A very special guest did appear on Friday night at the KJLH Pavilion, the legendary Stevie Wonder, who performed a few songs to the excitement of everyone. Later in the evening Stevie Wonder came to the backstage media tent and posed with The Benoits (promoters of the Long Beach Jazz Festival) and Eric Benet.
The 32nd Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival, a 3-day music concert event, delivered traditional jazz, smooth jazz, Latin jazz, plus other popular genres over the weekend of August 9-11, 2019. LBJF is a 3-generation, family-produced jazz festival in Southern California under the direction of Kimberly Benoit, President of Rainbow Promotions, LLC.
Chris Benoit, Blair Benoit, Kimberly, Benoit, Pat Harvey, Stevie Wonder, Al Williams (Photo by Sheryl-Aronson)
The Long Beach Jazz Festival has been called the “Crème de la crème of Southern California’s festivals.” Because it features top artists, it has the ambiance of a coastal venue, and a plethora of food and merchandise vendors. Festival goers enjoy a marina breeze and a beautiful lagoon and park setting. The Vendor Pavilion offers freshly prepared foods and beverages plus unique clothing, art, and accessories.
The Pavilion Stage has a second stage that features professional experts sharing knowledge about health and wellbeing and also highlights talented musicians. This year, the radio station KJLH set up a VIP Pavilion that offered live musical performances, DJs, broadcasts, interviews, prizes giveaways, and socializing in the luxurious quarters, decorated by Vitality Furniture.
The KJLH 102.3 Radio Team (Photo by Sheryl Aronson)
I interviewed Jamillah Muhammad, Operations Manager for 102.3 RadioFree KJLH and she commented:
“Friday, Saturday and Sunday, KJLH VIP Lounge offers the Long Beach Jazz Festival attendees access into our lounge where they will be live performances, DJ’s broadcasting, prizes, snacks, etc. But to get in you have to download the KJLH app on your phone. Within our lounge we are going to have exclusive performances and interviews with artists such as PJ Morton, Eric Benet, Norman Brown, Angie Stone and more.”
A very special guest did appear on Friday night at the KJLH Pavilion, the legendary Stevie Wonder, who performed a few songs to the delight of everyone. Later in the evening Stevie Wonder came to the backstage media tent and posed with The Benoits (promoters of the Long Beach Jazz Festival) and Eric Benet.
Eric Benet and Stevie Wonder (Photo by Sheryl Aronson)
On a glorious summer’s day, the Long Beach Jazz Festival was kicked off by guitarist and vocalist David P. Stevens, who brought his Philly funk and soul to eager audience. Recently, Stevens relocated to Los Angeles, and the contemporary jazz guitarist has been establishing a solid place in the music scene. The set included many of his original compositions plus a few covers. Sliding and dancing on stage, while bending those notes, Stevens showed off strong chops on his guitar. The band backing him up hit the airwaves with solid rhythms and bright tones. The set ended with a dance number called, “Bring On the Night,” which set the perfect atmosphere to celebrate the beginning of the Long Beach Jazz Festival.
David P Stevens Playing Guitar (Photo by Sheryl Aronson)
David P Stevens told me in our backstage interview:
“I tried to play music that made people move which included original music off my albums and some Michael Jackson covers.”
“It was an honor to kick off the Long Beach Festival and a wonderful opportunity. I’d like to thank Rainbow Promotions for giving me this spot in their fabulous 3-day concert event.”
Sax to the Max (Michael Lington, Paul Taylor, and Vincent Ingala) brought their funky and jazzy grooves to the late afternoon session of the Long Beach Jazz Festival on Friday, August 9th. Each sax player contributed their distinct sound, while combining a mix of highly charged urban soul. As the sky turned into twilight and the moon rose over Rainbow Lagoon, Sax to the Max treated the audience with suave choreography and titillating solos that highlighted each artist’s masterful chops. The crowd loved the rhythms and got up to dance during this dynamic performance.
Paul Taylor and Michael Lington (Photo by Sheryl Aronson)
I interviewed Michael Lington and Paul Taylor before their performance and both commented on how Sax to the Max mixed their talents to make such a great package.
Paul Taylor:
“We have now played together for a year and we are bringing the good feelings, the camaraderie and the jamming to the audience. Sax to the Max has a special synergy we exude as Vincent, Michael and I play together.”
Michael Lington:
“When you put three people together from all over the world with different styles, you never know what is going to happen. But it was apparent from the get go that there was a real cool chemistry and a great vibe. We all had the same goal musically and it really works. It’s not about an individual thing, it’s about us collectively. We are having so much fun and success with Sax to the Max we decided to continue performing together into next year.”
Sax to the Max (L-R) Paul Taylor, Vincent Ingala, and Michael Lington (Photo by Sheryl Aronson)
Be on the lookout for this high-powered trio Sax to the Max as they collectively bring you their unique sound and awesome choreography.
Grammy-nominated superstar Eric Benet topped off Friday night of the Long Beach Jazz Festival by singing many of his hit songs. Benet looked classy and hip in a fitted white jacket over a designer t-shirt, green scarf tied loosely around his neck, and a white straw bowler hat. The singer/songwriter effortlessly danced around the stage with smooth moves, marking his unparalleled sensual appeal.
Eric Benet (Photo by Sheryl Aronson)
I had the opportunity to briefly interview Eric Benet before his performance. He commented:
“It’s incredible to be here at the Long Beach Jazz Festival . . . I’ve been here a few times before and the audience is always amazing. We’re right by the water so it’s perfect environment to make music and chill and to enjoy some good vibes.”
For all you fans out there Eric Benet revealed:
” I just got back into the studio to work on the next studio project and I am also touring with my band.”
For 60 minutes the crowd was mesmerized by Benet’s versatile vocals, which resounded with his high falsetto and the captivating rich and lush tenor. He created a magical atmosphere that enchanted the audience, making it the perfect ending to a brilliant afternoon and evening of live music.
Enjoy more highlights from the opening day of the 32nd Annual Long Beach Jazz festival (Photos by Sheryl Aronson)
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Written by Sheryl Aronson | Executive Editor Kaylene Peoples
