Hot Fun in the Summertime

Hey there! It's been a while since I've posted a blog entry, and this one is going to be a short one, but I wanted to highlight a couple of things....

Number 1 - PLEASE check out my latest LAJazz.com blog entry! I was especially excited to share my experience exposing children to jazz (and getting exposed to kids' music in the process). And the kids in question are so cute I can't even stand it!!!

(l-r: Jada, Jordyn & Jasmine Keys)

Number 2 - Summer is a fabulous time to experience open air music in LA! Be sure to hit up Hollywood & Highland's Tuesday night jazz series, LACMA's Friday night jazz (both free) and of course the Hollywood Bowl (not free, but can be pretty inexpensive).

Number last, but not least - if you desire more structure, do check out one of these shows in July / early August!!!

• Graham Dechter at Pasadena Jazz Institute, Thursday, July 24th. Graham is a fabulous guitarist and friend of mine and he's working on his actual birthday!! My favorite thing to say about him is that his musical sensitivity belies his tender years, but at almost 22 years old I'm going to have to come up with a new gimmick for him, like, Dang, that guy can play.


• The Thurman Green Scholarship Jazz Festival at Catalina Jazz Club, Tuesday, August 5th. My friend and fellow LAJS Board Member Mrs. Thurman Green coordinates this annual event for jazz trombonists. So you've got a) a fun show, b) young honorees and c) a good cause. What more could you ask for?


• And speaking of good causes, how about dinner or drinks (or both) and jazz at Red, White + Bluezz in Pasadena on Wednesday, August 6? If a fun night out isn't enough of a good cause for you, how about the fact that on that evening, RWB will donate a portion of sales to Young & Healthy, an organization that provides health care to low-income, uninsured children? My friend Dene Preston is on the board and I'm excited to have a chance to support such a great program.

As always, if you'd like to go to any of these shows and are looking for a buddy, shoot me an email! Hope to see you there, or out at one of the open air spots. Enjoy your summer!!!