Court Street Summer Jazz Returns:

We are incredibly thrilled to present the 2019 COURT STREET SUMMER JAZZ, sponsored by the San Luis Obispo Collection. This Jazz series presents some of the finest local jazz groups for your entertainment experience and is curated by the SLO Jazz Festival. The location is again at the Court Street terrace upstairs by Pottery Barn, Chico’s and Sephora. Some seating is provided and lawn chairs are also allowed at this free mall jazz series (please don’t block store entrances, stairways, or the elevator). The series runs every other Saturday from June 8 through September 14, 2019, with each show from 12:30pm - 2:30pm.
Featured groups include phenomenal original contemporary jazz by Joe Duran Group; The SLO Four comprised of standout college students; Judith & Her Jazz Krewe, bringing New Orleans trad jazz for the first time to Court Street; the always impressive Cuesta Jazz All-Stars, which includes Cuesta Faculty; recent Monterey Jazz Fest local sax hero’s Dave Becker Central Coast All-Stars; award-winning bassist and Cal Poly alumni James Gallardo Trio; G2 Project, pop jazz keyboardist George Garcia is joined by Darrell Voss and Gary Drysdale; then closes out with local all-stars Black Market Trio, led by SLO Jazz Festival’s Founder & Executive Director Scott Andrews, who performs songs from New Orleans to Havana, Cuba.
The series this year is dedicated to prominent local artist John Landon, who passed away this past August. Landon is well-known for his colorful paintings of many local Central Coast establishments, murals, and the artwork for each of the posters and backdrop for SLO JAZZ FESTIVAL. The cover artwork for 2019 Court Street Summer Jazz is by Landon, with poster design by Barry Goyette.
6th Annual SLO Summer Jazz Workshop
STUDENTS: don't miss the opportunity to sign up for the Summer Jazz Workshop! This education experience has grown from 12 students to over 30 students over the past five years. This year special guest instructors include Terry Lawless, keyboardist for the Irish Rock Group, U2; John Worley, Yamaha-endorsed master trumpeter and educator from Stanford University; and Wally Schnalle, drummer often featured in Drum Magazine and the current Director of San Jose Summer Jazz Workshop. The SLO Summer Jazz Workshop is directed by Ron McCarley, Director of Jazz Studies at Cuesta College, and is assisted by Darrell Voss, local educator, drummer, and pianist.
To learn more about this year's special guest instructors, click here.
The SLO Summer Jazz Workshop, a collaborative production with Community Programs, Cuesta Jazz, and SLO Jazz Festival, is now a 5-day performance course aimed at students from Junior High through College. Each student will be instructed as to the role his/her instrument plays in a jazz ensemble. Students will also be instructed in the importance of competence on their instrument as well as how to dress and come across on the bandstand.
Stage presence and team spirit will also be covered as well as how to acquire club dates and how to charge for a performance. In other words, students will be taught how to earn money as a musician if that is what the student so chooses.
This summer’s workshop participants will be divided into two separate groups: “Jazz Master Class” and “Anyone Can Improvise.” The two groups will participate jointly in some exercises, but will have focused time each day for specialized lessons based on their skill level. Please use the information below to help you choose the appropriate group.
DATES: Mon-Fri, July 15 -19, 2019
AGES: 13+
FEE:
- Early Bird (until 5/31)- $175
- Regular (starting 6/01) - $250
INSTRUCTOR: Ron McCarley, Director, Darrell Voss, assistant educator.
QUESTIONS: Contact instructor [email protected] or 805-459-6939
Anyone Can Improvise – Register Online
- Great for anyone who plays an instrument and has played some jazz
- Best to have some music reading skills
- All ages welcome
The Jazz Master Class – Register Online
- Can improvise in multiple keys
- Some prior experience with gigging and reading changes
- Great for the career minded
NOTE: We've had students in their 60's sign up for this workshop, don't let age deter you from experiencing the opportunity to grow your jazz chops - we welcome all ages!
Other Jazz Happenings This Summer:
The biggest jazz show coming to town in the near future is TROMBONE SHORTY
July 9, 2019 - Fremont Theater doors 8PM show 9PM - tickets here
Tracy Morgan Jazz Jam
Every other Sunday - (call 805-225-1312 for schedule) Tracy Morgan's Jazz Jam happens at The Siren in Morro Bay. They usually get going around 4 and go through to 7 PM. This jam includes songs performed by Tracy Morgan Group. Along with their standard jazz tunes, jammers will mix things up and often include some R & B and a little funk. It's always a fun jam and well-attended the times we've been able to make it. The next jam occurs June 16, 2019.
D'Anbino Cellars - Blues Jams I didn't find any jazz at D'Ambino Cellars; however, they do have some Blues Jams as well as an upcoming concert by Dirty Cello, who we highly recommend. Information at: http://danbino.com
Jazz Fed Jazz Jam at Linnea's is EVERY OTHER TUESDAY. Usually goes from about 7 - 9:00PM. On break until the Fall Semester returns.
The Famous Jazz Artist Series At The Harmony Cafe
Two Performances - 4:00 & 7:00pm AT $20 per person
Reservations CALL 805-927-0179
Cal Poly - Cal Poly doesn't have anything published as they break for their summer schedule.
Cuesta College - Cuesta doesn't have anything as they break for the summer but their schedule gets quite busy - check it out - Cuesta just concluded their "COMBOPALOOZA" this last week.
Seaventure Jazz - Of course, every Wednesday at the Seaventure in Pismo Beach .
They have Jazz, usually from about 7PM - 9PM.
Madonna Inn - Madonna Inn has a variety of Big Band and Swing bands, usually quite good, among the best on the Central Coast. They publish their rotating schedule here.
Mee Heng Low Jazz
Jazz at Mee Heng Low Noodle House on Palm Street in SLO - Gypsy Jazz is the name of the game, although I've also seen Ray Chang Band here on Friday nights. They also often have jazz on Wednesdays and Craig Dingman performs Thursdays.
Call (805) 594-1500 for details.
Other spots around town featuring jazz on occasion:
La Cosecha restaurant in Paso Robles
Wineries - check each band and wineries calendar, there's far too much going on to list! (Yes, this is one of the best not-so-well-kept secrets of the Central Coast Jazz Scene.
Basin Street Regulars (Pismo Vets Hall last Sunday of the month from 11 - 4PM includes featured local band, regional band, and jammers until about 1PM).