Rainbow Promotions is excited to present some of today’s most distinguished jazz and R&B artists at the 26th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival on August 9-11, 2013. As with the previous festivals, the event will take place at the lovely Rainbow Lagoon Park on Shoreline Drive in Long Beach, Calif. Staying true to this year’s theme, “As the Beat Goes On,” the Long Beach Jazz Festival presents a tantalizing line-up of contemporary and straight ahead jazz, classic and today’s R&B performances – music that soothes and excites the souls of the festival’s attendees.
This year’s dynamic and varied musical schedule features legendary, eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist Gladys Knight, timeless Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The O’Jays, Grammy Award-winning, versatile bassist Stanley Clarke; slow jam treasures The Whispers, the fiery Latin Jazz of Poncho Sanchez; contemporary and original vocalist Elle Varner, neo-soul singer Eric Benet, all-around jazz sax master Everette Harp, plus a very special pairing of sensational saxophonist Kim Waters and R&B singer Phil Perry. And, that’s just the beginning of the three-day musical journey.
As one of Southern California’s longest running and eagerly anticipated annual music events, the Long Beach Jazz Festival brings music lovers from around the world – year after year – with its always dynamic blend of sounds and unique coastal venue offering relaxation for every generation. A family affair, party people of all ages enjoy the festival grounds. Adding to this unique festival experience, various food vendors offer mouth-watering, multi-cultural delights prepared on site to accompany everyone’s listening enjoyment.
The festival kicks off the evening of Friday, August 9 with headliner soul and harmony masters, The Whispers along with famed R&B and gospel singer Howard Hewett and Billboard chart-topper saxophonist Everette Harp.
On Saturday, August 10, love will be in the air when American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Elle Varner takes the stage along with urban soul and jazz group DW3 and soulful smooth jazz saxophonist Euge Groove. A dynamic duet performance by vocalist Phil Perry and saxophonist Kim Waters and the legendary O’Jays end what guarantees to be an extraordinary experience of sound.
Last, but surely not least, on Sunday, August 11, soul lovers will rejoice as the festival rounds out with an impressive lineup which includes the “Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight along with renowned bassist, Stanley Clarke; captivating sax tress Jeanette Harris; the ever popular Latin jazz sounds of Mexican-American conguero Poncho Sanchez, singer Eric Benet and veteran music promoter and drummer Al Williams.
Check out what’s new this year in the Vendors’ Pavilion. In addition to our featured performers on the 2nd stage, we are highlighting the importance of health and wellness. Guest speaker health professionals will present ways to enhance overall well-being with a holistic focus on body, mind and spirit. Visit booths offering sample products and pamphlets on healthy living. Scientific studies have demonstrated the healing power of enjoyable music, but then, festival-goers already know that..
Tickets are available through Rainbow Promotions, LLC at (562) 424-0013 or online at www.longbeachjazzfestival.com. VIP tickets are available for $170 on Friday and $190 on both Saturday and Sunday. VIP tickets include both dinner and wine service. Reserved box seat tickets are $70 Friday evening and $80 Saturday and Sunday. General admission/lawn seating is $50 prior to August 3rd and $55 at the gate. Friday – Gates open at 5pm. Saturday and Sunday – Gates open at 11am.
