All eyes and ears World Wide are focused in on an Island, Sitting 26 Miles off the Southern California Coastline. The 23rd Annual JazzTrax Festival began this past weekend in The Avalon Ballroom... looking out to sea. With all performances, all three weekends being webcast live at JazzTrax.com. Peter White was smashing to open it all at the Wrigley Ranch. The final 45 minutes of Earl Klugh's performance were off the charts... including two encores. His return to Catalina Island after 22 years. Cindy Bradley was stunning in appearance and performance in her debut and my gamble on her proved a winner. She returns this weekend and the finale weekend. The weather was perfect. The performances were stunning. The steak at Steve's Steakhouse, the fresh fish at Armstrong's, the pasta's at Portofino's... all to die for.

I met festival goers from all over America. From Detroit, Atlanta, Houston, Tulsa, San Francisco, San Diego. It almost seemed that on our very first weekend, more came from outside Southern California than inside. That will change somewhat this week as KIFM in San Diego broadcasts Friday Morning from the Casino. And our first-ever Sunday Morning JazzTrax Golf was a hit! About twenty golfers, including Guitarist/ Producer Paul Brown. Yours truly eventually got the golf ball into every hole. Following the paths and tees and holes that Katherine Hepburn and Howard Hughes once golfed together. This weekend and next Trumpeter Greg Adams will be our celebrity golfer. We draw on stage Saturday nights to see which two-some will play with him.

Too much fun. You miss this... you've missed the boat. Having said that, don't miss the boat. Mindi Abair kicks off Weekend Two of the 23rd annual JazzTrax Festival with an already sold out show Unplugged on Thursday Night at the Wrigley Ranch.

 

JazzTrax Producer/Creator

JazzTrax Guest

Catalina bound George Duke
 

George Duke sits in with Art Good on the JazzTrax Showcase this weekend. As he gets set to make his first-ever appearance on a JazzTrax Live Performance Stage in one week on Catalina Island. The veteran keyboardist and producer remembers a time when funk was a powerful force not just in popular music, but in social discourse. Frequently with a measure of wit and irony, and often with a strong dose of positivity at the core. He's got stories to tell including how Frank Zappa caused him 30 years ago to move from the Bay Area to Southern California.

Archive Album

Keiko Matsui Best Songs Spotlight **

 

As Keiko Matsui gets set to do her lst ever Solo Performance (except for a Christmas Church date in Tokyo in the past),It will be a Keiko Matsui Best Songs Spotlight this week on JazzTrax. Just before that 1st ever public solo performance happens Unplugged Under the Stars at the Wrigley Ranch ahead of the finale weekend of the 23rd Annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival.

** The JazzTrax Archives Album Spotlight takes a brief break until after October's JazzTrax Festival as Art presents Best Song Spotlights by some of the brightest Smooth Jazz stars set to step off boats in Avalon.

 

Make your Travel Plans
There are still great accommodations available!

Catalina Express
The Catalina Express provides the fastest boat service to the Santa Catalina Island , with up to 25 daily departures from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. These modern vessels whisk you to your romantic getaway in comfort and style. Aboard you will enjoy airline-style seating, cocktail service and friendly attendants. Secure parking is available at the Long Beach , San Pedro and Dana Point locations.

Island Express Helicopter Service
At 14 minutes long, the Island Express Helicopter Service is the fastest and most exhilarating transportation to Santa Catalina Island . Flights are available from Long Beach or San Pedro to exclusive heliports in Avalon and Two Harbors . The flight often overlooks pods of dolphins and whales, and always offers panoramic coastal views. More than just transportation; the Island Express Helicopter Service is the experience of a lifetime.

Karmel Shuttle
Mainland transportation to/from all Southern California airports to/from all Catalina Island boat/ferry and helicopter terminals. Door to door service from LAX, Long Beach or Orange County Airports. Offering complete package offers including: Roundtrip shuttle service from any airport, hotel, residence or business combined with Roundtrip boat or helicopter service, Island tours, Overnight accommodations and more! Simplify your Catalina Island trip with one phone call. Call today! 1-888-995-RIDE (7433)

Catalina Flyer
The Catalina Flyer is the West Coast's largest passenger carrying catamaran. Departing from Newport Beach , the Catalina Flyer features a richly appointed interior, sweeping sun decks, full-service cocktail lounges and stately viewing windows. The Catalina Flyer provides one roundtrip departure per day to Catalina Island.

Catalina-Marina Del Rey Flyer
The MARINA FLYER, Southern California's newest passenger ferry, provides fast-ferry service from MARINA DEL REY to Santa Catalina Island (both Avalon and Two Harbors), with multiple daily departures in high-season. Located just 8 minutes from LAX, and a short ride from West Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, the MARINA FLYER is the convenient choice for visitors to Los Angeles. This very stable high-tech hydrofoil-assisted catamaran features spacious seating, panoramic views, a sun deck, Admirals Lounge and full snack and cocktail bar.

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