Segerstrom Center for the Arts is set to kick off the Orange County summer music scene with a very cool Summer Jazz on the Argyros Plaza series outdoors on the new Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. The Center helped make Orange County a Southern California jazz mecca, presenting the world’s finest musicians and vocalists in its annual Jazz Series for more than 30 years. Now it takes the music outdoors starting Friday, June 1 for 11 consecutive weeks. Shows are from 7-9 p.m. Bubba Jackson, KJAZZ DJ and jazz legend himself, will be on-hand to host each evening. And all concerts are free.
Jackson said, “This series is like no other in Southern California, and I’m thrilled to be part of it with Segerstrom Center. Jazz embodies the musical cultures of the various ethnicities, beginning with Africa. These musical styles from around the world showcase the melting pot that is America. Its greatness comes from its many distinctive cultural, artistic, ethnic and historic influences. Each Friday, we’re going to experience a part of that rich heritage with this series. We’re going to hear the voices of the past coming to us through these phenomenal artists who have made jazz their artistic language here and around the world.”
Jackson explained, “What we have put together are 11 weeks of the finest and most exceptional artists from around Southern California. From seasoned professionals to the next gen of jazz, such as OCSA’s Ambassador Jazz Band. These teenagers ‘swing and rock’ and are on par with any of the top professional groups. Music fans are in for a real treat, and I can’t wait to share these Friday adventures with everyone.”
Jazz fans and families from across the county are encouraged to arrive early to settle in to enjoy early picnic dinners, music and people-watching. The Center’s Cafe 360 will be open and serving a special Summer Jazz menu. Barbecues and similar food preparation are not permitted, and, due to space limitations, beach chairs and easily portable seating items are welcome, but guests are asked to not bring tables. Set-up begins at 6 p.m., with concerts starting at 7 p.m.
-June 1: The BBB featuring Bernie Dresel
-June 8: Eric Marienthal
-June 15: Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) Ambassador Jazz Orchestra featuring Dan St. Marseille
-June 22: Danilo Lozano, opening with Dayren Santamaria
-June 29: Matt Forbes and his Vintage Pop Orchestra, opening with The Ron Kobayashi Trio featuring Andrea Miller
-July 6: Carol Welsman
-July 13: Yolanda Johnson and her All Star Band, opening with The Bryan Cabrera Trio
-July 20: Sweet Baby J’ai, opening with Johnette Downing and Scott Billington: Swamp Romp
-July 27: Tierney Sutton Band
-Aug. 3: Clifford Lamb Trio, opening with The George Gilliam Quartet featuring Elena Gilliam
-Aug. 10: Brian Bromberg and his Electric Band
