Aug 22, 200705:55 PMThe Life

Jazz in the Pines 2007

Cool jazz with cool breezes in a beautiful pine meadow, that’s the setting for a super weekend in the mountain village of Idyllwild, home of Idyllwild Arts Academy. Jazz in the Pines is produced by The Associates of the Idyllwild Arts Foundation to benefit the Academy.

Founded in 1986, it is the finest high school in the country for the pre-professional study of creative writing, dance, film and video, music, theater, and visual arts. Its students are powered by talent and driven by dreams as they are nurtured by a faculty of dedicated educators and seasoned professionals.

This 14th annual festival brings together some of the greatest jazz musicians in the country and this year’s headliners are Rick Braun and Peter White, along with the incomparable Yve Evans (pictured), Charles McPherson, The Bolivar Brothers, Catarina New, and the legendary bassist Marshall Hawkins, a member of the prestigious faculty. There are 28 acts on three stages for continuous music over the two-day event. The main stage is in the idyllic meadow shaded by billowing parachutes, the French Quarter, and Stevens Recital Hall.

Recording artist Rick Braun topped the contemporary jazz charts for 13 weeks with his third album Beat Street and shattered records with his Body and Soul staying 28 consecutive weeks in the Top 15 on the Billboard charts, yielding a Number 1 hit single Notorious. He has worked as a sideman touring with Rickie Lee Jones, Rod Stewart, Tina Turner, Glenn Frey, and Natalie Cole.

Smooth jazz guitar great Peter White was inspired by the English group Acoustic Alchemy. His first release was Reveillez-Vous, titled in honor of his French mother, Gilberte. His latest release is Playing Favorites and features classic songs from the seventies with guest artists Bob James, Jeffrey Osborne, Richard Elliot, Jonathan Butler, and Boney James.

Along with all this jazz are great food and libations, world-class art, sculptures, jazz memorabilia, Jazz in the Pines collector items, and many artisans from throughout Southern California. Beer, wine by the glass or bottle, margaritas and food concessions are available for sale.

And added this year, a Saturday Night Barbecue & Jazz Jam in the Nelson Dining Hall on campus at 5:30 p.m. after the final performance. Tickets are $20 including dinner and entertainment, featuring Harry Pickens, Marshall Hawkins, Harold Mason, and many more.

Gates open to the concert pavilion at 10:30 a.m. both days and music begins at 11:30 a.m. with continuous music at all venues until 5:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $55 per day, $100 if both days are purchased together. All parking is free with shuttles running continuously from the center of town and clearly designated lots.

Located at 52-500 Temecula Road, Idyllwild, CA. For more information on how you can support the Idyllwild Arts Foundation, call 951-659-2171, ext. 2330 or visit www.idyllwildarts.org.