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HISTORY 2003: Concert Season and other events
History 2001 / History 2002 / History 2004 / History 2005 / History 2006

 Date  Event
 February 22  "Kansas City Stomp" featuring the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra and Barbara Morrison at McKinley Auditorium
 May 26 Memorial Day  The Pasadena Jazz Orchestra,with Barbara Morrison, performed at the Playboy Jazz Festival in Pasadena
 May 30, 31  "Jazz on the Terrace: Code Red"
 June 13, 14  "Jazz on the Terrace: It's Hamilton Time"
 June 27,28  "Jazz on the Terrace: Tones for Bones"
 July 11, 12  "Jazz on the Terrace: Something Cool"
 July 25, 26  "Jazz on the Terrace: Pieces of Silver"
 July 27 The Pasadena Jazz Orchestra with Barbara Morrison performed at the new Levitt Pavilion for Performing Arts in Pasadena
 August 8. 9  "Jazz on the Terrace: Let's Get Lost"
 August 22,23  "Jazz on the Terrace: Fathers and Sons"
 August 28  "Back to School Special" featuring Renee Olstead at Blair Amphitheatre
 September 5, 6  "Jazz on the Terrace: The Big Easy"
 September 14  Jazz Party: Our Annual fund raiser.
 September 20  "Jazz on Film" and "Singing and Swinging" at Travis Auditorium
 Oct. 25, Nov. 8 & Nov. 22  "The Art of Jazz". A Series of concerts at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena.
 December 11, 12, 13 &14  "Nutcracker Swings" at McKinley Auditorium with The Pasadena Jazz Orchestra with vocalist Cheryl Conley



  The Pasadena Jazz Institute proudly celebrated BLACK HISTORY MONTH with
"Kansas City Stomp", the music of Count Basie, featuring the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra
and special guest Barbara Morrison. The Jazz Institute welcomed back as host James Jannise from KKJZ. The concert was at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22nd at the historic McKinley Auditorium in Pasadena.
photo by E.J. Koeberlein (www.FineArtPhotography.cc)
   
click graphic to enlarge


"Jazz on the Terrace" Summer Concert Series
May 30, 31
1. "Code Red" with Renee Olstead- Today's mainstream film, television and radio programming does not make classic jazz accessible to today's young people. Consequently this creates a "code red" challenge as this great music is in danger of being lost to future generations.
Witness the future of jazz as Red Angel recording artist Renee Olstead opens the Pasadena Jazz Institute's " Jazz on the Terrace" series. The Hollywood Reporter describes this multi-dimensional entertainer as "diva on the rise". Ms. Olstead performs with a multi-generational cadre of talented jazz musicians in what is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Come be a part of the magic and help classic jazz transend time and bridge generations.
With Chris Dawson, piano: Trevor Ware, bass: Nolan Shaheed, trumpet: Albert Alva, tenor sax & Paul Lines, drums.
L.A. TIMES JAZZ REVIEW
 
Code Red concert photos by E.J. Koeberlein (www.FineArtPhotography.cc)
-
June 13,14
"It's Hamilton Time"
2.
When considering the world's great timekeepers, the Swiss immediately come to mind for their precision and excellence. Towering above the Thames in England is majestic "Big Ben", proclaiming time with grandeur and resounding sonority. In Jazz, the drummer accepts the role as 'timekeeper". Our featured artist tonight, drummer Jeff Hamilton shares these same qualities, precision, excellence, grandeur and more. Behind the drums, he whispers and roars as he propels his trio, featuring pianist Tamir Hendelman and bassist Christoph Luty in an evening of classic, swinging American music. "Live in Paris" won Diana Krall a grammy award for "Best Jazz Vocal Album" of the year. Jeff Hamilton's drumming on "Live in Paris", won him fans all over the world. After you see him tonight you'll be a fan too. See you at the show!
 
Photo of Hamilton Trio On the Terrace by E.J. Koeberlein
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June 27,28
3. "Tones for Bones"-.
It's the only instrument that actually changes its physical shape during performance. The trombone. Not just one, two or even three, tonight we feature the music of "Bone-Soir" consisting of five master trombonists. Anchored by a stellar rhythm section, you'll hear solos, duets, trios and all five trombonists together performing arrangements by John Clayton and Benny Golson. Both members of the newly formed Pasadena Jazz Orchestra, co-leaders George Bohanon and Maurice Spears offer an exciting, thrilling and unique jazz experience on the terrace. Please note: Front row seats are reserved for "X-treme" concert goers!
Trombones: George Bohanon, Maurice Spears, Ryan Porter, Garrett Smith, Ira Nepus
Donald Vega, piano; Garryck King, drums; Louis Spears, bass
 
Tones for Bones concert photos by E.J. Koeberlein (www.FineArtPhotography.cc)
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July 11,12
4."Something Cool"-
In the fifties, jazz musicians were grappling with the new "rule book" laid down by the Bebop pioneers, Parker, Gillespie and Monk. This new music, developed and perfected in New York featured an impassioned sense of urgency, lots of notes and speed. In Los Angeles, though many followed the mandate from Manhattan, there was another movement: The "Cool School". Singer June Christy exemplified many of the qualities associated with this more 'laid back" jazz genre. Our LA jazzmen and women, may have asked themselves "what's the rush" when you have the beach, sunny skies, lots of room and "Santa Ana" warmth in the winter: Relax! LA's own Julie Kelly, with an all-star ensemble pay homage to the great Stan Kenton Alum tonight with selections from her recently released CD entitled "Kelly sings Christy".
with Bill Cunliffe, piano; Kendall Kay, drums; Stacy Rowles, trumpet; Tom Peterson, sax and Tom Warrington, bass.

"Something Cool" concert photos by E.J. Koeberlein (www.FineArtPhotography.cc)
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July 25,26
5."Pieces of Silver"
Pianist Larry Nash thrilled audiences last season in "Soul Station" that featured saxophone great Rickey Woodard. His impassioned piano solo's "Took the roof off" of Travis Auditorium so we offered Mr. Nash an opportunity to play on the terrace, where "The sky is the limit". He will be featuring "pieces of Silver", that's the music of composer- pianist Horace Silver and many of his own compositions with a who's who of the finest jazz players in Los Angeles. Funky, soulful and consistently swinging, tonights' show promises to set your "toes to tappin' on the Terrace".
Larry Nash, piano; Bobby Rodriquez, trumpet; Rickey Woodard, sax; Ryan Cross, bass; Lorca Hart, drums and Jerome Poinsett, percussion.
 
The great Larry Nash on piano.
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August 8,9
6. "Let's get Lost"- Tonight's program focuses on one of the jazz world's most enigmatic figures. His unique conception as a trumpeter, vocalist and composer were combined with movie star good looks and a record industry looking for a star. Chet Baker was it. He had "it all". It was not to be. His musical career was plagued by missed opportunities culminating in a tragic ending. Throughout human history, the lives of many truly great artists followed a similar path. Tonight, we will celebrate and enjoy the music of Chet Baker. Trumpet great Matt Fronke will sing and play some of the music of the man that many believe, led Miles Davis in the direction of "Kind of Blue" with it's use of space and lyrical playing. "West Coast Cool" again visits the terrace tonight and you, your friends and family are, of course, invited.
Matt Fronke, trumpet; Dave Moody, sax; Wally Minko, piano; Jason Hartnell, drums and Osama Affifi, bass
 
Concert photos by E.J. Koeberlein (www.FineArtPhotography.cc)
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August 22,23
7.
"Fathers and Sons"-Bassist John Clayton and guitarist Dave Koonse have something in common. Both men are extraordinary musicians and both men have sons who have followed "in their footsteps" by becoming extraordinary musicians themselves. Dave and Larry Koonse will put their collective talents on display tonight as the two master guitarists begin this evenings program. Bassist, arranger and composer John Clayton will make a rare Pasadena appearance with his remarkably talented son Gerald at the piano. After a short intermission, the two "father and son" duos will combine into a quartet, enabling all in attendance a truly unique jazz experience. Call the babysitter, change your vacation plans, don't miss this historic, musical meeting and yes, "Father of the year" awards will be handed out at the programs conclusion.
John Clayton, bass; Gerald Clayton,piano; Dave Koonse, guitar; Larry Koonse, guitar
L.A. TIMES JAZZ REVIEW

Concert photos by E.J. Koeberlein (www.FineArtPhotography.cc)
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September 5,6
8.
"The Big Easy"- Tonight, we're offering attractive rates to the birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans. This evening's jazz "flight of fancy" leaves promptly at 8:00 pm with your Captain, clarinet virtuoso Evan Christopher and his esteemed crew. No salted peanuts on this trip as we are serving Jambalaya at mid flight. There will be no "jet-lag" after tonight's journey. Upon our return, travelers can expect a general sense of well-being, a certain lilt in their step and the confidence to do what needs doing. Travel light, no luggage or "carry on's" needed, just enthusiasm for great music performed by great musicians. Traditional jazz visits the terrace for an entire weekend as we close out our 3rd annual concert series. Don't miss it, as the "Crown City" becomes the Crescent City for two nights only!
with Dan Barrett, trombone; Chris Dawson,piano; Marshall Hawkins, bass and Harold Mason, drums.
 
 
Jazz on Film and Singing and Swinging

On Sept 20 we are planning a very special evening. Preceding the concert "Singing and Swinging" we are showing an exceptional presentation of jazz on film by Mark Cantor that is scheduled from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. After the film, patrons may go out to dinner at their favorite Pasadena restaurant and return at 8:00 for the concert.
 Giants of Jazz
A night of Jazz on Film with Mark Cantor
An evening of jazz on film with jazz film expert and lecturer, Mark Cantor. With a collection of more than 4,000 titles to draw from Cantor is considered one of the world's pre-eminent collectors of jazz on film. He is also that rare combination: a dedicated archivist and an entertaining host. He has presented his jazz clips and commentary to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and his events are among the most popular annual presentations at numerous museums and festivals across the US, Europe and Brazil.
 
Sept. 20
9.
"Singing and Swinging"- Discovering something new is always cause for celebration and, to be truly fulfilling, must be shared. Like a restaurant with a particularly interesting ambiance or an author, whose work you find thoughtful and inspiring. We here at the Jazz Institute, have a discovery that we would like to share with you. At only 20 years of age, singer Sara Gazarek has, with much study and her share of natural gifts, acquired a singing style reminiscent of jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Dinah Washington. Along with other influences, Miss Gazarek has found her own unique style, with an inviting stage presence and powerful sense of swing. Tonight, you and your friends can meet and listen to Sara Gazarek before the rest of the world finds out about this rising star. Ms. Gazarek will be joined by the Gerald Clayton Trio.

Photos by E.J. Koeberlein (www.FineArtPhotography.cc)


 August 28: Renee Olstead, "Back to School Special" : A Free "One Night Only" event featuring young singing sensation Renee Olstead in concert accompanied by a quintet of talented jazz musicians. She won rave reviews for her debut performance on the Terrace, she "wowed" 15,000 people at the Hollywood Bowl and she "wowed" everyone on Thursday, August 28th. This special one-time event took place at the Blair High School Outdoor Amphitheatre, 1201 South Marengo Street in Pasadena.  
Blair concert photos by E.J. Koeberlein (www.FineArtPhotography.cc)

 The Pasadena Jazz Institute presents:
"The Art of Jazz",
a series of duets beginning Saturday October 25th at the Armory Center for the Arts. Bassist John Heard and guitarist Jinshi Osaki open the series.

Saturday November 8th:
Classical/jazz guitarist Kenton Youngstrom and John Heard.

Saturday November 22nd,
Guitarist Riner Scivally and bassist DaveCulwell.
 

The Pasadena Jazz Institute presented " Nutcracker Swings"
 
December 11th, 12th, 13th evenings at 8:00 p.m.
with a matinee on Sunday, Dec. 14th. at 2:00 p.m.

We Celebrated the holidays in style as the Pasadena Jazz Orchestra took on Duke Ellington and put a swinging beat to Tchaikovsky's classic Nutcracker Suite. We heard all 9 of the Ellington/Strayhorn collaborations. And that's not all! We began the concert with vocalist Cheryl Conley and classic, swinging Christmas songs with the entire 17 member Pasadena Jazz Orchestra.
 


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