What is it about the Monterey Jazz Festival (MJF) that has allowed it to own the title of the world's longest-running jazz festival? Is it the sublime late September Monterey climate? The history-soaked Monterey County Fairgrounds and its storied Pattee Arena? Or the stellar list of artists the festival has attracted to its stages since its founding in 1958? Most likely? All of … [Read more...] about Blending Tradition with Innovation
Music
Two Friends, Two Pianos
The fact that jazz history is made at the Monterey Jazz Festival (MJF) isn’t particularly unusual. What is unique is how consistently and how frequently those moments occur. This year is no exception, in large measure to the appearance together of two of the most talented, accomplished, original and influential keyboard artists of their generation, Herbie Hancock and Chick … [Read more...] about Two Friends, Two Pianos
Jackson Browne Gives Back
Transforming Schools Through the Arts
The excitement was palpable as the shiny red SUV rumbled into the parking lot of Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in Seaside. And with good reason. It’s not every day that a rock star shows up at an elementary school. As he stepped from the car, Jackson Browne was visibly delighted to be greeted by three enthusiastic children carrying hand-painted welcome banners. … [Read more...] about Jackson Browne Gives Back
Monterey Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers look forward to the third weekend of September in much the same manner that Indy car race fans anticipate Memorial Day, lovers can’t wait for Valentine’s Day and children pine for Christmas Day. For them, the Monterey Jazz Festival is all those holidays…and more. It’s a feast for the senses—not just the ears. The aromas and flavors from the exotic offerings of … [Read more...] about Monterey Jazz Festival
Raising the Standards
The 2014 Monterey Jazz Festival lineup includes some old friends, some new blood and plenty of musical surprises. So what else is new? The longest continuously running jazz festival on Planet Earth certainly didn’t get that way by being stodgy, boring or predictable. This year, Artistic Director Tim Jackson has put together a stellar three-day program, running September 19-21, … [Read more...] about Raising the Standards