Jazzed up for a party
Suzie Harrison
There’s a Valentine’s party in Newport Beach that will grab the
hearts of jazz fans throughout the weekend, offering an array of
up-and-coming artists and seasoned veterans. It’s a party that jazz
fans come from around the world to attend. It’s the Newport Beach
Jazz Party and it’s happening on Feb. 14 through 16 at the Newport
Beach Marriott Hotel and Tennis Club.
Newporters John McClure and Joe Rothman started the jazz party in
Newport three years ago, which is a cottage industry dating back 50
years according to Rothman.
“The thing about this party that makes it unique to the festival
is that it brings different all-stars in, and they’re mixed and
matched in sets that you would never see in any other place
together,” Rothman said.
The lineup is impressive with a combo platter of big bands, trios,
quartets, duos, sextets and even a tentet.
“It’s a mix of what we like and both approve of in terms of our
own taste,” McClure said. “The audience also tells us what they like
because they fill out comment cards and we go with the feedback.”
Some of the highlighted names performing are Stacy Rowles, Houston
Person, Russell Malone, Jeff Hamilton, Paul Kreibich, John Alfred,
Andy Martin, Chuck Berghofer, John Clayton, Ken Pelowski, Bill
Cunliffe, Ron Eschete, Larry Fuller, Benny Green, Tom Rainer, Terell
Stafford and Peter Washington.
“We have four or five totally different sets and about 40 major
jazz artists playing over the weekend,” Rothman said.
McClure said that there will be four legendary arrangers
conducting -- Johnny Mandel, Sammy Nestico, Gerald Wilson and John
Clayton.
“Larry Nash and the Jazz Symphonics received a standing ovation
last year,”
Mc Clure said. “So they obviously were an automatic reinvite.”
Famous bass player Ray Brown died last year and in his memory
there will be a special tribute.
“There will be a lot of great musical moments both creatively and
artistically,” McClure said. “Mary Stallings from San Francisco will
perform on Valentines Day, and for the closing evening, the Houston
Person Quartet has been brought back by popular demand.”
Aside from the artists, Rothman explained that the concept is
hassle free because there are assigned tables, so people can feel
free to mingle and enjoy the music without having to worry if they’ll
have a place to come back to.
“It’s perfect for very serious music lovers because it has the
concert atmosphere without the hassle,” Rothman said. “It’s for
people who want to hear great music.”
Tickets are available for the complete three-day package, as well
as individual reserved seats. The three-day priority seats are from
$260 to $285 and include a jazz brunch. Individual tickets are from
$60 to $65 for evening performances and $35 for daytimes sessions.
The concerts will take place throughout the day and evening at
various venues at the resort. For more information or tickets, call
(949) 759-5003 or visit www.newportbeach jazzparty.com. The jazz
party is expected to sell out as it has in the past.
The Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Tennis Club is at 900 Newport
Drive in Newport Beach.
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