In tune with the Long Beach Jazz Festival

That end-of-summer – or early autumn if you prefer – tradition in Long Beach is upon us. The “City By The Sea” becomes a mecca for music lovers, beginning Thursday night Sept. 20, and concluding on Sunday Sept. 23, when the Long Beach Jazz Festival takes center stage. As always, the scintillating sounds of a world-class cadre of musicians can be heard in the auditorium of the Long Beach Public Library, along with other venues throughout the city, during four days devoted to jazz and other forms of innovative music making.
The jazz festival opens its 10th edition with exciting music to be played by international superstars of creative music. “Long Beach is quickly becoming the cultural center of Long Island,” said Steve Adelson, the festival’s longtime producer. “Many events are now being produced in our town, including blues, cabaret, folk, and a soon-to-be rock festival. The Long Beach Jazz Festival is so proud to be in our 10th year presenting high-level music, and most importantly, great entertainment.”
“The audiences have been fantastic with SRO attendance at almost each band’s set,” Adelson said. “This great reception has motivated us to keep the tradition going. The experience has been gratifying on all levels.”
As usual, the festival is bringing back some all-star “alumni” along with a select group of first-time artists.
“This year we are happy to have back the Dean Brown Band, who will be debuting music off of their new CD “Unfinished Business,” said Adelson. “Returning also is Bakithi Kumalo, who is coming off a whirlwind celebration of the 25th anniversary of Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album, on which Bakithi is a major contributor.” Other celebratory returnees include virtuoso guitarists Charlie Hunter and Oz Noy, as well as piano legend George Cables, local blues hero Kerry Kearney, and the great harpist Edmar Castaneda.
“And, of course, we are proud to present new artists who represent some of the best of the jazz genre,” Adelson said. “I’m honored to feature Frank Vignola, who has toured the world and previously played regularly with Les Paul. We are also bringing in master Chapman Stick player Bob Culbertson from California.” Additionally local big band Uppercut will perform on Saturday afternoon.
“Over the four days we are presenting approximately 100 musicians, each with a unique style yet with a commonality of creative spirit,” Adelson said.
The jazz festival is also involving the community by presenting the Long Beach High School Jazz Band. The ensemble will perform at the library on Saturday, at 11:15 a.m. “It’s great to have their participation and promote their musical endeavors,” Adelson said.
  He emphasized that the public should come out ready to be thoroughly entertained by these special artists. “I advise people to come out early, grab a seat and have a great time.”
The combined talents of these many performers represent a musical smorgasbord.
“The 2012 festival continues to showcase a wide variety of musical styles from fusion to big band, from swing to experimental,” Adelson said. “The Long Beach Jazz Festival is unique in that it is a grassroots, community-based event magnifying the love of the music.”
And, as always, the festival does not charge admission. “Through the generous support of our sponsors, we are able to finance this festival and still keep the performances free to the public,” Adelson noted. “We are grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, particularly the Long Beach Public Library. This help from our supporters has enabled the festival to become such an outstanding success.”
“When the initial idea was hatched back in 2003, we had no idea what to expect,” said Adelson, reflecting on bringing a decade’s worth of music to Long Beach. ‘It’s been very gratifying to present great music from an international roster and receive such a tremendous response from our audiences. The festival has grown each year and I feel honored to be part of the 10 year legacy.”
  Adelson, an acclaimed Chapman Stick player, makes an appearance on the Long Beach Public Library stage on Saturday, at 2:30 p.m., with his world renowned Stick-Tet. He also returns to Lola’s on Friday, performs his regular gig at Sugo on Saturday, and leads an all-star jam closing party on Sunday at the Allegria Hotel.
The Chapman Stick is a revolutionary 12-string instrument that enables the player to perform multiple parts simultaneously by using a tapping technique.
“I will have my regular core group and possibly some surprise guests sitting in,” said Adelson. When not involved with the Long Beach Jazz Festival, Adelson continues to perform throughout the U.S. and internationally, and is involved in numerous other projects.
The Long Beach Public Library remains the festival’s principal venue. “I have a deep appreciation for the library board, the library director and staff for believing in the festival and their continued support,” Adelson said.
He 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 the Long Beach Public Library, locations include a number of restaurants – Lola’s, Sugo, Sutton Place – and the Long Beach Historical Society Museum, along with a new venue, the Allegria Hotel.
For further information, visit www.longbeachjazzfest.com.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, Sept. 20
Long Beach Public Library:
7 p.m. - Kerry Kearney 
8 p.m. - Bakithi Kumalo Group

Allegria Hotel:
8 p.m. - Mike Lewis and Friends

Friday, Sept. 21
Long Beach Public Library:
7 p.m. - Castle Magic (Santi Debriano, Harvie S, Essiet Essiet)
8:15 p.m. - Chieli Minucci and Special EFX

Lola’s:
9:30 p.m. - Steve Adelson Stick-Tet