That end-of-summer tradition (which actually ushers in autumn this year) in Long Beach is fast approaching. The “City By The Sea” becomes a mecca for music lovers, beginning Thursday night, Sept. 23, when the Long Beach Jazz festival takes center stage. A world-class cadre of musicians will gather at Long Beach Public library, and other venues, for four days devoted to jazz and other forms of music-making.
Going into its eighth season, the Jazz Festival has become something of an institution in the community. “The festival is firmly established now,” said Steve Adelson, LBJF’s longtime producer. “There’s a genuine excitement on the street in anticipation of our annual festival. The public has come to expect creative music from world-class musicians. The enthusiasm can be felt throughout the city.”
This year’s Long Beach Jazz Festival continues to have an international flavor. “I’m most proud of the participation of such a varied group of all-star musicians,” said Adelson, “I’m honored to present such artists as Omar Hakim, who has played drums with Sting and Madonna; Bakithi Kumalo, who plays bass with Paul Simon (“You Can Call Me Al”); Edmar Castaneda, of Bogata, Columbia, who plays the harp; Al Fox, the jazz flamenco guitar player from Argentina; also Oz Noy, virtuoso guitarist from Israel. This fraternity of musicians speaks the same language: the language of music.”
Adelson emphasized that the public should come out ready to be thoroughly entertained by these special artists. “The music we’re presenting at this festival goes beyond the traditional definition of jazz,” he said. The performances will be varied and, above all, enjoyable.”
The festival continues to showcase a wide variety of musical styles and ensembles. “There will be organ trios, swing bands, percussion ensembles, blues bands, guitarps, harps, fusion bands, and much more,” Adelson said. “Part of what makes us different is that we present forward-thinking musicians playing unique instruments.”
And admission remains free. “Because of the generosity of our sponsors, the festival continues to be a free event,” Adelson noted. “We appreciate the help and support of the Long Beach Public Library, which has enabled the festival to become such an outstanding success. We are proud to offer an alternative to a high-cost concert in
Manhattan.”
One of the highlights of the 2010 edition of LBJF is the return of guitar legend, and Long Beach native, Dean Brown. Brown has played with Roberta Flack, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, and countless others. His new trio, the Dean Brown Band, is receiving critical acclaim for their international performances. In addition, Brown will be playing in a reunion with Primo, Long Beach’s legendary band, at two events during weekend. The performances will be a tribute to Primo’s founder Bernard Soto, who was recently hospitalized.
This year’s festival also brings back pianist Rachel Z, fronting her new band, The Trio of Oz, featuring Omar Hakim. Guitar phenoms Oz Noy and Alex Fox, who is bringing his band from Florida, are also returning. A new addition to the schedule is Phil DeGruy, from New Orleans, who plays the unique 17-string guitarp. Other first-timers include violinist Joe Deninzon, saxophonist Bob Franceschini, and guitarist Dave Stryker, who will be playing with the Pete Levin Trio.
“We are also proud to present the MLK Percussion Ensemble, talented youth from the Martin Luther King Center in Long Beach, who will be playing on Sunday,” Adelson said.
In addition to his producing duties, Adelson, the renowned Chapman Stick player, also performs during the festival, including an appearance on the Long Beach Public Library stage on Saturday afternoon. The Chapman Stick is a revolutionary 12-string instrument that enables the player to perform multiple parts simultaneously by using a tapping
technique.
“As has become an annual tradition,” Adelson said, “I will be playing a set of music, including my regular band and special guests, in a jam session-type atmosphere.” When not involved with the Long Beach Jazz Festival, Adelson continues to perform throughout the U.S. and internationally, and is busy with numerous other projects.
The Long Beach Public Library remains the festival’s main venue. “The library has been very gracious in opening their auditorium to present this music free to the public,” said Adelson. “They have also been a major sponsor and an advocate of our cultural weekend. I thank the library board for their continued support. The library has become a hub of artistic endeavors.”
Adelson expects more than 3,000 people to attend over the four days. During that period, over 24 acts will play 24 sets of music in the many venues throughout the city. In addition to Long Beach Public Library, locations include a number of restaurants – Nick’s Tuscan Grill, Monterey, George Martin’s Grillfire, Lola’s – and the Long Beach Historical Society Museum.
At the weekend’s conclusion, there will be an auction of two autographed guitars donated by Michael’s Music of Freeport and the Long Beach Music School. Proceeds from one guitar will benefit the Long Beach Jazz Festival, funds raised from the auction of the second guitar will be go to defray the cost of Bernard Soto’s medical expenses.
“It has been very gratifying to present great music and entertainment and feel the positive feedback from the audience and the performers as well,” said Adelson. “I invite everyone to come down and experience the joy of this event.”