Village Jazz Series 2016
The Village Jazz Series Turns 10!
The Village Jazz Series will be returning for its 10th Season in the Village Area of Yuma Palms Regional Center, 1305 S Yuma palms Pkwy, Yuma, AZ. The series of free jazz concerts, which has become an artistic and entertainment staple of Yuma's Winter season, will run Thursday evenings, 6 to 8pm, January 14 through April 28.
The Village Area is an ideal setting for great jazz performances, creating what has been called "a very cool, cosmopolitain atmosphere". 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.
In addition to appearances by its 'Host Band' Yuma Jazz Company Quintet, the Series will include first time appearances by the duo of jazz greats Bob Boss (guitar) and Bob Magnusson (bass), the Danny Green Trio, and the Louis Valenzuela Trio, all from the San Diego area. Visiting favorites returning this year will be internationally known guitarist Peter Sprague with vocalist Leonard Patton, the High Society Jazz Band, and Phoenix's Pete Pancrazi.
Much-loved local artists performing this year will be singer/pianist Jimmy Caves, the multi-talented duo Jason & Elle, vocalist Jennifer Wayman, and the Yuma Big Band.
Presented by Yuma Palms Regional Center and funded by its parent company, Inland Continental, the Series is sponsored by KYMA, KSWT, the Yuma Sun, Best Western Innsuites Yuma, and KAWC FM/AM. 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 Southern California and Arizona, the Series will continue to be a showcase for student ensembles, featuring groups from Cibola, Gila Ridge, and Yuma high schools, the All-City Jazz Band, and Arizona Western College.
For the fourth year, Yuma Palms Regional Center will be awarding a Village Jazz Series Education Award to a local high school senior music student who will be attending college. The award process will be facilitated by local not-for-profit group Jazz Southwest and the award will be presented at the final Series event on April 28.
Need a place to stay in Yuma? Our accommodations sponsor, Best Western Innsuites Yuma, is offering a discount: just ask for the "Village Jazz Series Rate". It is right by Yuma Palms Regional Center, and a great, friendly place to stay!
- Steven Hennig, Organiser
Village Jazz Series
The 2016 Village Jazz Series schedule of events:
December 3 Yuma Jazz Company bonus "Holiday Concert!"
The Quintet will be spreading Christmas Joy - adding some 'tunes of the season' to their repertoire and tossing around good cheer like candy canes!
December 17 Jimmy Caves with Yuma Jazz Company bonus "Holiday Concert!"
Local jazz & blues legend Jimmy Caves will be Clausing it up with help from YJC. If Jimmy doesn’t put you in a good mood, you really must have been bad!
January 14 Yuma Jazz Company with Jennifer Wayman
The highly regarded quintet launches the Series with artistry, excitement, and a great guest vocalist - Jennifer Wayman, who will be featured singing some of her favorite tunes. A fantastic way to kick off the 10th season!
January 21 Louis Valenzuela Trio (http://louisvalenzuela.com)
The Trio is a mainstay of the San Diego music scene, known for its unique performances of jazz, Latin jazz, and original music. They play, according to Louis, "whatever comes to mind - anything goes!"
January 28 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.
February 4 Yuma Big Band
The excitement of the Big Band Era is back, 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!
February 11 Bob Boss & Bob Magnussen (http://www.bobboss.com/site/Bob_Boss.html , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Magnusson)
Two of the absolute best on their instruments - guitar and bass respectively - they both have played with a ‘who’s who’ list of greats, and it is magical when they get to perform as a duo. Don’t miss the chance to hear them at the Village!
February 18 Cibola High School and All-City jazz bands
These young jazz ensembles provide an evening of energy and musical excitement! Come out and hear what outstanding student musicians (and 'stars of tomorrow') can do!
February 25 Danny Green Trio (http://dannygreen.net)
Pianist/Composer Danny Green brings his highly acclaimed Trio to Yuma for the first time. A prolific performer in the San Diego area, Danny plays regularly with his own group and is sought after to perform with other well-known artists.
March 3 Peter Sprague and Leonard Patton (http://petersprague.com)
Recognized as one of the best jazz guitarists in the world, Peter Sprague's previous appearances here with San Diego vocalist Leonard Patton rank as among the most memorable Village Jazz events ever. This is one concert you just have to experience!
March 10 Yuma Jazz Company's Latin Jazz Eruption!
The 8-year 'Eruption' tradition continues! Sambas, Bossas, Afro-Cuban . . . Latin jazz excitement will again fill the Village when the YJC Quintet turns loose its annualy anticipated 'Latin Jazz Eruption'!
March 17 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 24 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 31 Jimmy Caves
Pianist, singer, and local jazz legend Jimmy Caves has been performing around the region for over 40 years. On this evening he will be putting his inviting musical stylings on display along with members of Yuma Jazz Company.
April 7 Gila Ridge and Yuma HS Jazz Bands
The jazz ensembles of Gila Ridge and Yuma high schools share an evening of great music. Come hear the energy & excitement of some truly outstanding young musicians.
April 14 Jason & Elle
The talented, versatile duo returns to the Village Jazz stage for a second round of what has been described as a "warm, inviting sound cocktail". Don’t miss what Jason & Elle have in store this time around.
April 21 AWC Jazz Band and YJC Trio
Arizona Western College's Jazz Band teams up with the Yuma Jazz Company Trio to create an evening full of musical excitement. You will love the wide variety of musical styles and moods!
April 28 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 Education Award!
Check out the outstanding list of performers from previous seasons!
