Last night, it was the Jazz Mafia. Next week (Aug. 13), Clairdee. And the week after, the big grand finale—Tony Lindsay and the Soul Soldiers.
That’s the line-up that remains on this year’s Jazz on the Plazz calendar.
The weekly Wednesday-evening series, produced by Los Gatos Music & Arts, has been, once again, delighting Los Gatans and visitors with jazz musicians-singers, lovely weather and outdoor dancing.
And on Saturday, Sept. 20, the organization’s annual sit down dinner-fundraiser GALA will feature the cool jazz sound of the Brubeck Brothers Quartet.
LGM&A, a nonprofit, supports South Bay music education through various programs.
The Jazz Mafia of Music
Normally the word “mafia” isn’t associated with music. But in the case of last night’s headliner, elevating eclectic jazz was the goal. The Jazz Mafia has released recordings such as “Family Business,” “Gluttony” and “Slings & Arrows.”
Clairdee
On Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 6:30pm, the velvety contralto voice of Clairdee will caress your ears with her expressive silky voice. Jazz Times once described her musical approach this way: “in sassy, solidly assured, crowd-pleasing form, a whole lot of interpretive brilliance.”
The Bay Area treasure, aka Clairdee Feinstein, has a sophisticated delivery with her adherence to jazz traditions in an elegant fashion. She draws inspiration from Sarah Vaughan and Carmen McRea, blending all of this into her own style of enchantment.
Her style is truly her own. Here you will feel the very essence of jazz. A genuine feel for the music and the interpretation of words. You can see that in tunes such as “I’m Confessin’ (that I love you),” “There’s a Boat Leaving Soon for New York,” and many others that draw you in and leave you wanting more.
In addition to having an exceptional voice, Clairdee is an educator. In doing so, she conveys the traditional feeling of America’s music: jazz. Her repertoire includes performing at well-known jazz venues, including the Monterey Jazz Festival and Dizzy’s Club in NYC.
Clairdee is a recipient of the Bay Area Jazz & Blues Artist Lifetime Achievement Award.
Tony Lindsay & The Soul Soldiers
Aug. 20, the grand finale of Jazz on the Plazz will conclude this summer’s series. Tony Lindsay with his soldiers of jazz will close out the plaza evenings of jazz for another season.
Tony Lindsay was the lead vocalist for Santana for 25 years. If you hear him live, you will understand why. His voice clearly conveys the soul’s meaning of the joy of singing. This translates into a super enjoyable evening. Lindsay is also a prolific songwriter, he penned “Don’t Be Late For Love,” “Look What We’d Have If You Were Mine,” and “Just Because”.
Lindsay also has a solo CD titled “Something Beautiful.” Previously he released “Different Moods,” “The Message Is Love” and “Memories.” For some, Lindsay & the Soul Soldiers will be their favourite of the entire Jazz on the Plazz series.
Los Gatos Music & Arts GALA Sept. 20
Say goodbye to the lazy days of summer and indulge yourself at this early fall GALA. Get out your fancy semi formal clothes for an entertaining evening. This event will be held at the spacious Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center.
If you have sat on the lawn, danced under the redwoods, or sat at a reserved seat, you have already supported Los Gatos Music & Arts. Reserve a table, bring your neighbors or just bring your sweet self.
And yes, as a special treat, the Brubeck Brothers will be the entertainers at this year’s GALA. Get out those “high heel sneakers,” dust off that dinner jacket and decide which gown to put on.This year’s LGM&A fundraising GALA will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Addison-Penzak Community Center, 14855 Oka Rd., Los Gatos, 95032. Tickets are $275 per person. Doors open at 5:30pm. jazzontheplazz.com
