

Thursday, February 2

For the second year, the Healdsburg Jazz Festival will present a benefit dinner at not one, not two, but over a dozen local restaurants — with live jazz from your favorite musicians — all to benefit our Education Programs.

Tickets for the After-Party now available ONLY at the door! (Doors open 7 pm)

The Main Course…
Music and Menus to Benefit Jazz in the Schools

Enjoy live jazz with great food at 15 restaurants in the Healdsburg-Geyserville area during the 2^nd annual “Jazz on the Menu.”  Each restaurant will feature their signature dish and live music, and 25% of meal only proceeds go to HJF’s Music Education programs. See the complete list of participating restaurants and musicians below.

And for Dessert…
After-Party and Dessert Bar at Costeaux

Again this year. the After-Party at Costeaux Bakery will be the place to be, with swinging sounds from the SSU Faculty Jazz Ensemble, wine by the glass, and fab desserts at Tony Bennett’s favorite Healdsburg bakery! Personnel includes Doug Leibinger on trombone, George Marsh on drums, Randy Vincent on guitar, Cliff Hugo on bass and Kasey Knudsen on saxophone.

Opening the After-Party lineup will be the Healdsburg High School Jazz Band, always a treat for locals and visitors alike.

Tickets for the After-Party now available only at the door.  Be sure to get yours online or phone 433-4644, as last year’s After-Party was a huge success! Doors open at 7:00 pm, music starts at 7:30, and the fun continues until 10:30. Remember it’s at  Costeaux French Bakery and Cafe, 417 Healdsburg Ave.

Participating Restaurants and Musicians

Here’s the line-up for this year’s Jazz on the Menu.  Reservations are recommended. All restaurants in Healdsburg unless otherwise noted.  Roll over restaurant names for their websites.

Affronti
235 Healdsburg Ave., 431-1113
Bennett Roth-Newell and John Norris, piano and bass

Agave Mexican Restaurant
1063 Vine St., 433-2411
Trio Batacha with Joel Bennett, Sebastian Link and Niobel Cintra, piano, bass and percussion

Baci Café and Wine Bar
336 Healdsburg Ave., 433-8111
Carl Vast Quartet with Bill Fouty, Bob Drew and Jimmy Robinson, guitar, alto saxophone, bass and drums

Barndiva
231 Center St., 431-0100
Susan Sutton Trio with David DeMarche and Piro Patton, piano, bass and drums

Bistro Ralph
109 Plaza St.,  433-1380
Jim Adams and Tom Shader, guitar and bass

Catelli’s (Geyserville)
21047 Geyserville Ave., 857-3471
Jimmy DeMartini and Phillip VanGelder, guitar and bass

Charcuterie
335 Healdsburg Ave.,  431-7213
Chris Pimentel and Andrew Emer, guitar and bass

Diavola Pizzeria (Geyserville)
21021 Geyserville Ave.,  814-0111
Ian Scherer and Steve Froberg, guitar and bass

Dry Creek Kitchen (music from 6 – 10 pm) 
317 Healdsburg Ave. ,  431-0330
Lee Charlton Trio with Rob Wright and Gary Digman, plus special guest Gary Johnson, guitar, bass, drums with flute and saxophone

El Farolito
128 Plaza St.,   433-2807
Mad and Eddie Duran Trio with Robert Rangel, guitar, saxophone and percussion

Healdsburg Bar and Grill
245 Healdsburg Ave.,  433-3333
John Mihalik and Blue 7 Quintet, with Alec Ax, Dave Webster, Ron Masi and Claus Brigmann

Ravenous
420 Center St., 433-1302
Trevor Kinsel and Jay Mayer, Wurlitzer piano and bass

Sizzling Tandoor
1280 Healdsburg Ave.,   433-2954
Dick Conte and Steve Webber, piano and bass

Spoonbar
219 Healdsburg Ave.,   433-7222
Christian Foley-Beining Group with Todd Smith and Tom Hayashi, guitar, bass and drums

Zin Restaurant and Wine Bar
344 Center St.,   473-0946
Ricardo Peixoto and Carlos Oliveira, guitar duo

"Winter Wonderland" by Clairdee from her CD "This Christmas"

Clairdee and her Sextet

Where: Raven Theater, 115 North Street, Healdsburg
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm; doors open at 6 pm

Ticket Cost: $25 general /  $20 if accompanied by children 15 or under / Children 15 and under $5 / Senior and Student $15
Tickets now available

Soulful, swinging vocalist Clairdee and her San Francisco-based sextet celebrate the season with an entertaining variety of jazz, R&B, and contemporary grooves for kids from one to ninety-two. The 75-minute program includes classic favorites from Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and Sammy Cahn’s “Let It Snow” to Frank Loesser’s “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” as well as a few surprises. The music will warm your heart, lift your soul and send you dancing into the new year.

Musicians:

Clairdee, vocals
Ken French, keyboards/music director
Ruth Davies, bass
John Hoy, guitar
Clif Payne, vocals
Jim Zimmerman, drums

“[Clairdee] in sassy, solidly assured, crowd-pleasing form… a whole lot of interpretive brilliance.” —Jazz Times

For more information call 707 433-4633 or email to info@healdsburgjazzfestival.org

It’s going to be the jazz party of the year – with edibles, local wine, your best friends and of course an exciting jazz quartet. Set in a lovely secret atrium just a long block from the Plaza, it’s an exclusive gathering in celebration of Healdsburg’s favorite music – and you could be there!

In fact, you should be there. It’s a free, Members Only event for the Healdsburg Jazz Festival to thank new members, standing members and those who donated to last year’s drive to save the Festival. Featuring the Michael Aragon Quartet, the celebration will be held in the atrium of the E&M Electric at 126 Mill St. (corner of East St., sharing the ivy covered building with 132 Mill St.) on Sunday afternoon, November 13, from 3 – 6 p.m.

The Michael Aragon Quartet has been called “The Best Jazz in Marin,” holding down the coveted Friday night gig at Sausalito’s No Name Bar. Their fun, high-energy music features Aragon on drums and the melodic KC Filson on piano, Cliff Hugo on stand-up bass and the commanding Rob Roth on sax. See them swing at the Appreciation Party!

If you are already a member of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, you’re automatically invited. If you’d like to join us, it’s easy – just become a member and we’ll put your name on the list!

Please let us know if plan on attending the Members Only Party – RSVP to 433-4644 or by email.

We listen to the radio: We know that this time of year there are many worthwhile organizations asking for your support so they can continue bringing you news, or local coverage, or even music. But we hope you can find a few dollars to keep real jazz in Healdsburg and music education in Healdsburg schools and community as a member of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, a 501-c(3) non-profit organization.

Annual memberships start at just $35 (Jazz Fan), or $50 (Jazz Friend). At the $100 (Jazz Supporter) level you’ll be entered to win tickets to “My Coma Dreams” but don’t stop there! Visit this page for additional Membership Levels and more information.

Friday, August 19, 7:30 pm

Warren Auditorium, Ives Hall
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
Admission $10

Just days before leaving for graduate school in Toronto, pianist and composer Noam Lemish will present the cross-cultural suite he wrote for the 30th birthday of the King of Bhutan, commissioned by the Royal Office for Media as a musical offering .

“The People’s King” made its world premiere in a jazz configuration (piano, sax, bass and drums) to an ecstatic audience at the 2011 Healdsburg Jazz Festival’s Opening Night. This time, Lemish presents “The People’s King” at Sonoma State University’s Warren Auditorim in a special evening that will also feature a multimedia presentation on the music of Bhutan (religious, traditional folk, and popular).

He will be joined by fellow SSU alums Matt Rothstein, Jason Carr and Alex Aspinall. Show begins at 7:30 p.m; tickets are only $10 and available at the door, on the SSU campus (Ives Hall, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park).

Complete event description:

While teaching music in Bhutan during the 2009-1010 academic year, pianist and composer, Noam Lemish was commissioned by the Royal Office for Media to compose a 30 minute cross-cultural suite, a musical offering in celebration of His Majesty the King of Bhutan’s 30^th birthday.  The piece was recorded and delivered to His Majesty, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on February 21, 2010 and performed before him in July of that same year.

The piece entitled, “The People’s King”, was originally composed for four traditional Bhutanese instruments, piano and chanting monks.  It brings together jazz, classical music and Bhutanese folk music.  According to Lemish, “it is my humble tribute to Bhutan, its dedicated and compassionate King, its beautiful culture and wonderful people that have all touched me so deeply”.

Now back in the west, Lemish has arranged thissuite for Jazz Quartet, presenting “Bhutanese Jazz”, perhaps for the first time ever.  The piece made its world premiere in this jazz configuration to a sold out and ecstatic crowd at the Healdsburg Jazz Festival (Opening Night June 3, 2011). 

In his last appearance in California for the summer before returning to Toronto to complete his graduate studies in Music Composition, Lemish presents “The People’s King” in a special evening that will also feature a multimedia presentation on the music of Bhutan (religious, traditional folk, and popular). Drawing from videos, recordings and photos accumulated during his year in Bhutan, Lemish will offer a rare glimpse into this remote and unique culture, nestled deep in the Himalayas.

More about Noam Lemish:

American-Israeli pianist and composer Noam Lemish (b.1982) began his classical and jazz studies in Israel. Following his high school studies, he settled in Sonoma County, California, studying under the tutelage of W.A. Mathieu and completing his BA in music from Sonoma State University, where he studied under Mel Graves, Will Johnson and Marilyn Thompson.

Lemish has composed various chamber, choral and piano compositions, numerous jazz compositions as well as music for traditional Bhutanese instruments. He has also composed music for theater, dance and film, most notably: UBU RULES! (2005); Verlaine: Muse and Music Maker (2005); Article 13 (2009) and The Girl with the Red Sky (2010).

Lemish returned in August of 2010 from a year of music teaching in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. In Bhutan along with his teaching responsibilities and numerous collaborations, Lemish hosted a weekly music radio program on Centennial Radio 101 FM and was commissioned by The Royal Office of Media to compose a special piece in celebration of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan’s 30th Birthday. The piece, entitled “The People’s King”, a 30 minute multi-cultural piece bringing together classical music, jazz, and traditional Bhutanese folk music, was completed and delivered to His Majesty on his birthday February 21, 2010 with excerpts performed live in front of His Majesty on July 5, 2010.

Lemish is currently residing in Toronto, where he is half way through his Masters studies in Composition at the University of Toronto. In Toronto, Lemish has been awarded the Mirkopoulos fellowship for 2010-2011, and has been named the Composer-In-Residence for the University of Toronto Contemporary Music Ensemble “gamUT” for the 2011-2012 season.

Jazz Masters Series

Location: Flying Goat Coffee
324 Center Street, Healdsburg
Date: Friday, August 26, 2011
Time: 8 pm
Tickets now available: $25 (limited seating)

The Oliver Lake Organ Quartet will be celebrating their second CD release, Plan on their first West Coast tour including Yoshi’s, Kuumbwa Jazz Club in Santa Cruz and Healdsburg. Come see them here at the Flying Goat!

They will be performing original compositions with style, spirit and zeal. The group features some of the best young talented musicians in the New York area under the direction of saxophonist -composer – arranger Oliver Lake, who counts among his creative partners Bjork, Lou Reed, A Tribe Called Quest, the Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, the World Saxophone Quartet and Trio 3, which came to Healdsburg in November 2009.

He will be supported by Jared Gold, who is inspired by the great jazz organist Larry Young; trumpeter Freddie Hendrix, reminiscent of the great Freddie Hubbard; and highly creative drummer, Chris Beck. Lake’s organ quartet takes compositions on some unusual journeys for organ jazz, exploring freebop, funk, and fun in musical conversations.

Don’t miss this innovative, high energy concert!

Tickets available now on this website or by phone at 707 433-4633

Sunday, Aug. 7, 5 – 8 pm

The Healdsburg Jazz Festival and Art and All That Jazz are getting together to have some fun, and invite you to join us! Spend some time hanging out with pianist Noam Lemish and guitarist Kai Devitt-Lee. They will be joined on bass by Bill Fouty and some surprise guests.

Why a send-off? Both Noam and Kai are leaving Healdsburg soon to pursue their music careers. Later in August, Kai is leaving to start college at the New School in New York City and Noam returns to Toronto, to finish his masters’ degree.

The event will be Sunday, August 7, at Art and All That Jazz, 456 Moore Lane a short block behind the City Hall off North St. (map) This is the jewelry studio where Jessica Felix makes her artwork and jewelry, and serves as her showroom since since closing her Plaza Street location.

Art and All That Jazz is open by appointment and the second Saturday of each month during ARTWALK season, May-December. Visit the website to see many of her designs and sign up for email to hear about special events, classes, sales and much more.

Download information poster

This event is a joint collaboration between Art and All That Jazz and the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, which just happen to share a space.  Food and beverages will be on hand, so stop by for some fun – and bring your ax!

Ferrari-Carano’s Seasons of the Vineyard Tasting Bar & Boutique on the Healdsburg Plaza announces their “Jazz It Up” Saturday live, wine and jazz concert series beginning July 16, 4 – 6pm, and running every other Saturday through October.

Guests will sip wines from Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery and Lazy Creek Vineyards while enjoying live jazz performances of an amazing line-up of musicians from this area as well as Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and Seattle.

No reservations are required! Contact Seasons of the Vineyard Tasting Bar and Boutique, (707) 431-2222, for more information, or visit www.seasonsofthevineyard.com.  Seasons of the Vineyard Tasting Bar & Boutique is located on the Healdsburg Plaza, 113 Plaza Street.

Download the poster now! See all information about this series.

Saturday, July 16

Kai Devitt-Lee Quartet featuring Joe Cohen
17-year-old jazz guitarist phenom leads exciting group of top Bay Area musicians featuring Joe Cohen on sax, Eric Markowitz on bass, and Jon Arkin on drums.

Next: Saturday, July 30

The Yancie Taylor Jazztet 
Bay Area vibraphonist leads his quartet playing straight ahead Jazz Standards.

Saturday, August 13

Shea Breaux Wells Quartet featuring Noam Lemish
Healdsburg Jazz Vocalist Shea Breaux Wells reunites with Noam Lemish on piano, Jason Carr on bass and Alex Aspinall on drums, together invoking the spirit and artistry of modern and traditional jazz.

Saturday, August 27

Ami Molinelli Brazilian Quartet
Samba and Bossa Nova featuring Carol Bach-y-Rita (vocals) and Robert Kyle (Sax, flute and percussion). This evening features Los Angeles based musicians Carol Bach-y-Rita on vocals and Robert Kyle on sax, flute and percussion who have a project called “Jazz-Bliss-Brasil.”

Saturday, September 10

The Easy Leaves
A full spectrum acoustic American sound that meanders from honky-tonk to old school R&B, hits everything in between and then doubles-back again. Sage Fifield on vocals, harmonicas, guitar; Kevin Carducci on vocals and upright bass; Josh Yenne on pedal steel; and Ben Goodman on drums.

Saturday, September 24

Klein Trio with Mike and Spike Klein and Trevor Kinsel
Fresh Interpretations of jazz classics. Mike Klein on piano, Spike Klein on drums and Trevor Kinsel on bass.

Saturday, October 8

Mad and Eddie Duran Trio
San Francisco’s First Couple of Instrumental Jazz! Playing familiar and not so familiar jazz standards, Latin, Brazilian and Bebop. Eddie Duran on guitar and Madeline Duran on saxophone and flute.

Saturday, October 22

Anton Schwartz Quartet
Jazz that’s soulful and intelligent from the Seattle-based saxophonist/composer, Anton Schwartz.  “Warm, generous tone, impeccably developed solos and infectious performance energy.” – San Francisco Chronicle.  Anton is joined by Adam Shulman on piano, Dan Feiszli on bass and Greg Wyser-Pratte on drums.

No reservations are required. Contact Seasons of the Vineyard Tasting Bar and Boutique, (707) 431-2222, for more information, or visit www.seasonsofthevineyard.com.  Seasons of the Vineyard Tasting Bar & Boutique is located on the Healdsburg Plaza, 113 Plaza Street.