Hot to the touch
Inaugural redwhite+bluezz Pasadena Jazz Fest sparks two days of blazing sounds at the LA County Arboretum
By Carl Kozlowski 08/26/2010
The warmest days of summer may be here, but we’re not just talking about the weather. Rather, at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens in Arcadia this weekend, more than 200 artists will be burning up the stage when the redwhite+bluezz Pasadena Jazz Fest debuts boasting 23 stellar acts.
Even a passing glance at the lineup is a treat for jazz aficionados, with legendary guitarist Stanley Clarke heading a bill featuring Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Booker T. of Booker T. and the MGs, newly retired longtime “Tonight Show” bandleader Kevin Eubanks and perennially popular Rita Coolidge. Add in the stunning vocals of Rachelle Ferrell, the bluesy mix of rap, folk and R&B that’s the unique creation of Everlast, and the soulful gospel-tinged a capella of Take 6 and it’s clear that festival organizer Andre Vener and his crack team of event planners at Pasadena Entertainment have put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the event.
“This is fantastic,” said Doc Powell, whose Grammy-winning signature guitar sound has contributed to more than 140 recordings of some of the premier recording stars in pop, R & B, jazz and gospel music, a critically acclaimed gospel project and 10 top-charting contemporary jazz solo projects.
“I have called Pasadena home for more than 15 years and we needed something like the redwhite+bluezz Pasadena Jazz Fest to bring back to the heart of this great city,” Powell said.
There are still more top-name acts to be found, including veteran stars Spyro Gyra, as well as local favorites like the Delgado Brothers and the most popular musician at Vener’s restaurant and jazz club, redwhite+bluezz, Byron Miller. But Miller’s offering an intriguingly fun twist on the proceedings by leading a band filled with the restaurant’s top regulars, the redwhite+bluezz All-Stars, in a jazz-style tribute to the greatest songs of Michael Jackson.
Add it all up and you’ve got an event that will keep your mind on the heat from the stage and off the sun.
Pasadena Jazz Fest from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, is $50 per day and $80 for a two-day pass. Lawn seats are $80 per day and $125 for a two-day pass. VIP tickets are $125 or two days for $200. Cabanas are $2,500 a day with admission for 12, two couches, private bar, a catered meal, VIP wait staff and the first 24 drinks free. pasadenajazzfest.com.
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