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News & Features
From the Idyllwild Town Crier weekly newspaper, 05.08.08 edition.
Ritenour; Koz head jazz fest
By J.P. Crumrine, Assistant Editor
The headline acts for the 15th-annual Jazz in the Pines festival were
announced last week. Renowned jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour will appear
Saturday afternoon, Aug. 23. After a Sunday morning of new sounds, such
as gospel, Dave Koz, smooth jazz saxophonist, will perform the
afternoon of Aug. 24.
Both artists are from Southern California and are well-known throughout
the world jazz community. While both headliners offer the very popular
smooth jazz genre, Jazz in the Pines Executive Director Jeff Hocker
promises a multitude of jazz genres.
Music Director Marshall Hawkins is more than willing to accommodate
Hocker’s expectations. The Seahawk Orchestra will be back at the
festival, probably bringing many of its well-known and unique
accompanists.
But other familiar names in the straight jazz world will also return to
Holmes Amphitheatre. Two of the local favorites are pianist Harry
Pickens and jazz singer Yves Evans.
Ritenour is no stranger to Idyllwild. He performed at both the 1999 and
2004 Jazz in the Pines. And he has filled smaller venues, such as Two
Babes in the Woods. A close friend and associate of local jazz
keyboardist Barnaby Finch, Ritenour is very popular on the Hill.
Ritenour has been engaging audiences since he first played with the
Mamas and the Papas. In the early 1990s, he was a founding member of
Fourplay. He has earned multiple Grammy nominations and awards.
Dave Koz is making his first appearance at the festival, but Koz, who
has a Saturday morning program on 94.7 FM, the WAVE, is frequently
invited into local homes to perform and teach music. He also has
appeared at small, private occasions in town.
Koz has been performing for more than two decades. He has played with
many jazz musicians and groups, such as Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles,
Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, U2 and Luther Vandros. This spring, he
appeared with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center.
Hawkins is planning a special program this year. The Associates of
Idyllwild Arts produce the festival and donate the proceeds to the
school’s scholarship fund. Hawkins has arranged for five separate
alumni groups to perform this year.
“A demonstration of the value of the scholarship and what we get for
the investment,” Hawkins said. “It helps to see great kids and where
the money is going.”
Tickets for the Aug. 23 and 24 Jazz in the Pines can be purchased
online at www.idyllwildjazz.com. Before July 31, Idyllwild residents
may purchase tickets for $50. General admission is $55 and a Saturday
and Sunday package is $110. After July 31, general admission prices
will be $60 each day. Friday’s Patron’s Dinner and Saturday’s Barbecue
Dinner are separately priced at $235 and $20 per person, respectively.
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