Get a head start on summer when Temecula’s
Summerfest, featuring live entertainment all summer long, launches June
1. If jazz suits your style, you won’t have to look far in Temecula
Valley Southern California Wine Country to enjoy its syncopated rhythms
on soft evenings under the stars.
Thornton Winery’s Champagne Jazz Series is in
its 28th year, bringing artists like Mindi Abair, George Benson, Chris
Botti, Brian Culbertson, Kenny G, Al Jarreau, Dave Koz, Keiko Matsui,
and Jeffrey Osborne to its elegant patio setting. Guests can enjoy a
gourmet supper or a glass of wine as they savor the sound of smooth jazz
while watching the sun set over the vine-covered hillsides. Check
thorntonwine.com for the performer lineup and ticket options. Tickets
typically range from about $65 to $85, or double that if you include
supper from Cafe Champagne, Thornton's restaurant. You'll need to
reserve in advance, as tickets often sell out for this popular series.
Pechanga Resort & Casino is now offering a
new entertainment schedule to include “Jazz in the Cellar” every Friday
from 9pm-2am. “Jazz in the Cellar” will feature live bands playing
contemporary Jazz, R&B and a touch of blues. Cover price is $10 per
person. See pechanga.com for a current list of entertainment.
You can find weekly Thursday jazz sessions at
“The Merc,” a cozy historic spot in Old Town Temecula now home to
straight-ahead jazz hosted by singer Sherry Williams. Jazz acts like
Steve Torak Quartet June 9 and Lou Forestieri Trio June 23 grace the
stage at what was originally the "Mercantile" commercial building.
Williams herself performs now and then. ”At each performance, my
delivery is a little different,” Williams notes, given the
improvisational nature of jazz and depending on the mood and the moment.
“I've been moved by the love the listeners give the performers and how
the artists respond by taking it up yet another notch.”
She enjoys the feel of a local jazz joint.
“You get to meet your neighbors and friends, drink the local wine, trade
jazz stories, solve the problems of the world.... well, sometimes.”
Check out the schedule at temeculatheater.org. Tickets are $15.
At Ponte Winery’s Cellar Lounge, live music is
featured several nights a week, including Wednesday and Friday. Often
featuring jazz duos, the downstairs has a vibe reminiscent of European
jazz clubs, and the wide assortment of wines adds to that flavor.
Besides his own wines and several made by neighboring vineyards, owner
Claudio Ponte pours intriguing lesser-known European wines like Albarino
and Frappato. See pontewinery.com for a schedule of performers.
Lorimar Winery has music by jazz artists and
other performers at both its Old Town and Wine Country locations. Owners
Lawrie Lipton and Mark Manfield are such music fans they've even given
their wines names like Nocturne and Quintet, as you can see at
lorimarwinery.com.
Several other wineries also feature an
assortment of jazz concerts, including local performers like
British-born jazz saxophonist Naomi Balcombe or violinist Diego
Mondragon, whose Latin and gypsy jazz stylings add zest to numerous
events. Mondragon often serenades guests at Carter Estate Winery's
"After Hours" gatherings from 6 to 9 p.m. Fridays. See
carterestatewinery for details. Jazz sax specialist Jason Weber also
plays at various wineries, including Foot Path and Leoness. Check
jasonweber.net for his jazz gigs.
Local jazzman Michael Paulo, a sax player and
music producer, says the musical genre is more fun than ever. “Jazz
incorporates more R&B rhythm, it’s more upbeat, more lively and more
recognizable.”
He appears at venues like South Coast Winery
& Resort, and sees the Temecula Valley becoming better known for
entertainment and relaxation. “With new hotels opening up, and new
events in the community more and more people are aware of Temecula
Valley as a destination.”
While he’s played large jazz festivals, he and
his fellow musicians enjoy intimate musical events in serene settings
like Temecula Valley resorts. “At smaller venues you get to meet your
fans and talk to them,” he says. “We appreciate that a lot—that’s what
it’s all about.”
Summerfest continues through Labor Day. If
you'd like to spend a night or two, find out more about lodging, dining
and events by checking visittemeculavalley.com.
About Visit Temecula Valley
Visit Temecula Valley is the official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors in the Temecula Valley Southern California region. The Temecula Hotel Tourism Improvement District is the primary source of funding for Visit Temecula Valley activities and programs. Additional funding is provided through alliances with visitor-serving partners throughout Temecula Valley.
Visit Temecula Valley is the official tourism marketing organization and resource for visitors in the Temecula Valley Southern California region. The Temecula Hotel Tourism Improvement District is the primary source of funding for Visit Temecula Valley activities and programs. Additional funding is provided through alliances with visitor-serving partners throughout Temecula Valley.
Visit Temecula Valley is online at
VisitTemeculaValley.com. The Temecula Valley Visitors Center is located
in Downtown, Old Town Temecula (Third Street and Mercedes) adjacent the
Old Town Temecula Parking Garage. For visitor information and
assistance, please call 888-363-2852 or 951-491-6085.
