Jazz on the Plazz will salute Sinatra
Musicians to offer different approaches to singer’s style
The sounds of “Old Blue Eyes” will be heard floating through downtown Los Gatos in a couple of months because the theme for this year’s Jazz on the Plazz concert series is “The Summer of Frank: A Celebration of All Things Sinatra.”
“Three years ago we started doing themes,” Jazz on the Plazz producer Michael Jacobi said. “This year marks Sinatra’s 100th birthday, so we’re dedicating the season to him. Each performer will open their second set with Sinatra. Expect to hear different approaches to Sinatra’s style, including strings and bebop.”
Jacobi plans to regale concert-goers with Sinatra stories, too.
“There’s a great anecdote about the time he went to the Stork Club (in New York) with Lena Horne when it was still segregated,” Jacobi said. “The maitre d’ asked Sinatra who made his reservation, and he said, ‘Lincoln.’ ”
Jazz on the Plazz opens June 24 with the International String Trio featuring Leah Zegar.
The Mark Masters Ensemble and Sue Raney perform July 1.
Claudia Villela follows on July 8, Mad Tolling with Claire Dee take the stage July 8 and Giacomo Gates performs on July 22.
The Four Freshmen come to town July 28 for the Jazz fundraising gala. They’ll perform on the downtown jazz stage July 29.
“Blue Wednesday” is Aug. 5, featuring Tony Lindsey and the Ray Charles Project.
Next up on Aug. 12 is Bria Skonberg. “She’s a trumpet player and vocalist who’s been described as a cross between Doris Day and Louis Armstrong,” Jacobi said.
The Monterey Jazz Festival High School All-Stars perform Aug. 19 and Spencer Day with Full Spectrum Jazz close out the season on Aug. 26.
Jazz on the Plazz concerts are free to the public and begin Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Plaza, corner of Main Street and N. Santa Cruz Avenue.
The Jazz on the Plazz and Music in the Park concert series are produced by the nonprofit organization Los Gatos Music & Arts, which funds art and music education programs in local schools.
The lineup for the free Music in the Park summer concert series has also been announced.
The first concert is June 21, featuring the popular Los Gatos-based rock group The Hitmen.
Brazilian music comes to the stage on June 28 with SambaDa, followed by bluegrass performers Sidesaddle and Company on July 5 and the Celtic rock group Tempest on July 12.
The Doobie Brothers Tribute Band Long Train Runnin’ will be in town July 19 and the Carolyn Sills Combo performs Western swing on July 26.
Get ready for some “Good Vibrations” on Aug. 2 because Mike Amaral’s California Beach Boys will be on the MIP stage that day.
There is no concert Aug. 9 because the Fiesta de Artes art and wine show is that weekend.
Two more popular tribute bands are headed our way, with Journey Revisited scheduled to perform Aug. 16 and Caravanserai performing Santana favorites on Aug. 23.
The MIP season closes Aug. 30 with funk and soul performers Sage.
Music in the Park concerts are held Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Los Gatos Civic Center’s front lawn at 110 E. Main St.
“This year marks Sinatra’s 100th birthday, so we’re dedicating the season to him. Each performer will open their second set with Sinatra. Expect to hear different approaches to Sinatra’s style, including strings and bebop.”
— Michael Jacobi, producer, Jazz on the Plazz