Do you have a calendar item, brief or newstip?
Please contact us.
Adria Murray / Staff
'Jazz on the Plazz' concertgoers Mel Cook (left) and Mary Kairis do a little West Coast Swing dancing.
Bay Area great opens 'Jazz on the Plazz' season
"And we're back ...," KRML jazz radio host and event executive producer Michael Jacobi said with a grin, as he took the stage to introduce the opening night act for the "Jazz on the Plazz" 10-week-long free summer concert series."The Great American Songbook has many admirers, but few true friends," Jacobi said. "But tonight's artist does it proud."
Series regular and "Bay Area Giant of Jazz" Jamie Davis, along with his Jamie Davis Big Band, kicked off the season with a joyful rendition of Bing Crosby's hit "Pennies from Heaven," followed by toe-tapping standards and jazz takes on popular tunes, including Sting's "Fields of Gold."
"He has such a punch, he comes out strong" event co-chairwoman Terri Hope said. "(Davis) sets the standard for jazz."
On June 20, Davis and his "golden vocals" set the mood on Los Gatos' Town Plaza, where friends and neighbors gathered to share in the delightful tunes, each other's company, and their flowing wine and picnic bounties.
Presented by the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club Wednesdays during the summer, "Jazz on the Plazz" is celebrating its fifth year and its growing lineup of incredible musicians.
"Our artists are treated very well," event co-chairwoman Joan Perry said. From the personal massages by The Spa - Los Gatos, to accommodations at Hotel Los Gatos and treats from the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company, it's no wonder the committee isn't hard-pressed to find talent.
In addition to the fine entertainment, VIP section and sponsor booths, this year the kids zone craft table was moved closer to the stage, and allowed the children to work on a fun decorative visor project while enjoying the music.
Perry said she was looking forward to next week's musician, Marsha Ball, and was really excited about the season's closer, Diane Schuur. The season's other top-notch acts include Grammy-winning composer John Proulx, Roseanna Vitro with Anton Schwartz, San Francisco's Paul West and Bay Area native Andrea Wolper.
Morning Rotary Club President Ginger McDonald extended her many thanks to the night's sponsors, Indymac Bank and Home Prep Team, as well as the season's major sponsors, including The Ritz-Carlton Club, Beshoff MotorCars and Sereno Group.
Adria Murray's society column appears every Sunday in the Los Gatos News. Send event information to 324 High St., Palo Alto, CA 94301, or e-mail amurray@dailynewsgroup.com or call 650-327-9090, ext. 328.
Please note by clicking on "Post Comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator. Send us your feedback.
4 comments in
Artists take nail design to the extreme
“can i know where is the place that u have your nail done?? thx a lot ” — moni
3 comments in
Campbell girl killed in camp bike accident
“I couldnt miss you any more than i do. I love you and wish you were here. ” — Nell Sherman
42 comments in
Nasmeh says he's not bitter about jail time
“One other thing: Go back to school, maybe at night, and learn how to write. You are cle...” — Truth hurts
Comment on this story