Washington’s Birthday weekend’s coming up and that means its time for the 13th Annual Newport Beach Jazz Party at the Newport Marriott Hotel.
Local 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.
There will be 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.
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.
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 well, pianist Bill Mays will have a “Mays at the Movies” set.
For hotel reservations and tickets, phone (949) 759-5003 or go to www.newportbeachjazzparty.com.
If Miles or the Count were still here, I don’t think they would believe what has happened. People smoked then, but now it would appear that one can’t even smoke within 20 miles of the venue.
However,for those who have given up their vices and want it nice and easy, the Newport Party will deliver. Good musicians without much soul left.