Gualala Arts Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961
Gualala Arts will present the Lincoln Andrews Quintet on Saturday, May 29 at 4 p.m., offering audiences an afternoon of vibrant, globally influenced jazz. Tickets are $25 in advance (+$5 day of) and available at the Dolphin Gallery, Gualala Arts, and GualalaArts.org. $100 Sponsor Tickets with select seating may be purchased online only. Admission is free for ages 7–17, encouraging young listeners to experience live jazz on the Mendonoma coast.
The quintet features an accomplished lineup: Francis Vanek on tenor sax, Carlos Hernandez on trumpet, Greg Hester on piano, Gabriel Yanez on drums, and Lincoln Andrews on bass.
A Mendocino County native, Lincoln Andrews has built a career shaped by orchestral training, jazz performance, and extensive musical travel. After early work in the San Francisco music scene, he devoted himself fully to the bass, performing throughout Mexico and beyond. Now based in Fort Bragg, Andrews brings more than 15 years of experience to the regional music community. His playing is known for its resonant tone, rhythmic strength, and the melodic sensitivity he draws from his global influences.
Joining him is Puerto Rican trumpeter and percussionist Carlos Hernandez, whose work blends classical training with modern improvisation. A graduate of the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico, Hernandez’s background spans jazz, Caribbean styles, ska, reggae, and funk. His career includes performances at Carnegie Hall, international touring, and a reputation for dynamic sound and inventive use of mutes and percussion. As an educator, he emphasizes musical storytelling and expressive improvisation.
Drummer Gabriel Yanez, based in Mendocino County, brings more than two decades of dedication to rhythm and groove. Influenced by jazz greats such as Charlie Parker, Roy Haynes, and Art Blakey, as well as Afro‑Caribbean and West African traditions, Yanez is known for his versatility, sensitivity, and power. His work ranges from jazz ensembles and touring groups to studio sessions and performances with the Ukiah Symphony Orchestra.
Pianist Greg Hester has performed professionally since 1972, focusing on classic jazz, bebop, standards, and blues. His festival appearances include Frankfurt, Healdsburg, San Jose, and Sonoma, along with performances at numerous wineries throughout Sonoma and Napa counties. Influenced by Kenny Barron, Bud Powell, Bill Evans, Tommy Flanagan, Wynton Kelly, and Oscar Peterson, Hester brings fresh perspective to classic jazz traditions.
Together, the quintet delivers a lively and engaging blend of jazz standards, Latin rhythms, world‑music influences, and open‑ended improvisation. Their sound is both musically rich and highly accessible, offering something for seasoned jazz listeners and newcomers alike. With its mix of soulful expression, rhythmic drive, and interactive energy, the Lincoln Andrews Quintet promises an afternoon of jazz that invites audiences of all ages to listen, connect, and enjoy.