President’s weekend is almost upon us. That means its time for the 13th Annual Newport Beach Jazz Party at Newport Marriott Hotel, Newport, CA.
Newport Marriott Hotel
Local and international jazz fans pretty much know this is the gathering of some of the world’s finest jazz musicians, from Feb. 14 to 16, playing day and night in the Marriott’s various venues: Jazz breakfasts, luncheons, afternoon pool side jam sessions and evening concerts. The schedule also includes small groups playing during dining, a Saturday night dance and Sunday Jazz brunch.
What is special about these annual jazz parties is the opportunity for fans to see and hear great musicians get together and play in an unrehearsed context. As they perform, it’s a pleasure to see them immediately communicate, anticipating each other, blending sounds in their common language.
This year’s Thursday night opening concert will honor Oscar-winning composer Alan Bergman, who also will perform his hits. Along with his wife Marilyn, they have earned numerous awards, including 16 Academy Award nominations, multiple Emmys, Grammys, and three Oscars for such as “The Windmills of Your Mind,” “The Way We Were,” and many other great songs which have become classic in the jazz repertoire. Backing Bergman will be pianist Tamir Hendelman and bassist Trey Henry.
Four Freshmen
Leading off Thursday, 7:30, in the Grand Ballroom, will be the legendary Four Freshmen singing group. Closing the proceedings will be the Sammy Nestico Big Band.
Friday begins the almost non-stop jazz through Sunday evening. Some of the over 80 stars appearing over the weekend include singer Roberta Gambarini, drummer Jeff Hamilton, clarinetist Ken Peplowski, saxophonist Houston Person, flutist Holly Hofmann, trumpeter Terell Stafford, vibraphonist Terry Gibbs, pianist Eric Reed and saxophonist Rickey Woodard.
Evening performances begin at 7. Friday features groups led by Reed, Gibbs, vocalist Gambarini and the Hoffman-pianist Mike Wofford quintet.
On Saturday in the Grand Ballroom will be a group led by trumpeter James Morrison, featuring Stafford and Reed. This is followed by the Jeff Hamilton Trio and closing will be a Tribute to Benny Carter with Peplowski, Woodard, saxophonists Bruce Babab and Gary Foster, pianist Rossano Sportiello, bassist Chuck Berghofer and drummer-vibist Chuck Redd
Winding up the party Sunday night will be a Tribute to Gibbs, now 87, and his Dream Band from the fifties and sixties. As will, pianist Bill Mays will have a Mays at the Movies set.
For fans, many of whom attend every party, it’s like going home for a family event–renewing acquaintances with music-lovers and musicians from previous years. People come from all over the country and the world, for that matter. This year, as always, there was a sizable contingent from Great Britain and several from as far away as Japan
There are inclusive packages for the whole four days or individual concert tickets—both are with or without hotel stay. For hotel reservations and tickets, phone (949) 759-5003 or go to www.newportbeachjazzparty.com.
About Larry Taylor: Larry’s career spanned 15 years in the newspaper industry, prior to teaching at Fullerton College. He retired in 2000. While being a journalist and and educator, he wrote stories on travel and covered the arts (theater, music and culture). Today, his wife, Gail, takes photos. Other stories published on Fab Placez’s The Long Way Home blog are as follows:
LA’s Big Rock at LACMA
California’s Coastline on the Amtrak Surfliner
Summer Fun in San Diego and La Jolla
