Hot nights mean cool jazz this summer at Descanso Gardens.
“The Evolution of American Jazz” concert series on Thursday evenings will feature top local talent performing on the new earthen stage on Descanso’s Main Lawn. Bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic supper (normally not allowed inside the Gardens), and settle back to savor music from some of SoCal’s finest jazz artists.
Concerts run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. through August 12. Concerts are free with admission to the Gardens.
Here’s the lineup:
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June 24: Louie Cruz Beltran (www.louiecruzbeltran.com) traces the roots of Latin jazz though Africa, Cuba and Mexico.
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July 1: Robert Kyle (www.robertkyle.com) plays the Brazilian jazz songbook.
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July 8: Mitchell Long and Cafe Atlantico (www.mitchelllongmusic.com) perform Latin and Brazilian jazz.
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July 15: Reynolds Brothers with Ralf Reynolds (www.reynoldsbrothers.net) perform the classic jazz of Tin Pan Alley.
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July 22: Kenny Sara and The Sounds of New Orleans (http://www.kkaremusic.com) perform blues, jazz and gospel with a Big Easy feel.
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July29: Kristin Korb (www.kristinkorb.com) plays “California cool” jazz.
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Aug. 5: Elliott Caine presents East Coast, be-bop inspired jazz.
- Aug. 12: Willie McNeil (www.williemcneilmusic.com) performs straight-ahead jazz with pop and rock influences.
(Note: The Pasadena Pops have moved their summer concert series to a new location. Information: www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org)
