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The Desert Jazz Festival
THE DESERT JAZZ FESTIVAL
This is an Exclusive Limited Capacity Event.



LIMITED AMOUNT OF CONCERT PACKAGES ONLY!
We are offering a small amount of concert packages only which include Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday morning’s gospel hour. These will only be available until September 15 or at sell-out. Discounted pricing offered at $399.00 per person.

Sept 28 - Oct 1, 2023

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Three Nights and Four Days of Luxury Accommodations at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
  • 7 Concerts and Other Special Entertainment Events
  • Thursday Night - Welcome Reception: Appetizers + 2 Drinks Provided - Cash Bar Open
  • Friday - Golf Hosted By Jonathan Butler (Excursion #1)**
  • $100 Food/Beverage Credit Per Person
  • Friday Night - Campfire Barbecue Dinner - Cash Bar Open
  • Saturday Night - Taste of the Desert Dinner - Cash Bar
  • Sunday - Gospel Hour
*Taxes & tips are not included
**Green fees and carts are an additional cost

EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS

  • Resort charge of $37, per day waived
  • Resort self-parking fee waived
  • Valet parking discounted rate of $10
  • 20% off spa pricing
  • 20% off golf pricing
  • Rate offered for Pre and post rooms – subject to availability.
  • Two-hour bike rental per stay for two guests
  • Instructor led 10-minute group wellness activity.
  • Access to Little Link Golf Course
  • Access to workout fitness studio
  • Premium WI-FI in guestrooms

ARTISTS


ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS


    • Date
    • Event
    • Time
  • Date
    9/28/2023
    Event
    THURSDAY - WELCOME EVENT - THE BACKYARD MASTERS PLAZA
    Time
    6:30 PM
  • Date
    9/28/2023
    Event
    THURSDAY - The Believers (45 minutes) - THE BACKYARD MASTERS PLAZA
    Time
    7:00 PM
  • Date
    9/28/2023
    Event
    THURSDAY - Adam Hawley (45 minutes) - THE BACKYARD MASTERS PLAZA
    Time
    8:00 PM
  • Date
    9/29/2023
    Event
    FRIDAY MORNING - GOLF WITH JONATHAN BUTLER (EXCURSION #1)
    Time
    7:00 AM
  • Date
    9/29/2023
    Event
    FRIDAY - DJ AT LAS HADAS POOL *This area will be exclusive to our guests
    Time
    11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Date
    9/29/2023
    Event
    DOORS
    Time
    5:30 PM
  • Date
    9/29/2023
    Event
    FRIDAY - DINNER – MASTERS PLAZA
    Time
    6:00 PM
  • Date
    9/29/2023
    Event
    FRIDAY - VINCENT INGALA (45-60 MINUTES) – AMBASSADOR BALLROOM
    Time
    7:00 PM
  • Date
    9/29/2023
    Event
    FRIDAY - ALONZO BODDEN - COMEDIAN (45 MINUTES) – AMBASSADOR BALLROOM
    Time
    8:00 PM
  • Date
    9/29/2023
    Event
    FRIDAY - JONATHAN BUTLER + MARCUS MILLER (120 MINUTES) –AMBASSADOR BALLROOM
    Time
    9:00 PM
  • Date
    9/29/2023
    Event
    FRIDAY - ALL-STAR JAM – AMBASSADOR BALLROOM
    Time
    11:00 PM
  • Date
    9/30/2023
    Event
    SATURDAY - DJ AT LAS HADAS POOL *This area will be exclusive to our guests
    Time
    11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Date
    9/30/2023
    Event
    DOORS
    Time
    5:30 PM
  • Date
    9/30/2023
    Event
    SATURDAY - DINNER - AMBASSADOR BALLROOM
    Time
    6:00 PM
  • Date
    9/30/2023
    Event
    SATURDAY - CINDY BRADLEY (60 MINUTES) – AMBASSADOR BALLROOM
    Time
    7:00 PM
  • Date
    9/30/2023
    Event
    SATURDAY - REBECCA JADE (60 MINUTES) – AMBASSADOR BALLROOM
    Time
    8:00 PM
  • Date
    9/30/2023
    Event
    SATURDAY - CANDY DULFER (75 MINUTES) – AMBASSADOR BALLROOM
    Time
    9:00 PM
  • Date
    9/30/2023
    Event
    SATURDAY - ALL-STAR JAM – AMBASSADOR BALLROOM
    Time
    10:30 PM
  • Date
    10/01/2023
    Event
    SUNDAY MORNING - GOSPEL HOUR WITH JONATHAN BUTLER + FRIENDS – AMBASSADOR BALLROOM
    Time
    10:30 AM


The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa sits on 360 acres in the Greater Palm Springs area. Our redesigned resort features the new Backyard Experience with a celebrity chef-inspired outdoor kitchen, perfect for groups and highlights the surrounding mountains as well as the resort’s golf course. Golfers of all levels can enjoy the Pete Dye designed championship course named one of the Top 50 Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Digest. Take a splash in our newly renovated Las Brisas pool featuring dual waterslides. Enjoy dinner at Pinzimini, cocktails at Fireside Lounge or a family-friendly setting at Pinz & Pints featuring duck pin bowling. Begin your day at the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio or recharge in the exclusive HaloIR™ sauna at our onsite spa. Meet for a conference or social event in over 129,000 sq. ft. of meeting space with flexible outdoor and indoor venues. End the day in one of our guest rooms for a deep sleep on a Westin Heavenly Bed®. Paradise is personal – yours awaits.



EXPERIENCES

Rated one of the Top 50 Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Digest, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa offers a championship 18-hole course surrounded by the Santa Rosa Mountains, perfect for all skill levels. During your stay, swim and play at our newly renovated pools and dual waterslides or pick up a new skill and take a pickle ball lesson. In the evenings, guest can enjoy outdoor live entertainment with an intimate jazz concert. No matter what experience you are looking for, you can find it at our Southern California resort.



GOLF

GOLF

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa is truly a golfer’s dream. Our resort features a “must play” Pete Dye Course, notorious for its picturesque panoramic views of Rancho Mirage. It plays to 6,706 yards at a par 70. Set among beautiful rolling hills it offers spectacular sights of the surrounding desert mountains and includes Dye’s legendary trademark carries over water. The course is playable for all levels and is described by some as potentially diabolical, yet indescribably playable.

SPA

SPA

Set amongst calming desert scenery, The Spa at The Westin Rancho Mirage, invites you to “get back to your best self.” Soothing scents fill the air and earthy tones create a tranquil spa environment. Upon entry, you will be greeted with a sense of calm as our experienced and attentive staff guides you along your spa journey. Engage all 5 senses with the exclusive HaloIR™, the first sauna to offer a synergistic combination of Infrared Saunas and Salt Therapy.

DINING

DINING

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa serves nutritious dishes with fresh ingredients in the desert landscape near Rancho Mirage, CA. Choose from an array of dining options, such as our Italian restaurant Pinzimini, our Fireside Lounge serving tapas and cocktails on our 18-hole golf course or Coffee-ology for quick breakfast sandwiches, pastries and Starbucks® coffee. We also have a take-out restaurant and a poolside eatery at our golf resort.



ACCOMMODATIONS

Enrich your stay in the Coachella Valley at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa. We offer spacious, pet-friendly hotel suites with luxury amenities and stunning views of the mountains and desert landscape around Rancho Mirage. Try our Sleep Well amenities, such as lavender balm and a sleep sound machine before getting in your room's signature Westin Heavenly® Bed.

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

Traditional Guest Room

From
$1,995.00

Per Person Based on Double Occupancy

FEATURES
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

Executive Suite

From
$2,695.00

Per Person Based on Double Occupancy

FEATURES
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa
The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

Presidential Suite

From
$3,595.00 

Per Person Based on Double Occupancy

FEATURES

The Desert Jazz Festival

Sept 28 - Oct 1, 2023




BOOK NOW!




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Traditional Guest Room
Room Features
  • 525sqft/47sqm
  • Air-conditioned
  • This room is non-smoking
  • Connecting rooms are available (for some rooms)
  • Outdoor spaces: balcony (1), patio (1)
Beds and Bedding
Maximum Occupancy: 3
  • 1 King
  • Rollaway beds permitted: 1 at 25.00 USD per stay
  • Cribs permitted: 1
  • Maximum cribs/rollaway beds permitted: 1
  • Pillowtop mattress, and Duvet
Bath and Bathroom Features
  • Shower/Tub combination
  • Double vanities
  • Lighted makeup mirror
  • Hair dryer
  • Robe
Furniture and Furnishings
  • Sofa
  • Alarm Clock
  • Safe, in room, for a fee
  • Desk, writing / work, electrical outlet
  • Iron and ironing board
Food & Beverages
  • Room service, 24-Hour
  • Bottled water, complimentary
  • Coffee maker / tea service
Kitchen Features

  • Mini-refrigerator
Internet and Phones
  • Phones
  • Phone features: cordless phone, voicemail, and speaker phone
  • High speed Internet, for a fee
  • Wireless Internet, for a fee
Entertainment
  • TV features: remote control
  • Plug-In High Tech room
  • Cable/satellite
  • International cable/satellite
  • CNN, ESPN, and HBO
  • Movies, pay-per-view
  • Radio
Executive Suite
Room Features
  • 730sqft/66sqm-900sqft/81sqm
  • Air-conditioned
  • This room is non-smoking
  • Connecting rooms are available (for some rooms)
  • Outdoor spaces: balcony (1), patio (1)
  • Living/sitting area
  • Living room is separated
Beds and Bedding
Maximum Occupancy: 3
  • 1 King
  • Sofa bed
  • Rollaway beds permitted: 1 at 25.00 USD per stay
  • Cribs permitted: 1
  • Maximum cribs/rollaway beds permitted: 1
  • Pillowtop mattress, and Duvet
Bath and Bathroom Features
  • Double vanities
  • Lighted makeup mirror
  • Hair dryer
  • Robe
Furniture and Furnishings
  • Sofa
  • Chair
  • Alarm Clock
  • Safe, in room, for a fee
  • Table with seating for 6
  • Desk, writing / work, electrical outlet
  • Iron and ironing board
Food & Beverages
  • Room service, 24-Hour
  • Bottled water, complimentary
  • Coffee maker / tea service
Kitchen Features

  • Mini-refrigerator
Internet and Phones
  • Phones: 2
  • Phone features: cordless phone, voicemail, and speaker phone
  • High speed Internet, for a fee
  • Wireless Internet, for a fee
Entertainment
  • TV features: remote control
  • TVs: 2
  • Plug-In High Tech room
  • Cable/satellite
  • International cable/satellite
  • CNN, ESPN, and HBO
  • Movies, pay-per-view
  • Radio
  • Netflix
Presidential Suite
Room Features
  • 1200sqft/108sqm-1500sqft/135sqm
  • Air-conditioned
  • Connecting rooms are available (for some rooms)
  • Outdoor spaces: balcony (1), patio (1)
  • Living/sitting area
  • Dining Area
  • Living room is separated
Beds and Bedding
Maximum Occupancy: 3
  • 1 King
  • Sofa bed
  • Rollaway beds permitted: 1 at 25.00 USD per stay
  • Cribs permitted: 1
  • Maximum cribs/rollaway beds permitted: 1
  • Pillowtop mattress, and Duvet
Bath and Bathroom Features
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Bathtub, oversized
  • Shower/Tub combination
  • Double vanities
  • Lighted makeup mirror
  • Hair dryer
  • Robe
Furniture and Furnishings
  • Sofa
  • Chair
  • Alarm Clock
  • Safe, in room, for a fee
  • Table with seating for 8
  • Desk, writing / work, electrical outlet
  • Iron and ironing board
Food & Beverages
  • Room service, 24-Hour
  • Bottled water, complimentary
  • Coffee maker / tea service
Kitchen Features

  • Mini-refrigerator
Internet and Phones
  • Phones: 2
  • Phone features: cordless phone, voicemail, and speaker phone
  • High speed Internet, for a fee
  • Wireless Internet, for a fee
Entertainment
  • TV features: remote control
  • TVs: 2
  • Plug-In High Tech room
  • Cable/satellite
  • International cable/satellite
  • CNN, ESPN, and HBO
  • Movies, pay-per-view
  • Radio
  • Netflix

JONATHAN BUTLER
as Your Host

Jonathan Butler, the youngest of 11 children, was raised amidst Apartheid in Cape Town, South Africa. His amazing talents afforded him the opportunity to prosper nonetheless. Releasing his first album at age 12, he was awarded the South African “Grammy” for Best New Artist. He made history by being the first black artist played on white South African radio while earning three gold records (“Please Stay” went double gold and “I Love How You Love Me” went gold) at 13.  More than a decade later, Jonathan moved to London and released his first album internationally, which went gold. He received Grammy® Award nominations for Best R&B Song for his R&B-pop vocal hit “Lies” and for Best Jazz Song for the instrumental “Going Home.” His genre-busting music earned songwriter’s awards and received abundant airplay in multiple radio formats.  Jonathan’s long-awaited record Ubuntu produced by Marcus Miller was released April 2023.  Jonathan remains a musical icon today in South Africa and around the world.

 

CANDY DULFER

Give the people an invigorating beat, some swanky sax uplift, and watch the pain melt away. That’s the funky stuff Prince’s former top-choice sax player Candy Dulfer and her band specialize in. The groovin’ Dutch singer-songwriter and saxophonist’s latest album, the aptly titled We Never Stop, is a party platter of stanky jams, silken R&B, jazz, and pop-funk. The good times kick off with the single “Jammin’ Tonight” and the very radio friendly “Convergency,” both featuring special guest, Chic guitarist, producer, songwriter, and three-time Grammy Award-winner Nile Rodgers. We Never Stop is a triumph in the wake of the global pandemic and worldwide racial unrest.

“This is a personal album—it’s personal for everyone because we are struggling with many of the same things,” Candy shares. ”The main spirit of this music is to elevate. It feels like it’s never been more important to not let the hurt and pain in the world defeat us. That’s why I called this album, We Never Stop.”

 

Candy is a solo artist, a songwriter, an in-demand instrumentalist, and a co-writer and collaborator who has worked with some of the biggest names in modern music, including Van Morrison, Maceo Parker, Sheila E., Mavis Staples, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Pink Floyd, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Prince, among many others. She first rose to fame with her high-profile collaboration with Dave Stewart on the worldwide number 1 smash “Lily Was Here.”

Her tenure with Prince may be best remembered by his tongue-in-cheek recommendation in the “Partyman” video: “When I want sax, I call Candy.” Their collaboration continued over the years with many studio sessions, TV show appearances, award show performances, including the Grammy Awards, and concert tours around the globe, including Candy joining Prince’s NPG band as a permanent member for his record-shattering Musicology tour and album.

In addition to her superstar collaborations, Candy is a serious lifelong musician with a robust history as a solo artist releasing albums and touring the world for over 35 years. Since her Grammy-nominated debut, 1990’s Saxuality, Candy has issued 12 studio albums. The combined world-wide sales of her solo albums top 2.5 million copies, and she has had several number 1 hits in the USA. In between her solo albums and her high-profile collaborations, Candy still manages to join Dutch female supergroup the Ladies of Soul for their annual sold-out concerts at the massive Amsterdam Ziggo Dome; she is a headline performer on Smooth Jazz Cruises in the USA and Europe; she is an ambassador for the Dutch ALS Foundation; and Candy was a judge on the Dutch version of X Factor.

At the age of 4, Candy’s destiny unfolded before her eyes, watching jazz heavyweight saxophonist Sonny Rollins. Her father, Hans Dulfer, brought her to the show. Hans is a well-known Dutch jazz saxophonist who, when Candy was growing up, surrounded himself with legends such as Archie Shepp, Dexter Gordon, and guitarist John McLaughlin. Candy began playing sax at the age of 6, and started her own band Funky Stuff at the age of 13.

Candy soaked up music and life lessons from her father, and the iconic musicians he worked with, but Candy also boldly discovered her own voice as a songwriter and an instrumentalist, finding a home in contemporary jazz and pop-funk. She has worked hard to become an ar/st on her own terms, inspired by the likes of David Sanborn, Steps Ahead, Marcus Miller, Michael Brecker, Maceo Parker, Cannonball Adderley, percussionist Sheila E. and Janet Jackson. I wanted to be Janet Jackson but then with a saxophone entertaining and at the same time musically giving”

We Never Stop features vocals from Candy’s rainbow family of a band with lyrics informed by band dialogues and the culture and health crises of the past two years. These include the toll of the pandemic on the music communities and the race horrors that have galvanized a global Black Lives Matter movement. The album bursts open with “Yeah Yeah Yeah,” a percolating dose of vintage funk that recalls P-Funk, Prince, and Average White Band with a feisty outro sax solo.

Legendary Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers (Madonna, David Bowie, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga) appears on the singles “Jammin’ Tonight” and “Convergency.” “Jammin’ Tonight,” is a bold injection of party pop-funk with a slick jazz overlay that recalls Nile’s 1970’s “Good Times” finery. Here, Candy blows some euphoric jazz-tinged solos, and you can hear pain and struggle melt away in her lyrical virtuosity. The album’s title track funks in the face of adversity. It’s Candy’s salute to all the musicians who have had their livelihoods leveled in the wake of the pandemic—this is a funky as hell anthem of resilience. “Convergency” is a dizzyingly romantic R&B instrumental ballad with jeweled melodic sax work.

After three decades of superstar collaborations and world tours, and chart-topping and high-selling solo career releases, Candy is living proof of the title of her latest album, We Never Stop. Nothing gets in the way of her making funky stuff. Today, her determination and passion remain, but her motivations are different. “These days, I play music to, hopefully, inspire younger people. When I was 12, I didn’t have many female saxophonists to look up to, and I want to be that person for the next generation of musicians,” she says.

MARCUS MILLER

Marcus Miller has been dubbed one of the most influential artists of our time. At the top of his game for over 30 years, he is a two-time Grammy award winner, (U.S.), winner of the 2013 Edison Award for Lifetime Achievement In Jazz (Holland), winner of the 2010 Victoire du Jazz (France) and in 2013, was appointed a UNESCO Artist For Peace. His characteristic bass sound can be heard on a limitless catalog of musical hits from Bill Wither’s “Just The Two Of Us” , to Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much”, to songs from Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Elton John and Bryan Ferry to name a few. With his distinctive style - a unique combination of funk, groove, soul and pure technical skills - Miller has been referred to as one of the most significant bass players in jazz, R &B, fusion and soul. Bass Player Magazine includes him on its list of ten most influential jazz players of this generation.

 

In addition to these career highlights, Miller has a rich and very deep resume of outstanding collaborations, including a 15- year song-writing and production partnership with Luther Vandross, resulting in 13 consecutive platinum selling albums of which Miller Produced 7, and a double Grammy win in 1992 - for the double platinum selling album Power Of Love/Love Power winning “Best R & B Vocal” as well as “Best R & B Song”. It was the last # 1 R & B album for twelve years before Vandross’ mega cross-over pop hit Dance With My Father in 2001.

Miller also left an indelible mark on the careers of artists as varied and talented as David Sanborn, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau, Bob James, Lalah Hathaway and Wayne Shorter. Most notable, after several years of touring in Miles Davis’ band in the early 80’s, Miller developed a close professional and personal relationship with Davis which led to his collaboration on three critically acclaimed albums - the most famous being the ground-breaking album and title song Tutu, making Miller the last primary producer, arranger and composer for this great jazz legend. The album and title song, which Miller composed, produced, arranged and performed on, is widely regarded as a significant addition to the canon of contemporary jazz music. Not only did the album win two Grammy awards, it is considered to be one of the definitive Miles Davis albums of our time.

Most Miller aficionados know that as a composer, Miller has an endless list of film and television credits to his name. Miller rose from writing the go-go mega hit ‘Da Butt’ for Spike Lee’s 1988 film School Daze to becoming the go-to composer for over 20 top urban movies. His film scores include the cult-classic House Party( feat. Kid ‘N Play - 1990); the Eddie Murphy/Halle Berry classic film Boomerang (1992); Above The Rim (feat. Tupac Shakur and Marlon Wayans -1994); Two Can Play That Game (feat. Vivica Fox, Gabrielle Union, Morris Chestnut and Anthony Anderson - 2001); This Christmas (feat. Idris Elba and Chris Brown - 2007); the Chris Rock cult classic Good Hair (2009); and About Last Night (feat. Kevin Hart and Regina Bell - 2014). Marcus also supplied the music for the successful weekly TV series Everybody Hates Chris, currently in syndication.

Most recently, Miller composed the music for the Oscar nominated film Marshall (2017) directed by Reginald Hudlin and starring Chadwick Boseman as a young Thurgood Marshall and Emmy-award-winning actor Sterling Brown from the hit TV series This Is Us. The film was the winner of the 2017 Chicago International Film Festival award; the 2017 African American Film Critics Award; the 2017 Hollywood Film Festival Award, and was also a 2017 Image and Critics Choice award nominee, and received five NAACP Image award nominations.

As if that weren’t enough, Miller also broadcasts two weekly radio shows – one in the U.S. and the other in the U.K. Jazz with Marcus Miller On MillerTime (affectionately referred to asThe Marcus Party by fans) airs every Sunday on SiriusXM. Miller’s radio show in London is called TransAtlantic Jazz With Marcus Miller and broadcasts each Wednesday on Jazz FM in the UK. Miller is also the annual host and head-line artist on multiple jazz cruises each year offered by Entertainment Cruise Productions including the very popular Blue Note At Sea jazz cruise, as well as the Smooth Jazz Cruise - all of which sell out each year.

On top of all of this, Miller has been a prolific artist and bandleader in his own right for well over 20 years, having released over a dozen albums under his name. Miller tours extensively worldwide with a band of gifted young musicians - perhaps reminding audiences of a certain Miles Davis who did the same for Miller and other young musicians like Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.

Miller is the performer/composer/producer and arranger of ten critically acclaimed solo projects, among them The Sun Don’t Lie (feat. Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter); Tales (feat. Me’Shell NdegéOcello and Q-Tip) Silver Rain (feat. guest artist Eric Clapton) Free (feat. Corinne Bailey Rae); A Night In Monte Carlo (feat. the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra) and Renaissance (2012). His album M2 won the Grammy award for best Contemporary Jazz Album in 2001.

In 2015, Miller released Afrodeezia, an album inspired by his role as a UNESCO spokesperson for the Slave Routes Project. For that album, Miller incorporated musical influences from countries along the Atlantic slave route passage, collaborating with musicians from West Africa, North Africa, South America and the Caribbean. The album earned a 2016 Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album and Miller performed more than 250 sold-out shows worldwide behind the album’s release.

Miller’s current project - the new genre-defying album Laid Black, due to be released June 1st, brings the story of the Afrodeezia journey “home” where we find Miller incorporating more modern, urban elements into his music from trap, hiphop, R&B to gospel. Of this music, Miller says: “After Afrodeezia where I did a lot of traveling all over the world, I thought it would be cool to bring into the mix, some of the influences of our time that I was listening to right here at home. My band and the guest artists I recruited to collaborate with on this album are all versatile enough to play music ranging from be-bop to hip-hop. That made the musical mix I wanted to pursue on this album very possible.”

Anyone who has listened to Miller’s music or experienced Miller’s concerts live, knows that they are in for quite an experience with the new album. Miller’s powerful, jazz/funk bass playing is out in full force with this music – pushing boundaries and taking jazz to new levels. Miller, along with his incredible band of young talents, will be sure to excite, challenge and transport audiences.

The new album, Laid Black, features special guest performances by Trombone Shorty, Kirk Whalum, Patches Stewart, Take 6, Jonathan Butler and guest vocalist Selah Sue. Laid Black is certain to thrill and exhilarate Miller fans and will help continue to propel Miller to the world superstar status of fusion, funk, soul and jazz master!

vincent ingala

To live a life of filled with passion and purpose is one of the greatest gifts of all. The wise, young and chart-topping multi-instrumental genius Vincent Ingala seems to have mastered this feat. A Billboard Smooth Jazz Artist Of The Year, Ingala has garnered 18 Top 10 Smooth Jazz radio singles and ten #1 radio hits. “I believe it is our job as musicians to simply make music that people enjoy, and hopefully along the way, bring some happiness and inspiration into their lives,” shares the Prospect, CT native. “That is certainly my hope for when Fire & Desire is heard.” September 17, 2021 Shanachie Entertainment will release the multi-instrumentalist’s third recording for the label and seventh as a leader. The charismatic and handsome Ingala has endeared fans, contemporaries and critics alike with his consummate musicianship, fun-loving stage presence, energized and inspired performances and all-around passion. “My earliest memories are of banging on pots and pans until my parents had to buy me a drum kit and from there it was like a domino effect.”

 

From banging on pots to churning out hits, Ingala is a chameleon in the recording studio. Like an alchemist, he concocts the perfect elixir of his broad musical influences spanning the worlds of Jazz, R&B, Disco, Pop and beyond. On the exhilarating Fire & Desire, Ingala confidently dons multiple hats. He plays every instrument heard on the new album from saxophones and keyboards to drums, guitar and bass. He also produced, recorded and mixed the album, as well as composed all of the songs with the exception of Jimmy Roach’s “Disco Sax,” recorded in tribute to tenor titan Houston Person. Due to the challenges of the past year, Ingala was able to hone in and devote his undivided attention to Fire & Desire. “If anything, the most positive result of recording during the pandemic was the amount of time I had to dedicate to this project alone without any other distractions that could affect the flow.”

For Vincent Ingala music and cooking are both sustenance for the mind, body and soul. “I’m definitely a huge foodie and enjoy going out to eat (something we can finally resume coming out of the pandemic age), but with that I very much enjoy cooking! I cook a lot at home, love trying new recipes out, and I’m not afraid to experiment either. I see so much correlation between cooking and creating music - that must be a reason why I connect to it so well. Ingala was drawn to the saxophone as a kid. He recalls hearing tenor saxophonist Sam Butera on the radio and was instantly taken. “I remember hearing his saxophone solo on ‘Oh Marie’ in the car one day while my cousin was driving us around, and immediately knowing that I wanted to play tenor sax. He is one of the most underrated saxophonists of all time. What inspires me most about his playing is his use of the melody and his phrasing. Coming from a musically rich New Orleans background and playing with Louis Prima taught Sam that it's not necessarily about how many notes you can cram in, or how fast you can play, but rather playing for your audience and giving them a beautiful melody that everyone can relate to.” Ingala has taken lessons from Butera both on and off the stage. He shares, I have always valued what Sam Butera once said: “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” Ingala has lives by this motto.

ALONZO BODDEN

A regular panel member on NPR’s Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me, Alonzo Bodden has been making audiences around the country laugh for close to 30 years. Alonzo starred in his fourth stand-up special, Heavy Lightweight, which premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. His first big comedy break came when he was on the “New Faces of Comedy” showcase at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, but it was as the season three winner of NBCʼs Last Comic Standing, where Alonzo was first introduced to America. Since then, he has starred in two comedy specials for Showtime: Historically Incorrect and Who’s Paying Attention. He’s also made appearances on CBS’ Ghosts, ABC’s Dr. Ken and Fresh Off the Boat and Californication. Movie credits include Bringing Down The House, Scary Movie 4 and The Onion Movie Talk shows, Dr. Phil, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central's The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore. A car and motorcycle aficionado, Bodden hosted Speed Channel’s 101 Cars You Must Drive and has joined Jay Leno for several off-road trips on his CNBC series Leno’s Garage. He was also a field correspondent on Animal Nation with Anthony Anderson, and a contributor on the Science Channel’s How to Build Everything. Alonzo released his fifth comedy CD titled Man Overboard. Alonzo has been performing on Jazz Cruises and hosted the Capital Jazz Festival. His comedy riffs have been compared to jazz solos by some the greatest jazz artists from Marcus Miller to Robert Glasper to Dee Dee Bridgewater. He’s also a regular on The Young Turks where he gives his unique take on what's going on in the world.  

 

cindy bradley

Since being signed to the Trippin' N' Rhythm record label in 2009, Cindy Bradley has blossomed into a powerful and charismatic presence at radio and on the contemporary jazz festival circuit, with 8 #1 Billboard singles along the way.  Cindy has performed everywhere from the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, to the Dubai Jazz Fest. She won Best New Artist at the American Smooth Jazz Awards, Brass Player of the Year and Best New Artist at the Contemporary Jazz Awards, and was named Debut Artist of the Year by the Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival and Smooth Jazz News. 

A native of Buffalo, New York, Cindy loves telling the story of how she became a trumpet player by accident in fourth grade: “I started playing the piano when I was six, but we had to choose a different instrument to be part of the band program. I forgot to bring my permission slip to class, so the teacher just had me randomly circle an instrument that I wanted to play. I picked the trumpet, which turned out to be a life and career defining fluke.”

 

After earning a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies and music education from Ithaca College, she went to the New England Conservatory to study for her master’s in jazz trumpet performance; at the conservatory, she studied with and was influenced by many jazz greats including John McNeil, Bob Brookmeyer, Jerry Bergonzi, George Russell and Steve Lacy.  After earning her degrees, Cindy immediately headed to the New York City area and immersed herself in the vibrant jazz scene, discovering equal passions for straight ahead be-bop and contemporary jazz, as well as funk, Top 40, R&B and jazz fusion. 

Cindy has also applied her skills and background in a way to inspire future generations. She has conducted hundreds of jazz workshops at high school and community colleges all over the country, and earned a master's degree in educational leadership.  Cindy continues to impress thousands of jazz loving adults, playing such renowned events as the Big Bear Lake Jazz Festival, Omaha’s Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival, the Balcones Heights Jazz Festival in San Antonio and the Seabreeze Jazz Festival.

Rebecca Jade

Rebecca is an accomplished singer/songwriter and has been able to turn her love for music into a career for close to two decades. Growing up in a musical home, she had been exposed to a broad range of artists, genres and styles from her mother, who is also a vocalist. With such influences, it seems a natural progression that Rebecca has followed in her footsteps.

Rebecca Jade has performed with some of the most sought-after musicians all over the world and her versatility has allowed her many unique opportunities to perform: Rebecca toured with the Queen of Percussion, Sheila E. since 2017 and appeared in the Emmynominated show, “Let’s Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute to Prince” that aired on CBS in April 2020; She also sang background vocals for Sir Elton John at the 2020 Academy Awards; Rebecca has appeared as a guest artist on the Dave Koz Cruises since 2016; she made her debut on the Dave Koz & Friends 2021 Christmas tour and joined Dave for a repeat appearance in 2022; Rebecca has also been a featured artist on many of Eric Darius’ tour dates since 2022. Rebecca opened for Will Downing and Boney James at a sold-out Valentine’s Day concert in Long Beach, as well as opened for Jeffrey Osborne for the Thornton Winery Summer Concert series, both in 2019; Rebecca has done multiple concerts at Spaghettini in Seal Beach and was the singer in the Houseband at Anthology in San Diego for 5 1⁄2 years.

 

Rebecca Jade has earned the title of “Breakout Artist of Year” from Smooth Jazz Network and “Debut Artist of the Year” by JazzTrax, both in 2022. Rebecca also earned two San Diego Music Awards in 2022 for “Best Music Video” & “Best R&B/Funk/Soul Song” for “What’s It Gonna Be”, her first single off of her latest album, A Shade of Jade, and also "Song of the Year" in 2021, & “Artist of the Year” in 2020; Rebecca is currently nominated for 5 SDMAs for 2023. Rebecca’s new album, A Shade of Jade, features Dave Koz and Eric Darius on two of the songs, and she put on a sold-out album release concert at Sycuan Casino & Resort’s Live & Up Close Showroom. Rebecca opened for Grammy-nominated artist, Musiq Soulchild on two separate occasions. Rebecca is also a jazz vocalist and released an album of Cole Porter classics titled, Planet Cole Porter, with arranger/producer/jazz guitar virtuoso Peter Sprague, which earned them a 2018 SDMA for “Best Jazz Album”. She was also the front-woman for the soul/funk band, Rebecca Jade & the Cold Fact, and they collectively earned SDMAs in 2014, 2015 and 2017, and a “Best of San Diego” Award in 2016. The band had the opportunity to open for and Rebecca to sing with El Debarge. The Cold Fact released two full-length albums, one self-titled and the 2nd one called, Running Out of Time. Prior to the Cold Fact, Rebecca released her debut album collaboration in 2011 titled, The Jade Element.

Rebecca has over 30 years of recording studio experience. She has sung background vocals, demos and jingles on many different projects, including those with Kiko Cibrián (Luis Miguel) and Kevin Flournoy (Chaka Khan), and has been involved in a variety of notable works, including being featured on Eric Darius’ newest and billboard-charting album, Unleashed, co-writing and being featured in two songs on DW3’s self-titled album that went #1 on the UK Soul Charts in 2020, and singing backing vocals on Aubrey Logan’s album, Where the Sunshine is Expensive, which went #1 on the Billboard charts in 2019.

Rebecca is an actor, having done a variety of work for companies, such as SDG&E, UCSD, Pechanga Casino, and Qualcomm. She has modeled for a vintage-inspired clothing line.

Rebecca graduated from UC Berkeley on a full basketball scholarship with a degree in Theatre & Performance Studies, has earned her MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix and advanced her musical education by studying Jazz Theory and Classical Voice at Grossmont College. Rebecca is an avid motorcycle rider, has an affinity for classic cars, and loves the Arts community as a whole. She still plays basketball recreationally.

Adam Hawley

Ten #1 hits. 65+ dates per year. Adam Hawley has burst on to the scene as a celebrated and innovative artist, composer and band leader. Originally signed to Maurice White’s (founder of Earth, Wind, & Fire) label Kalimba Music, Adam’s first two albums “Double Vision” and “Just the Beginning” spawned an incredible Six #1 Hits, an unprecedented feat for a new artist. He followed that up with “Escape” which included the 2020 Billboard Song Of The Year “To The Top.” In 2021 Adam set out with the exciting fourth album “Risin’ Up” which features Steve Cole, Vincent Ingala, Julian Vaughn, Riley Richard & Kat Hawley anchored by the thrilling first single “Risin’ Up.”

Adam has also been a guitarist to the stars, appearing with a who’s who list of artists in a wide variety of genres. Credits include Dave Koz, Jennifer Lopez, Brian Culbertson, Natalie Cole, Brian McKnight, and American Idol to name just a few.

He holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Southern California and currently teaches at Musician’s Institute, Chaffey College, and Saddleback College.

 

DAVE KOZ
FEATURED GUEST APPEARANCE

In a recording career that spans three decades, saxophonist Dave Koz has racked up an astoundingly impressive array of honors and achievements: nine GRAMMY® nominations, 12 No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, numerous world tours, performances for multiple U.S. presidents, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and more. A Platinum-selling artist, Koz is also known as a humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host and instrumental music advocate.

 

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Koz recorded two albums. 2020’s A New Day, released exactly 30 years and one day after his self-titled debut album, was his 20th album overall and first full set of original material in 10 years. It reached the No. 1 position on numerous jazz charts, including iTunes and Amazon. With an unprecedented four back-to-back No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Airplay chart – “Side By Side” ft. David Sanborn, “Dr. Norm” ft. Paul Jackson, Jr., “The Closer We Get” and “Summertime in NYC” – the album proved to be a smash hit at radio. Other special guests on A New Day included Brian McKnight, Antwaun Stanley of Vulfpeck, Meshell Ndegeocello, Bob James, Marc Antoine, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber and Chris "Big Dog" Davis. Koz broke new ground with his June 2021 release, The Golden Hour. Recorded live in the studio with a large jazz ensemble, the album marked his first full-length collaboration with guitarist/producer/internet sensation Cory Wong.

When live entertainment returned, Koz took to the road in 2021 with the Summer Horns tour and Dave Koz and Friends Christmas tour. In 2022, Koz celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Dave Koz and Friends Christmas tour with the release of his seventh and most intimate holiday album to date, Christmas Ballads, and a new all-star, 25-date tour. The Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise returned in 2022 with two sold-out, back-to-back voyages to Amsterdam and the British Isles while 2023’s three sold-out, back-to-back cruises will visit Spain, Morocco and Portugal.

Born and raised in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, Koz became a professional musician after graduating college. He immediately found work as a sideman and was subsequently signed to Capitol Records in 1987. Koz released his self-titled solo debut album in the fall of 1990, followed by a large body of best-selling work, including several Gold-certified albums and numerous Top 5 singles. In 2010, he signed with Concord Records and released the No. 1 Hello Tomorrow. Live at the Blue Note Tokyo, Koz’s first live CD, was released by Concord in 2012. He has since topped Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart with Summer Horns (2013), The 25th of December (2014), Collaborations: 25th Anniversary Collection (2015), Dave Koz and Friends 20th Anniversary Christmas (2017), Summer Horns II From A To Z (2018) and Gifts of the Season (2019). In 2019, Koz also released Live From The Dave Koz Cruise.

Dave has served as global ambassador for the Starlight Children’s Foundation for over 25 years. He founded KOZ Wines in 2009 as another avenue to support the foundation. Dave donates all his proceeds from KOZ Wines to the organization and, with help from his fans, has raised over one million dollars through the Dave Koz and Friends At Sea cruise silent auction.