What could be better than being outside, munching on gourmet foods and sipping fabulous wines under towering redwood trees, listening to cool jazz with musical greats, onstage and off?
With the long-awaited summer lineup for Jazz on the Plazz now announced, it’s time to plan for eight weeks of listening pleasure.
On June 25 at 6:30pm, Jazz on the Plazz begins its 23rd summer of presenting a series of outstanding jazz concerts on Wednesday evenings.
Supported by donor sponsorship, local businesses, volunteers and community members, Jazz on the Plazz is an institution in Los Gatos. Many locals get series tickets every year. Veterans plan ahead and grab a cool outfit from a local boutique, a to-go box or slice from a nearby restaurant, and then arrive early to spread their blankets out on the grass.
Los Gatos Music & Arts is the nonprofit that produces Jazz on the Plazz. It also provides scholarships to musical youth. Teri Hope, Jonathan Knowles and Ginger Taylor McDonald are the faces behind the magic, making sure things go according to plan.
Jazz in the Plazz runs every Wednesday (except July 2) from June 25 to Aug. 20. Bike, e-bike, skateboard, Uber, hitch-hike or wander on over. Get out those beach chairs and picnic baskets. Put on your high-heel sneakers and git on down to the Plazz.
First up: Mads Tolling
The first performance will be by Mads Tolling (yes, that is his name). He’s an internationally renowned violinist and composer, originally from Denmark, who now lives in San Francisco.
Tolling graduated from the Berklee College of Music and now leads his own groups: Mads Tolling Quartet and Mads Tolling & The Mads Men.
Tolling’s been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition and even wrote several arrangements of Grateful Dead tunes for the band (some of which are now part of the Mads Men repertoire).
He’s been commissioned to write violin concertos for the Oakland Symphony and the Pacific Chamber Orchestra.
Kenny Washington will be performing that night, too. The New Orleans native, now based in the Bay Area, grew up singing gospel in church and played saxophone in school bands.
Washington took up jazz in his senior year of high school, and after college he played with the honorary US Navy Band Guam, followed by the US Navy Band 7th Fleet, stationed in Japan. He was a featured vocalist with both.
Washington performed with the Navy bands across Asia, Russia, Australia and America for nine years.
GOLD Thursdays
Again this year, on the first Thursday of each month (until October), our Chamber has planned “GOLD Thursdays.”
Why leave our ZIP codes, when shopping trips, dining adventures, kid fun and catching up with the neighbors is possible right here at home?
On the first Thursday of each month, wander downtown and find out what’s new. (Because a lot is.)
Seniors of Distinction
On Thursday, May 22, from 3-4:30pm, the Terraces of Los Gatos will host the 25th Seniors of Distinction Awards Reception.
Seniors selected by service groups and commissions across town will be honored for their volunteer service and contributions to the Los Gatos and Monte Sereno communities.
There will be a champagne reception, live music and a ceremony.
Thursday protest
Vehicles honked as they drove by Thursday’s peaceful protesters on Main Street at Park Plaza in downtown Los Gatos.
Around 100-150 people (largely seniors) were counted in attendance by the Los Gatan.
There was a celebratory atmosphere at the anti-Donald Trump demonstration that also featured anti-Elon Musk messages.
“I am here because I am against the illegal, immoral things that the president is doing,” said protester Noreen Clark. “That is against the constitution.”
One woman was seen engaging in conversation with four passing boys in casual attire.
The Gen Zers told the Los Gatan they don’t support the protest and think the demonstrators are just Kamala Harris supporters who are unhappy she lost the presidential race.
They added, a lot of kids their age are fans of Donald Trump.
Water Authority name change
West Valley Clean Water Authority has become West Valley Stormwater Authority, its executive director, Sheila Tucker, told the Los Gatan.
This switch is to highlight their stormwater-pollution-prevention mission.
“This new name better reflects our role in managing stormwater and preventing pollution in local waterways,” Authority Board Chair Dan Furtado stated.
Unlike water providers, the agency focuses on managing and reducing pollution from stormwater runoff to protect local waterways.
Learn more at cleancreeks.org
*With files from Drew Penner
