Village Jazz Series 2014 (previous season)

Village Jazz Series Returns to Yuma Palms' Village Area

The Village Jazz Series is back for its 8th Season in the Village Area of Yuma Palms Regional Center. The series of free jazz concerts runs Thursday evenings, 6 to 8pm, January 16 through April 24.

The popular series, organized by YJC's Steven Hennig, will include performances by guitarist Peter Sprague (San Diego) with singer Leonard Patton, the Ron Kobayashi Trio (Los Angeles), the High Society Jazz Band (San Diego), the John Cain Trio featuring Katie Cat (San Diego), the Pete Pancrazi Quartet (Phoenix), Joe Amos Quartet (Phoenix), and many more.

Presented by Yuma Palms Regional Center, the Series is sponsored by the Yuma Sun, Hampton Inn Suites Yuma, and KAWC. Each concert will be recorded for one time playback on KAWC's "Best of the Village Jazz Series" broadcasts.

In addition to sought-after professional performers from around the region, the Series will continue to be a showcase for student ensembles and outstanding local jazz artists.

The Village Area is ideal for evening performances such as these. There are palm trees, water features, and grass, and the area is surrounded by shops and eateries, making food and drinks - and shopping - easily available. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own seating.


Click here to see the outstanding list of performers from Village Jazz Series 2013.


Village Jazz Series '14

January 16 Yuma Big Band
Step back in time to the Big Band Era with all it's great music, brought to life by the big, stylish Yuma Big Band! Miller, Dorsey, Ellington - hear all the big names, and the big, swinging sounds!

January 23 Yuma Jazz Company
The highly regarded quintet captivates fans with its unique approach to standards, Latin jazz, and originals. The group thrives on the Village Jazz stage, and is always an audience favorite.

January 30 Yuma High and All-City Jazz Bands
These young jazz ensembles perform for an evening of energy and musical excitement! Come out and hear what these outstanding student musicians (and 'stars of tomorrow') can do!

February 6 Ron Kobayashi Trio - ( http://carpetcat.com/kobayashi/)
A long-time staple of the L.A. jazz scene, the Trio makes its first appearance in Yuma. Ron has performed with Mel Torme, Bill Watrous, Kenny Burrell, and many more - don't miss him in Yuma with this outstanding group!

February 13 Joe Amos Quartet
Phoenix based saxophonist Joe Amos appeared last year with guitarist Garret Ortego, and returns with his own quartet. You will love his mature phrasing and appealing sense of style!

February 20 AWC Jazz Bands
The jazz bands from Arizona Western College’s Yuma and San Luis Campuses share this evening of musical excitement. Come and hear what the area’s college students are capable of!

February 27 John Cain Trio featuring Katie Cat - (http://www.johncain.info/)
San Diego pianist John Cain sat in last season with Yuma Jazz Company, and he was so good we had to bring him back! John appears this time with his So. Cal. based Trio and will feature vocalist Katie Cat.

March 6 Yuma Jazz Company’s Latin Jazz Eruption!
The 7-year 'Eruption' tradition continues! Sambas, Bossas, Afro-Cuban . . . Latin jazz excitement will again fill the Village when the YJC Quintet turns loose its annually anticipated 'Latin Jazz Eruption'!

March 13 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 20 High Society Jazz Band - (http://www.highsocietyjazzband.com)
Dixieland returns to the Village Jazz Series! San Diego's vaunted High Society Jazz Band is always one of the most entertaining groups on the Dixieland circuit, and has built quite a following in Yuma. Don't miss them as they swing in to town this year!

March 27 Peter Sprague and Leonard Patton - (http://www.petersprague.com), (http://onesheet.com/leonardpatton/splash/)
Recognized as one of the best jazz guitarists in the world, Peter Sprague’s previous appearance here with San Diego vocalist Leonard Patton ranks as one of the most memorable Village Jazz events ever. This is one concert you have to experience live!

April 3 Border Town Big Band
This is not your Grandfather's big band - it will energize you with Latin, Funk, and swing! Newly formed last year, the BTBB features some of the best musicians around - come check them out!

April 10 Jason & Elle
Always a huge crowd favorite at the Village Jazz Series, this talented, versatile duo enthralls audiences with their endless variety of great soulful sounds, enchanting vocals, and personal charm.

April 17 Gila Ridge and Kofa HS Jazz Bands
The jazz ensembles of Gila Ridge and Kofa high schools share an evening of great music. Come hear the energy & excitement of some truly outstanding young musicians.

April 24 Yuma Jazz Company and Friends
Ending the Series on a traditionally high note, the acclaimed local quintet will perform with some surprise guest artists. A great time will be had by all, and the Series will be capped off with the awarding of the Village Jazz Series Jazz Scholarship!