There they were, on stage Sunday night at the 49th annual Monterey Jazz Festival, three all-time great jazz pianists Oscar Peterson, Dave Brubeck and Hank Jones being honored before a sell-out crowd. Besides celebrating established jazz giants, the three-day festival presented some of the world’s best young musicians, playing mainstream as well as smooth, blues and cutting-edge jazz in four venues on the Monterey fairgrounds. More good news this year--the MJF set an all-time record of 43,000,

It seems like everyone fans and musicians become part of one big happy family at the twice-yearly jazz parties thrown by Joe Rothman and John McClure in Orange County. That’s the feeling we got at the 6th Annual Newport Beach Jazz Party this past President’s Day weekend. It was held, as usual, at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel. This year’s event, incidentally, Concluding with a Count Basie tribute, set an attendance record. For fans, many of whom attend every party, it’s like going home for

At the Monterey Jazz Festival there is always something to please all types of jazz lovers. Whether your taste is mainstream or cutting edge, contemporary or the blues, small groups or large bands, you can take your choice. In addition, you can hear a famous jazz veteran or check out up-and-coming young talent. They are all there to be seen in several venues over three days and nights packed with music. This year, September 16-18, a record crowd of 40,000 attested to the fact that, in its 48t

Jazz season at the Orange County Performing Arts Center begins this month. The schedule includes international jazz stars, such as Chick Corea, Gary Burton, Branford Marsalis and Terrence Blanchard, as well as up and comers Sara Gazarek and Sachal Vasandani and highly respected veterans bill Charlap and Freddie Cole. A special tribute to blues legend Robert Johnson is included. Performances will be held in both the large Segerstrom Concert Hall and the intimate Samueli Theater. Vocalists S

West Coast Jazz Party promoters Joe Rothman and John McClure announce a Sunset Jazz Summer Series at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel. Featuring such renowned stars as drummer Jeff Hamilton, saxophonist Houston Person and trumpeter Byron Stripling, concerts take place each Wednesday evening, beginning July 7 though Aug. 25. Events will take place in the Marriott's outdoor Rose garden, with two sets scheduled at 6 p.m. and 7:30. Kicking off the series, July 7, will be the Jeff Hamilton Tr