The 2nd Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival kicked off their fabulous concert on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at the Embarcadero Marina Park North with a sizzling lineup that soared with talent all day long. The super sonic sax player, Eric Darius hosted the day and was also the headliner act for that evening. Pat Prescott of 94.7 The WAVE and San Diego’s own radio host Kelly Cole announced the weekend’s lineup.

The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival unites music lovers from around the world. This annual event combined the sounds of smooth jazz, delicious cuisine, and an atmosphere that created an unparalleled experience. Rainbow Promotions and Payne Pest Management presented the event.  I enjoyed the shows and interviewed a few in the lineup that weekend.

Opening on Saturday was one of my favorite guitar man, Steve Oliver. He graced the airwaves with songs from his newest CD Illuminated.  The CD is scheduled for release this summer. Oliver displayed his vocal skills as well, scatting to his guitar playing. The young prodigy Chase Huna accompanied Steve Oliver on the sax.

“My new CD is coming out August 3rd. The album is dedicated to the late Chuck Loeb. I called it Illuminated because it’s part of my personality to illuminate positive energy, and spread that to my audience.” – Steve Oliver

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Next up and hot on their horns was The Sax Pack with veterans Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Cole, and Jackhiem Joyner. Following them was a heartfelt and superb set of music delivered by Jazz Funk Soul. This group included the Grammy-winning artist Jeff Lorber on keys, Everette Harp on sax, and Paul Jackson Jr. on guitar. Jazz Funk Soul also performed in honor of their dear friend the late Chuck Loeb, who had been the guitarist of that group.

“We are all missing Chuck. I began substituting for him when he got sick and then Everette and Jeff wanted to keep the music going after Chuck passed. I was honored to become a member of the group and continue Chuck’s legacy.” – Paul Jackson, Jr.

The dynamic Brian Culbertson delighted the crowd with his fiery, passionate, funk-charged playing. Donning a dazzling black sports coat over red physique-hugging jeans, Culbertson danced across the stage, sang and blew his trombone, thunderously playing his keyboard in his a multi-dimensional trademarked style for which he is known. Brian mellowed out when he performed original ballads from his newest CD Colors of Love. The crowd danced and didn’t stop until Eric Darius shut out the night, serenading the crowd with his magical performance on sax.

“I’ve worked my whole career for this kind of opportunity to host a jazz festival. I almost started to cry when the Paynes asked me to do this. It’s such an honor and privilege to be here with this fantastic crowd in San Diego. I’m going to make sure everyone has a great time!” – Eric Darius

“I started my own record label called Sagittarius Music, and will be releasing my newest album Breaking Through in August,” continued Eric Darius.

Day 1 at The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival sparkled with fun, blue skies, and scintillating music!

The San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival Day 2 skyrocketed with a jet-fueled lineup, lifting the audience’s spirits for the entire day. First up was sax man Marcus Anderson, whose fancy foot work, killer licks, and soulful vocals demonstrated why Andersen is one of the hottest acts on the circuit. Prince hired the young sax player to perform with him on the tour of the New Power Generation between the years of 2012 to 2016. “I love playing my set where I honor Prince by playing some of his biggest hits. I miss him a lot and truly learned so much from him as an Artist,” Anderson revealed.

Hailing from the East Coast was Nestor Torres, a jazz flutist who pleased the crowd with his Latin sound and beautiful compositions. Nestor’s band consisted of some of our favorite local musicians Kay-Ta Matsuno on guitar, Darryl Williams Page II on bass, Greg Manning on keys, and Tony Moore on drums. This set spiced up the airwaves with their hot Latin sounds.

In keeping with that international theme, Hiroshima (who have been on the scene since the late 1970s) played their sophisticated and complex compositions. Their brilliant performance reflected both soul and jazz, mixed with that Eastern sound.

Then one of the smooth jazz fan favorite’s guitarist Peter White performed with Michael Paulo on sax and Eric Valentine on drums. The day ended with the sensational performance of The Summer Horns, which was the creation of Dave Koz, featuring 8-time Grammy-nominated Gerald Albright on sax, Richard Elliot on sax, Rick Braun on trumpet, and the talented new artist Aubrey Logan on trombone/vocals.

Adam Hawley was featured on guitar. From slick choreography to classic, big band arrangements, funktified pop, and their own renditions of hit songs – Koz’s band crossed many musical genres. Dave Koz with his “merry troubadours” was the perfect ending as the last performance of the evening . . .

And I have to mention Aubrey Logan’s unforgettable one-handed cartwheel that topped off the finale!

Check out the additional highlights of The 2nd Annual San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival.  All Photos by Sheryl Aronson.