Village Jazz Series 2012 (previous season)
Jazz outdoors on a beautiful Yuma, Arizona evening. Water fountains, palm trees, lights, food - it's all here as the Village Jazz Series returns in 2012 for its 6th year. Presented by Yuma Palms Regional Center in the mall's Village Area, the series of free concerts consists of 15 events, 6 to 8pm on Thursday evenings, January 19 through April 26.
This year, the popular series will feature everything from dixieland to big band and internationally known performers along with outstanding local and regional musicians. Jazz giants Peter Sprague and Rob Thorsen will be featured, as will San Diego's High Society Trio - the first dixieland group to appear in the series.
Outstanding regional performers will be featured as well, including Yuma Jazz Company Quintet, Pete Pancrazi Quartet, Yuma Big Band, Jason & Elle, Garrett Ortego, and jazz ensembles from Arizona Western College and Yuma’s high schools. Dancers from Yuma's flashy salsa dance company Yuma Son Latino will also perform.
The Village Jazz Series is sponsored by Yuma Palms Regional Center, the Yuma Sun, KAWC FM/AM, and Hampton Inn Suites. Each event will be recorded live by KAWC, and played back in a one hour "Best of the Village Jazz Series" program aired on the Saturday afternoon a week later then the event itself.
The Village, modelled after a charming downtown gathering place, is located in front of Harkins Theaters and forms an effective amphitheater. The venue is surrounded by shops and eateries, and its inviting mood is enhanced with grass, water features, and palm trees. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating for the concerts, and to enjoy the food and drinks available from Village vendors. And don't forget shopping - area merchants will also offer 'Jazz Night Specials'.
Village Jazz Series '12
January 19 Yuma Big Band
Great music from the big band era - brought to life by the big, stylish Yuma Big Band. Hear the memorable music of Miller, Dorsey, Ellington - all the big names, and the big, swinging sounds!
January 26 Yuma Jazz Company with Yuma Son Latino
The highly regarded jazz quintet performs with Yuma’s own talented, evocative, salsa dance company, for what promises to be a night to remember!
February 2 Pete Pancrazi Quartet ( http://www.petepancrazi.com)
Phoenix's highly regarded jazz guitarist and singer Pete Pancrazi excites with his critically acclaimed stylings, warm vocals, and dazzling technique - not to be missed!
February 9 Rob Thorsen (http://www.robthorsen.com)
Bassist, composer, and recording artist Rob Thorsen has released 4 impressive CDs as a leader, and has performed and recorded with a who's who list of outstanding musicians and entertainers. Don't miss Rob doing his thing in Yuma!
February 16 Jason & Elle
This talented, versatile duo enthrals audiences with their endless variety of great soulful sounds. Jason & Elle are always a crowd favorite.
February 23 Yuma Jazz Company’s Latin Jazz Eruption!
Sambas, Bossas, Afro-Cuban... Latin jazz excitement fills the Village when the YJC Quintet turns loose its annual 'Latin Jazz Eruption'!
March 1 AWC and Yuma High Jazz Bands
The jazz bands from Arizona Western College and Yuma High take the stage to wow the audience with a wide variety of jazz styles and energy.
March 8 High Society Trio (http://www.highsocietyjazzband.com)
Dixieland at the Village Jazz Series! San Diego's vaunted High Society Jazz Band is always one of the most entertaining groups on the Dixieland Jazz festival circuit. Don't miss them when they come to Yuma.
March 15 Pete Pancrazi Quartet ( http://www.petepancrazi.com)
Phoenix's highly regarded jazz guitarist and singer Pete Pancrazi brings his critically acclaimed stylings back to Yuma. One of the best guitarists anywhere, Pete is also great with a lyric and loved by audiences.
March 22 Peter Sprague (http://www.petersprague.com)
A true standout in the jazz world, Peter returns to the Village after thrilling Yumans last year. Always in demand, he has played and recorded with everyone who's anyone in jazz. Come hear Peter Sprague in person!
March 29 Yuma Big Band
The Yuma Big Band returns to fill the village great big swinging sounds. Tunes from the American songbook played as only YBB can!
April 5 Garrett Ortego Trio
Young standout guitarist in the Phoenix jazz scene, Garrett Ortego returns to the Village. Don't miss this opportunity to hear a true up and coming jazz talent.
April 12 Jason & Elle
Returning for a second Village Jazz Series appearance, this talented, versatile duo enthrals audiences with their endless variety of great soulful sounds.
April 19 High School Band Night
The jazz ensembles of Cibola and Gila Ridge high schools share an evening of great music. Come hear the energy & excitement of some truly outstanding young musicians.
April 26 Yuma Jazz Company and Friends
Ending the Series on a high note, the acclaimed local quintet will perform with some surprise guest artists - a great time will be had by all!
