‘THERE’S NOTHING LIKE IT.’ JAZZ AT PINECREST SERIES RETURNS WITH IN-PERSON CONCERTS
Back for its 12th season, the jazz series at Pinecrest Gardens is a pandemic survivor.
Last year’s concerts were highly produced virtual experiences, with artists onstage at the park, and audiences scattered across the globe. This year, music lovers can return to the Banyan Bowl amphitheater in the lush gardens south of Miami to enjoy eight shows, starting Saturday, Oct. 16.
“Given the strange circumstances of the past year and a half, we can call this season ‘South Motors Jazz at Pinecrest Gardens: We’ve Survived, We’re Back and We’re Better Than Ever,’ ” said Pinecrest Gardens Director Alana Perez. “We are so excited to see our Banyan Bowl come to life.”
The latest edition boasts quite the lineup, including The Max Weinberg Quintet, which kicks off the series, as well as The Count Basie Orchestra, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and trumpeter Arturo Sandoval.
Vocalist Ashley Pezzotti, who grew up in Plantation and graduated from the University of Miami’s Frost
School of Music, performed last year and is set to return on Feb. 12 with the South Florida Jazz Orchestra.
“It’s like nothing else to play where you were raised,” Pezzotti said. “I had a great time performing [last year] because, you know, there were no performances.”
Of course, she has missed the energy and interaction of singing before an in-person audience.
“I’m super-appreciative of the opportunity to make music for a live audience. I don’t take that lightly, and there’s nothing like it,” she said.
Perez is happy to have her back. “We wanted her back live onstage,” Perez said. “She was wonderful.”
The complete schedule is as follows:
Oct. 16 — The Max Weinberg Quintet
The name may be more familiar to rock fans than jazzheads, as Max Weinberg was for years the drummer in Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Weinberg also was known as the bandleader for “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien.” A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Weinberg has a group featuring jazz musicians of the caliber of pianist David Kikoski and bassist Cameron
Brown. They focus on mid-1960s hard bop.
Nov. 13 — Bob James
Another storied musician, smooth jazz progenitor Bob James was discovered by the legendary Quincy Jones in 1963. Among his many accomplishments, including winning a couple of Grammy Awards, James is known as the composer of “Angela,” which was the theme song of the TV show, “Taxi.” James also founded the smooth jazz group, Fourplay. His music has been sampled by artists including De la Soul and Redman.
Dec. 18 — The Count Basie Orchestra
The big band marked its 85th anniversary last year, still going strong after the 1984 death of its namesake founder in Hollywood, Fla. It’s led today by Scotty Barnhart, a trumpeter and associate professor at Florida State University, and features guest vocalist Carmen Bradford. The orchestra released its latest album, “Live at Birdland,” in September 2021.
Jan. 15, 2022 — Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra
Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra will start off the new year playing old-school jazz in celebration of the musical heritage of New Orleans. Along with his late father, Ellis, and brothers Branford, Wynton and Jason, Marsalis was named an NEA Jazz Master, the nation’s highest honor for jazz musicians. One of his latest accomplishments is music for the audio drama, “Shadow/Land,” about a mother and daughter selling their family hotel in New Orleans as Hurricane Katrina closes in.
Feb. 12, 2022 — Ashley Pezzotti and the South Florida Jazz Orchestra
Feb. 26, 2022 — Tito Puente Jr. and his Latin Jazz Ensemble
Following Pezzotti’s performance on Feb. 12, there will be a second February concert. Tito Puente Jr. and his Latin Jazz Ensemb in what’s billed as a speci tion. Son of the late Latin legend, he strives to keep memory and music alive. Feb. 26 show is meant to renowned singer Celia Cr vocalist Melina Almodova
March 12, 2022 — The zarelli Trio
John Pizzarelli specializ American Songbook tune rist like his late father, Bu relli, he has released three celebrating the singer and Nat King Cole, most recen Centennial Reasons” in 2 April 9, 2022 — Arturo Jazz musician Arturo Sa returns to South Florida to the series. Famed for his a
with bebop legend Dizzy Gillespie and his escape from his native Cuba, Sandoval has even been the subject of a 2000 movie, “For Love or Country,” in which he was portrayed by Andy Garcia. Winner of Grammy, Emmy and Billboard awards, the trumpeter also has written music for films.
PINECREST GARDENS’ SOUTH MOTORS JAZZ SERIES
WHEN: Starts 8 p.m. Oct. 16, then continues monthly — with two in February — through April 9, 2022
WHERE: Pinecrest Gardens’ Banyan Bowl, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest
COST: Single tickets start at $45 (plus $5 service fee) and full subscriptions start at $215 (plus $10 service fee). Purchase them at the website below, or call 305-6696990 for a series subscription or 305-350-0765 for single tickets.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS: Masks must be worn in the Banyan Bowl. There will also be a COVID-19 canine detection team on duty; rapid tests will be administered if needed.
INFORMATION: pinecrestgardens.org
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