Jazz It Up! at the Plaza
Address: 113 Plaza St., Healdsburg
Phone: 707-431-1303 | Visit on the web
This “tasting bar and boutique” on the Healdsburg Plaza, Seasons of the Vineyards has been a supporter of Healdsburg Jazz for several years. They believe and we agree their “Back Room” is perfect for mid-sized, fun-loving groups of jazz and wine lovers. Hear local or visiting small groups in live jazz performance amid the gilt-and-mirror environment of the vinocentric gift shop.
This year things are a bit different at Seasons: they have wines available by the glass – not just tastes – and they are very reasonably priced. Complementary appetizers are also available, and there is seating both at the bar and small table. Overall it’s an improvement for music-lovers — and wine-lovers everywhere.
Seasons features wines from two wineries: Ferrari-Carano, whose chardonnay is among the country’s most familiar white wine by the glass, and Lazy Creek Vineyards, one of the oldest wineries in Anderson Valley with an Old World style in Reisling, Gewürztraminer and pinot noir in particular.
Seasons of the Vineyard hosts their Saturday afternoon jazz series from 4 – 6 p.m. on irregular weekends from July into October each year.
2016 Schedule
July 9: Stephanie Ozer Quartet
Popular Brazilian pianist Stephanie Ozer will lead her ensemble in gorgeous, hip arrangements of Samba, Bossa Nova and Baiao with classical influences, adding spice to the mix. Band includes Bob Afifi on flute, Peter Barshay on bass and Kendrick Freeman on drums
July 23: The Walter Savage Quartet
Bassist Walter Savage leads a foursome playing the music of Ray Charles, Nat “King” Cole, and “Old Blue Eyes.” With Ben Stolorow on piano, Bob Kenmotso on sax, Eric Von Buchau on drums and Savage on bass and vocals.
August 13 – Sandy Cressman’s Homenagem Brasileira
Paying tribute to the great composers of Brazilian jazz, including Dori Caymmi, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and many others, by interpreting their music in the way it was intended: intimate and melodic, or fiercely rhythmic. Featuring Sandy Cressman, voice & percussion; Stephanie Ozer, piano; David Belove, bass and other musicians to be announced.
August 27 – Ratatet 4 Quartet
Enjoy the rhythmic originals and standards with Alan Hall on drums, Paul Hanson on sax and bassoon, Dillon Vado on vibes and Jeff Denson on bass.
September 10: Trio Vino Dolce
Trio Vino Dolce is a lively, undeniably swinging, and soulful combination of uniquely elegant and gorgeous timbre, featuring Gaea Schell on flute, Jack Riordan on guitar, and Aaron Cohn on bass,
September 24 – Chris Amberger & the Hot Dogs
With the Young Brauts featuring Lewis Sweatt. Bass master Amberger plays energetic jazz featuring up-and-coming young jazz musicians with Grant Levin on piano and special guest vocalist Kevin Durkin.
October 8 – Susan Sutton Trio
Sparkling original compositions and jazz standards with Sutton on piano and vocals, Piro Patton on bass and Tom Hassett on drums.
October 22 – Gary Johnson Quartet featuring Greg Hester
Hard swinging be-bop, straight-ahead jazz standards and originals, with Gary Johnson on saxophone and flute, Greg Hester on piano, Rob Wright on bass and Tom Hayashi on drums.