Aug 21, 200911:27 AMThe Life

Hot Jazz in the Cool Pines

The 16TH Annual Idyllwild Jazz in the Pines is almost here, get your tickets now and plan a leisurely jaunt to the campus of Idyllwild Arts and enjoy some of the top jazz artists in the country for two glorious days under swaying parachute cover in the grassy meadow and other venues on the festival grounds.

The festival runs on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., gates open at 10 a.m.  There are plenty of charming accommodation and a host of fine restaurants in the village to make it a pleasure to enjoy both days.

Saturday’s headliner is Saxophonist Mindi Abair, who is a star in the contemporary jazz world and her CD was named the #1 most played Contemporary Jazz CD 9f 2003 by Jazz Week Magazine. She has toured with Mandy Moore, Josh Grobin, and opened for Duran Duran on their recent comeback tour. Her 2009 tour is with jazz guitarist Peter White.

Saturday’s scheduled performers: Charles McPherson, Idyllwild Arts Academy alumni Graham Dechter Quartet and Andy Fraga Jr. Quintet, NAJA (North Atlantic Jazz Alliance), Pat Rizzo featuring Pat Tuzzolino, Najite Agindotan African Ensemble, Harry Pickens, Peter Sprague String Consort, Allison Adams Tucker, Change Required, FLO, Chuck Alvarez, and Greg Jones.

Sunday’s headliners are Sheila E., Pete Escovedo & the E. Family Project. Pete leads one of the top orchestras in the country featuring their own unique brand of Latin Jazz. Daughter Sheila E, joins the family for a great rhythm sound on drums and vocals. She has performed with Ringo Starr, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Lionel Ritchie, and Diana Ross, among others. Juan Escovedo on congas and vocals, youngest son Emmy-nominated Peter Michael, who also assists in leading the band is electrifying on bongos, drums and vocals. You can’t sit still while they are on stage.

Sunday’s scheduled performers: Firm Foundation, Seahawk Orchestra featuring The Three Divas, Sherry Williams, Yve Evans, and Debbie Voltura, Dan St. Marseille, Henry Franklin, Straightjackets, Yve Evans and Company, Ruby and the Red Hots, Kharma Dogs, Mike Rider & The M80s, and Skeleton Crew.

Regular festivalgoers will recognize many of their favorites and become fans of the newcomers. Along with the great music in the Meadow, The French Quarter, and Stephens Recital Hall there is great food, wine and beer at all three venues, and many fine arts and crafts booths featuring outstanding works by California artisans.

Special events are the Patrons Dinner Dance on Friday, August 28 and the Saturday Night BBQ Jam, both held in Nelson Hall.

The festival raises scholarship funds for Idyllwild Arts Academy and the Summer Program, as well as promoting the American Art Form — Jazz.

Idyllwild is located in the San Jacinto Mountains, on Highway 243, just two hours from Los Angeles or San Diego and just one hour from Palm Springs or Palm Desert. 243 is accessible from Interstate 10 at Banning or off Highway 74 from Hemet or Palm Desert.

Tickets are $65 per day, children under 12 free with parent, and available by calling 1-951-500-4090 or visit www.idyllwildjazz.com. For more details go online