Gualala Arts Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961
Presented by Gualala Arts and taking place during the Smithsonian Institute’s Jazz Appreciation Month
of April, this highly regarded festival captures inspired, original jazz art work, jazz films, poetry and jazz, an annual Chowder Challenge and tasting and live music in atmospheric and beautiful settings, conducive to a special coastal experience. The venues include wineries and restaurants, inns, from Annapolis to Point Arena, a wine bar, the classically restored Arena Theater and the Gualala Arts Center nestled in the coastal redwoods.
Fred Adler, Festival Music Coordinator
Sonoma ~ Mendocino Coast Whale & Jazz Festival Committee:
David “Sus” Susalla, Fred Adler, “Angel” Jan Harris
2019 Festival Schedule
Arena Theater will screen the film I Called Him Morgan, Monday, March 25, 7 PM. Based on a real-life tragedy, the documentary film by Swedish filmmaker Kasper Collin (My Name Is Albert Ayler) is a love letter to two unique personalities and the music that brought them together. A film about love, jazz and America with cinematography by Bradford Young (DOP, Selma).
St. Orres & Jazz, Friday, April 5, 6 pm & 8 pm seatings. Featuring Susan Sutton, keyboard and Joel Kruzick, guitar and bass, Gino Raugi, guitar. Contact: 707-884-3335
The Annual Chowder Challenge is Saturday, April 13, 11:30am at Gualala Arts, and features the return of Barnebey’s Hot Four, setting the festive mood for the competition.
Poet Jahan Khalighi will appear Thursday, April 18 7:30pm, at Third Thursday Poetry and Jazz in Pt. Arena.
This year’s Main Event at Gualala Arts, Saturday, April 27, 7:00pm, Coleman Hall, introduces the Global Harmony Jazz Sextet, featuring stellar Bay Area musician/composers Erik Jekabson, trumpet/flugelhorn; Tommy Kesecker, vibes/marimba; Colin Hogan, piano/accordian; Pierre Archain, acoustic bass; Hamir Atwal, percussion, and Israel’s Yami Schwartz on guitar, returning this year by popular demand. And there is the 2019 Festival Youth Discovery, 15-year-old violinist, Tessa Schwartz of Berkeley (no relation to Yami).
Baku performs at Annapolis Winery, Saturday, May 18. Baku features the talents of Harrison Goldberg, saxophones and percussion, Chris Doering, 7-string guitar and guitar synthesizer, Tim Mueller, 6-string guitar and guitar synthesizer, David French, upright bass and percussion, and Nancy Feehan, cajon and percussion, perform at Annapolis Winery (May 18). Baku is known for their unique and totally improvised “Jambient Soundscapes,” a synthesis of jazz, Afro-Beat, Middle Eastern, and other World Music influences and rhythms.
We are honored by your attendance, as the Festival’s life force is dependent upon spirited support and appreciation. We love and welcome your interest and participation!
Fred Adler, Festival Music Coordinator
Sonoma ~ Mendocino Coast Whale & Jazz Festival Committee:
David “Sus” Susalla, Fred Adler, Angel Jan Harris
Whale and Jazz Events Along the Coast during March-April-May*
March 25, 2019, 7 pm: I Called Him Morgan. film screening at Arena Theater.
April 5, 2019, 6 pm and 8 pm. St. Orres & Jazz, Featuring Susan Sutton, keyboard and Joel Kruzick, guitar and bass, Gino Raugi, guitar. Contact: 707-884-3335
April 13, 2019, 11:30 am: 16th Annual Chowder Challenge with Music by Barnebey’s Hot Four
April 18, 2019, 7:30 pm: Poet Jahan Khalighi at Third Thursday Poetry.
April 27, 2019 7 pm: The Main Event. The Global Harmony Jazz Sextet
May 18. 2019, 1 pm: Baku performing at Annapolis Winery
*Please check with individual venues regarding cover charges and other details.
Visit last year’s Whale & Jazz Festival here.