Village Jazz Series 2015 (previous season)
The ninth season of the Village Jazz Series concluded on April 30 with the Yuma Jazz Company Quintet sharing the stage with guest artists Eloisa Arviso, Bryan Stewart, and Jennifer Wayman. The outstanding final concert plus the presentation of the Village Jazz Series Education Awards, made for a climactic end to the season, with many already looking forward to next year!
The Series, as always, was presented by Yuma Palms Regional Center, and was sponsored by KYMA, KSWT, the Yuma Sun, KAWC FM/AM, and Hampton Inn Suites. Along with host group Yuma Jazz Company Quintet, performers included piano sensation Joshua White with his trio, his fellow San Diegans the Steph Johnson Trio, the John Cain Trio with KatieCat, and the High Society Jazz Band. Los Angeles was represented by the Ron Kobayashi Trio, and Phoenix's Pete Pancrazi performed with his quartet. Local favorites included Jason & Elle, the Yuma Big Band, Jimmy Caves, and the Cesar Juarez Band, as well as local student ensembles.
So check back here for updates as the Village Jazz Series continues into ITS 10TH YEAR in the inviting Village Area of Yuma Palms - with its lights, palm trees, water features, and grass. Not to mention the handy eateries and shops - all under the starry Yuma sky! See you in 2016!
- Steven Hennig, Organiser
Village Jazz Series
The Village Jazz Series 2015 schedule:
January 15 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 22 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 annually anticipated 'Latin Jazz Eruption'!
January 29 Steph Johnson Trio featuring Rob Thorsen & Fernando Gomez ( http://www.stephjohnsonband.com/about-us)
San Diego's award-winning jazz/soul singer and guitarist Steph Johnson makes her first appearance in Yuma. She is joined by outstanding performers Rob Thorsen on bass and drummer Fernando Gomez.
February 5 Jason & Elle
Always a huge crowd favorite at the Village Jazz Series, this innovative duo enthralls audiences with their endless variety of great soulful sounds, enchanting vocals, and personal charm.
February 12 John Cain Trio featuring Katie Cat (http://www.johncain.info/)
San Diego-based pianist John Cain appeared last year with his trio and vocalist Katie Cat. This talented, versatile group was a huge hit - be sure to catch them on their return trip to Yuma!
February 19 Joshua White Trio (http://joshuawhitemusic.com)
One of the best young jazz pianists in the world today, Joshua appeared in the Village previously with bassist Rob Thorsen. Now constantly in demand throughout Southern California, he performs in Yuma with his own highly regarded trio.
February 26 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 5 AWC Jazz Band
The jazz band from Arizona Western College shares this evening of musical excitement. Come and hear what the area’s college students are capable of!
March 12 Yuma Jazz Company with Jimmy Caves
The highly regarded quintet performs original music along with its own spin on standards, and on this evening will welcome vocalist and local jazz icon Jimmy Caves to the Village stage.
March 19 Pete Pancrazi Quartet ( http://www.petepancrazi.com)
Phoenix’s award-winning 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 26 Cibola High School 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!
April 2 Ron Kobayashi Trio ( http://carpetcat.com/kobayashi/)
A long-time staple of the L.A. jazz scene, the Trio makes a return trip to the Village Jazz Series. Ron has performed with Mel Torme, Bill Watrous, Kenny Burrell, and many more - don’t miss him in Yuma with this outstanding group!
April 9 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 with a quartet of local pros.
April 16 Gila Ridge HS 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 23 Cesar Juarez Jazz Band
Based in San Luis, AZ, the Cesar Juarez band blends an engaging mixture of Latin and funk styles with jazz. The result will have you tapping your foot and wanting more!
April 30 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!
Check out the outstanding list of performers from previous seasons!
