The acclaimed Champagne Jazz Series celebrated its 22nd year of presenting top smooth jazz recording artists in 2010. Held at the Thornton Winery in Temecula on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons from April through October annually, the concert series previously featured headliners such as the Rippingtons with Russ Freeman, Dave Koz, Jonathan Butler, Sheila E., Fourplay, Bob James, Nathan East, Chuck Loeb and Harvey Mason. The combination of fine wine, gourmet food and a picturesque environment make this one of California's most popular smooth jazz events each year. Ticket prices range from free to $75.
Champagne Jazz Concert Series
c/o Thornton Winery
32575 Rancho California Road
Temecula, CA 92589
951-699-3021
thorntonwine.com
Running from mid-February through June every year, the San Francisco Jazz Festival Spring Concert Series is produced by the San Francisco Jazz Festival and always brings a wide variety of jazz forms, styles and musicians to the stage. The 2010 series featured Booker T. Jones, the Count Basie Orchestra, Dianne Reeves, Bobby McFerrin, Al DiMeola's World Sinfonia, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and legendary Bay Area vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson. The concerts are held at a variety of venues around the greater San Francisco area; admission prices vary by individual show. SFJazz also produces a number of other jazz concerts and workshops throughout the year.
San Francisco Jazz Festival Spring Concert Series
Three Embarcadero Center
Lobby Level
San Francisco, CA 94111
415-398-5655
sfjazz.org
Every Tuesday from early June through late August, radio station KJAZZ (88.1 FM) presents the annual Wine, Jazz and Moonlight concert series in the central courtyard of the Hollywood and Highland Center next to Mann's Chinese Theatre and the Kodak Theatre. Featuring local and national jazz performers such as Pancho Sanchez, the John Daversa Big Band, the Theo Saunders Sextet, Barbara Morrison and the Bobby Matos Latin Jazz Ensemble all playing under the stars for free.
Wine, Jazz and Moonlight Summer Jazz Concert Series
Hollywood & Highland Center
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323-817-0220
jazzandblues.org