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.