Long Beach Jazz Festival

That end-of-summer tradition in Long Beach is fast approaching. The “City By The Sea” becomes a mecca for jazz lovers, beginning Thursday night, Sept. 10, when the Long Beach Jazz festival, now in its seventh year, takes center stage. A world class cadre of musicians gather at Long Beach Public library, and other venues, for four days devoted to jazz in all its forms.
This year’s Long Beach Jazz Festival has an international flavor. “I’m most proud of our roster of international stars who represent all genres of creative music,” said Steve Adelson, the festiva’'s longtime producer. “I’m honored to present such artists as Oz Noy, from Israel, Edmar Castaneda, of Bogata, Columnia and Nydia Mata, from Cuba. This fraternity of musicians speaks the same language: the language of jazz.”
Adelson emphasized that the public should come out to be entertained by these special artists. “You're not coming out to support the arts, you’re coming out to have a great time.”
The 2009 edition of the festival presents a wide variety of styles and varied ensembles. “We have harp players, tap dancers, stick players, washboard musicians, and, of course, the traditional instruments like piano, guitar, keyboards, and horns,” Adelson said.
And it remains free. “Where else can you go to hear some of the best musicians in the world over a four day period free of charge?” Adelson asked. “We greatly appreciate all the support we receive from our local sponsors, which enables use to continue offering this important community event. Each year the excitement and anticipation continues to rise to new levels throughout the area. There’s a buzz on the street.”

In addition to his Jazz Festival duties, Adelson traveles the world performing on his unique Chapman Stick, a revolutionary 12-string instrument that enables the player to perform multiple parts simultaneously by using a tapping technique. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the invention of Emmett Chapman’s stick.
Adelson will perform Saturday afternoon, in the auditorium of Long Beach Public Library with an all-star band. The group includes Chieli Minucci, Rachel Z, Bryan Carrott, and David Langlois, with special guest Andrew Nemr. When not involved with the Long Beach Jazz Festival, Adelson continues to perform at local restaurants and is involved in numerous other projects.
The Long Beach Public Library remains the festival’s principal venue. “The library has been very gracious in opening their auditorium to present this music free to the public,” said Adelson. “They have also been a major sponsor and an advocate of our cultural weekend. I thank the library board for their continued support. The library has become a hub of artistic endeavors.”
Adelson expects more than 3,000 people to attend over the four days. During that


period over 24 acts will play 24 sets of music in the many venues throughout the city. In addition to Long Beach Public Library, locations include Kennedy Plaza by City Hall, Monterey (formerly Corbin & Reynold’s), Lola’s Winebar, George Martin’s Coastal Grill, Nick Diangelo, and the Long Beach Historical Society. The Festival continues to be a mix of musicians who have become audience favorites and those who are performing here for the first time.
New York’s Finest, a 20 piece Big Band composed of members of the New York City Police Department, will once again kick off the event, on Thursday, Sept. 10. Rounding out the opening night at Kennedy Plaza will be the legendary Kerry Kearney Blues Band.
Other featured artists include Oz Noy, who is one of the most innovative guitarists to emerge in the last 20 years. He will be performing with Anton Fig, the drummer on the Late Show With David Letterman.
Another first will be Alex Fox, a jazz flamenco guitar player from Argentina. He will be playing with local musician Bernard Soto. Soto is a founding member of Primo, Long Beach’s famed band. Primo will perform on Sunday.
The trio version of Special EFX makes a return visit on Saturday. The group features Chieli Minucci.
Adelson is encouraged by the increased contributions from local sponsors. “Despite the economic downturn, all of our previous sponsors have returned and we have found new sources of support. I look forward to a successful festival. I invite the public to come down and experience the joy of this event. It’s about having a good time.”

Long Beach Jazz Festival Locations

Long Beach Public Library
111 West Park Ave.
(516) 431-7201

Monterey
20 W. Park Ave.
(516) 208-8992

Nick Diangelo
152 West Park Ave.
(516) 889-3366

Lola’s
180 West Park Ave.
(516) 431-0044

George Martin's Coastal Grill
40 East Park Ave.
(516) 432-2690

Long Beach Historical Society Museum
226 West Penn St.
(516) 432-1192

Schedule subject to change. For further information, visit www.longbeach
jazzfest.com.