Village Jazz Series 2013 (previous season)
The Village Jazz Series returns for its 7th year in 2013! The series of FREE concerts runs 6 to 8pm on Thursday evenings, January 17 through April 25, in the Village Area of the Yuma Palms Regional Center. Presented by Yuma Palms, the series is organized by Steven Hennig of Yuma Jazz Company, and features the best local and regional jazz artists, along with student musicians and nationally known performers - duos to big bands, dixieland to progressive jazz.
This year's lineup will feature the return of jazz flute master Holly Hofmann performing with her husband and piano legend Mike Wofford. Check out their links to see where & with whom they have been performing over the years - you will be amazed that you get to hear them in Yuma for FREE! A huge hit last year was the High Society Jazz Band from San Diego. This outstanding dixieland group sent a trio in 2012, and this year we will be treated to what their quartet can do - can't wait! And there is a new big band in these parts - the Border Town Big Band is set to electrify with powerful, new big band sounds.
In addition to the Yuma Jazz Company Quintet, the jazz talent from around this region appearing in the Series is terrific! Guitarist/Singer Pete Pancrazi, who has garnered awards and national attention, is always a crowd favorite. Likewise the duo Jason & Elle, the Yuma Big Band, and guitarist Garrett Ortego, all have avid fans who look forward to seeing them & hearing what they will bring to the Series next!
The Village Jazz Series is presented by Yuma Palms Regional Center, and sponsored by the Yuma Sun, KAWC FM/AM, Hampton Inn Suites, and Fretworks Music. 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 than the event itself.
The The Village, modeled 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 '13
January 17 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 24 Yuma Jazz Company
The highly regarded jazz quintet is celebrating 10 years of performances and original
recordings. The group will perform a wide range of styles - standards, Latin Jazz, and
originals - something for everyone!
January 31 Pete Pancrazi Quartet
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 7 Gila Ridge and Gadsden High School Jazz Bands
The jazz ensembles from are high schools perform for an evening of youthful excitement!
Come out and hear what these outstanding student musicians can do!
February 14 Jason & Elle
Celebrate Valentine's Day with this talented, versatile duo! Jason & Elle are always a
crowd favorite, and certainly not to be missed on this special day!
February 21 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'!
February 28 AWC Jazz Band and the YJC Trio
The jazz band from Arizona Western College shares the evening with Yuma Jazz
Company's Trio. The intimate sounds of the trio, coupled with the excitement of the Big
Band - a marvelous combination!
March 7 Holly Hofmann and Mike Wofford
Acclaimed as perhaps the best jazz flutist in the world, Holly Hofmann appears with
husband and jazz piano legend Mike Wofford. Holly performed here in 2010 and
amazed - throw in Mr. Wofford, and If there is one (FREE!) event not to miss,
THIS IS IT!
March 14 Pete Pancrazi Quartet
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 21 High Society Jazz Band
Dixieland returns the Village Jazz Series! A huge hit here last year, 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 back to Yuma.
March 28 Border Town Big Band
This is not your Grandfather’s big band, but it sure sounds great! Newly formed this
year, the BTBB features some of the best musicians around - come check it out!
April 4 Garrett Ortego Trio
Young standout guitarist in the Phoenix jazz scene, Garrett Ortego returns to the Village.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear his unique creativity and agile technique!
April 11 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 18 Yuma and Cibola HS Jazz Bands
The jazz ensembles of Yuma and Cibola high schools share an evening of
great music. Come hear the energy & excitement of some truly outstanding young
musicians.
April 25 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!
