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Gualala Arts
Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961.
Archive of past events: 2004 through 2014
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Tenth Annual
Whale & Jazz Festival
April, 2013
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2013 Events -
About W&J -
Sponsors -
Volunteers -
Staff -
Past Festivals
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This highly regarded festival,
presented by Gualala Arts, captures inspired, original jazz artwork, whale education, a film series, poetry and jazz, chowder challenge and tasting, and live music in beautiful settings conducive to a special coastal experience. The venues include wineries and restaurants, inns, a wine bar and casino, the classically restored Arena Theater, and the Gualala Arts Center nestled in the coastal redwoods.
Entertainment, inspiration and education, the ambitious goals of this festival, are epitomized by outreach to local students through school presentations. In the past these have included both whale and jazz oriented programs and are tailored to encourage youthful enthusiasm for both.
Jazz is indeed a vital, important and enormously significant cultural art form, unique to the American heritage, as evidenced by the recent gala opening of the prestigious San Francisco Jazz Center. We are honored by your attendance, as the festival's offerings are dependent upon spirited support and appreciation. We adore your interest and participation!
Fred Adler, Festival Music Coordinator
Whale & Jazz Festival Committee: David "Sus" Susalla, Fred Adler, Jan Harris
2013 Festival schedule
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Gualala Arts Lecture Series presents:
Marine Mammals of the North Coast
with Sarah Allen
Thursday, March 28, 7:00 p.m.
Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Old State Highway, Gualala
Sarah Allen has devoted her life to studying marine birds and mammals, many of which Mendonoma residents view every day. She will discuss local marine mammals, including whales, and how in a changing environment it is benefiting from federally-protected sanctuaries off the Northern California coast.
Light refreshments. Admission is $5. (707) 884-1138.
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Arts Center exhibit - Opening Reception:
"Body and Soul" - A Jazz (and Life) Tapestry
Friday, April 5, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Old State Highway, Gualala
Works by Jeanie Dooha, exhibition on display through April 28. For decades, this unusual Berkeley artist has been creating mysterious, dream-like and provocative watercolors, acrylics and mixed media of jazz legends. In Jeanie's words, "When the music calls - sometimes soothing, other times stimulating, perplexing, illuminating - I respond to that call! I breathe life into visual representations of what my mind, soul, body wish to convey." The spirited Occidental pianist Rob Ellis will accompany the magic. Admission is free.
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Wine Bar & Jazz
Stolen Moments
Friday, April 5, 8:00 p.m.
215 Main (Highway 1), Point Arena
Stolen Moments: Alma Owens-Delucchi, vocal; Bill Delucchi, keyboard; Harrison Goldberg, saxophones; Chris Doering, guitar; Don Watanabe, acoustic bass; Gabe Yanez, drums. This passionate and energetic vocally-driven ensemble presents popular jazz, Latin tunes and favorites from the Great American Songbook. Beer & wine. Limited seating; $8 cover charge. (707) 882-3215.
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Chowder & Jazz
Barnebey's Hot Four
Saturday, April 6, 11:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Gualala Arts Center
Free concert of traditional New Orleans jazz by Barnebey's Hot Four, returning again by popular demand, accompanying the Annual Chowder Challenge ($20 for 15 tasting tickets and commemorative glass).
Free admission for music only.
Brown Paper Tickets (800) 838-3006. Gualala Arts Center (707)-884-1138.
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Arena Theater & Blues
Kenny Neal & Family of New Orleans
Saturday, April 6, 8:30 p.m., doors open at 8:00 p.m.
214 Main St. (Highway 1), Point Arena
Kenny Neal, one of the authentic blues greats, born in New Orleans and raised in Baton Rouge, began playing music at a young age. Learning the basics from his father, singer and blues harmonica master, Raful Neal, Kenny is known as a modern swamp-blues master and multi-instrumentalist, who draws musically from the sizzling sounds of his native Louisiana. For more info:
Neal Family & Band members.
Bar, snack stand and dance floor open. Tickets: $20 online, (800) 838-3006, at local vendors and at the door. (707) 882-3272.
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Jazz Film
In Good Time, The Piano Jazz of Marian McPartland
(2011, 86 min.)
Monday, April 8, 7:00 p.m.
Arena Theater, 214 Main St. (Highway 1), Point Arena
This film, heralded as one of the best jazz documentaries ever, traces the life and career of jazz legend Marian McPartland as a musician, composer, and host of NPR's "Piano Jazz." Now in her 90s, McPartland tells her own story through interviews filmed over four years. The film features her musical compositions and piano improvisations. She is seen performing and regaling audiences with her wit and stories in clubs, concerts and recording sessions with Dave Brubeck, Diana Krall, Dick Hyman and others. Filmmaker Huey will answer questions from the audience via Skype or over the phone. Film Club members: free; general admission: $8. (707) 882-3456.
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Sea Ranch Lodge & Jazz
Ian Scherer & Steve Forberg Duo
Friday, April 12, 5:30 & 8:00 p.m.
Black Point Grill, 60 Sea Walk Dr., The Sea Ranch
The spirited and dynamic guitarist, Ian Scherer, and the versatile Steve Forberg, who doubles on electric bass and guitar, will perform Latin, standards and astounding gypsy jazz. Impressive sunset views, special prix fixe menu, $55 per person including jazz entertainment. Award-winning wines and full bar. Dining reservations recommended. (707) 785-2371.
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Garcia River Casino & Zydeco
Zydeco Flames
Saturday, April 13, 8:00 p.m.
22215 Windy Hollow Rd, Point Arena
The Zydeco Flames
have gained a reputation as the West Coast's premiere Zydeco band, with Lloyd Meadows as their lead singer, rubboard & harmonica; Frank Bohan, guitar; Bruce Gordon, accordion; Timm Walker, bass & vocals; William Allums Jr., drums. Their sizzling roots rhythms are timeless and their execution relentless, with a stunningly powerful groove. River Grill Stage. No cover charge. 21 and over only. Food, beverages, wine, beer and spirits available. (707) 467-5300.
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Poetry & Jazz, with poet Jonah Raskin
Thursday, April 18, 7:00 p.m.
215 Main (Highway 1), Point Arena
Improvisational jazz by local musicians Karl Young, shakuhachi flute; Tim Mueller, guitar, James Hayes, upright bass and Chris Campbell, drums, and acclaimed beat performance poet, Jonah Raskin. Raskin is the author of 14 books, including "American Scream: Allen Ginsberg's 'Howl' and the Making of the Beat Generation," "For the Hell of It: The Life and Times of Abbie Hoffman," and most recently "Marijuanaland: Dispatches from an American War." An open mic with musical accompaniment will precede the reading. 215 Main is located in the heart of downtown Point Arena on Main St./Hwy. 1. $5 donation requested. One-drink minimum. Food available. (707) 882-3215.
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St. Orres & Jazz
Susan Sutton and Terry Simcik
Friday, April 19, 6:00 & 8:00 p.m.
36601 S. Hwy. 1, Gualala
Gorgeous interweaving on jazz standards with consistently uplifting interpretations, performed by outstanding musicians Susan Sutton, keyboard and Terry Simcik, guitar. Regular 3-course menu, award-winning wine cellar in St. Orres' spectacular, multi-story, domed dining room. Full bar, Dining reservations recommended. (707) 884-3335.
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Trink's & Jazz
Susan Sutton
Saturday, April 20, 11:00 a.m.
Trink's Café in Sea Cliff Center, Gualala
Revered for her original melodic solo improvisations and tender renditions of standards, keyboardist Susan Sutton will perform at Trink's "Brunch & Jazz" festival debut. A family-owned dessert and coffee shop, offering full breakfast and lunch menus daily. Pazzo Marco Gelati a specialty. (707) 884-4713.
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The Whale & Jazz Main Event:
Jamie Davis & Quintet in Concert
Saturday, April 20, 7:30 p.m.
Gualala Arts Center
Internationally acclaimed vocalist Jamie Davis (formerly with the Count Basie Band) will share the stage with superb veterans Roger Glenn, vibes & reeds; Glenn Pearson, piano; Kyle Gregory, trumpet; John Shifflett, bass and Larry Vann, drums
- and introducing Matt Richards, the sensational 15-year-old alto sax player from Walnut Creek.
Tickets are $28 in advance, $5 more on the day of the performance. No host bar.
Brown Paper Tickets (800) 838-3006, Gualala Arts Center (707) 884-1138.
"Sophisticated and suave song stylist Jamie Davis will remind you of legends Joe Williams and Lou Rawls. His beautifully memorable baritone voice is one of the best anywhere,"
says Fred Adler,
KTDE FM
Radio personality and Whale & Jazz Festival Music Coordinator.
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Bones & the Blues:
Keith Abrams Groove Factor
Friday, April 26, 7:00 p.m.
Bones Roadhouse, 39080 S. Hwy. 1, Gualala
The solid and soulful musicianship of Keith Abrams Groove Factor, featuring Paul Mueller and Harrison Goldberg, saxophones; Chris Doering and Tim Mueller, guitars; James Hayes, drums; Keith Abrams, bass guitar. Enjoy real Texas wood-fired barbecue, fine wines, microbrews and altered spirits. No cover charge; reservations recommended. (707) 884-1188.
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Whale Watch Inn & Jazz:
"On The Air"
Saturday, April 27, 5:00 p.m.
Whale Watch Inn, Anchor Bay
Superb musicians Ned Ripple, guitar & vocals, and Dennis Fortin, guitar, perform as
On The Air,
playing entrancing European gypsy jazz and joyous Fats Waller swing. Enjoy romance and jazz with an international gourmet buffet and wine tasting by Handley Cellars at sunset overlooking the sea. $60 prix fixe includes jazz entertainment. Limited seating; reservations required. (800) 942-5342; (707) 884-3667.
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Arena Cove & Jazz:
The Duran Sisters meet Chris Doering
Sunday, April 28, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Pier Chowder House & Tap Room, Wharf Bldg., Arena Cove, Point Arena
Heartfelt musicians, Bay Area keyboardist / vocalist Sharman Duran, and Mendocino County guitarist supreme Pilar Duran (both daughters of legendary jazz guitar great, Eddie Duran) combine forces with south coast guitar pillar, Chris Doering for a very special evening of sambas, soulful rhythm & blues and classic jazz. The uniquely inventive Tim Mueller will join them on bass guitar and guitar. Great seafood and more overlooking the Arena Cove. Special menu at regular prices. Full bar, domestic, imported and microbrew beers. Dining reservations recommended. (707) 882-3400.
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Youth, Whales & Jazz:
Naked Whale Research & The Others Brothers
Tuesday, April 30, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Gualala Arts Center
Local students from grades K through 12 will be attending a special presentation by Jodi Smith, Executive Director of
Naked Whale Research,
a killer whale (Orca) research organization founded in 2010. Photos, audio and video tailored for young students will examine killer whales' ecology, social structure, communication methods and more. In addition, enthusiastic Sonoma and Mendocino County musicians, Harrison Goldberg, reeds, and Scott Foster, vocal and rhythm guitar, performing as "The Others Brothers" will entertain and explore their love for all jazz sounds and styles. [*This event is not open to the public.]
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Timber Cove Inn & Jazz:
Joani Rose & Trio
Friday, May 3, 7:00 p.m.
21780 Highway 1, Timber Cove
Northern California vocalist, Joani Rose, infuses her tasteful selections with consistent emotional honesty, lyricism and purity of tone. Accompanied by the truly top-level musicians: Francis Vanek, tenor sax, Terry Rodriguez, keyboard and the ubiquitous Steve Webber, acoustic bass, this will be a gorgeous evening of bop, swing, standards, blues and Latin jazz.. Special menu and à la carte selections available from Alexander's Restaurant. Full bar, no cover charge; reservations recommended. (707) 847-3231.
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Annapolis Winery & Jazz:
Serafina Brown & Quartet
Saturday, May 4, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Soda Springs & Annapolis Road, Annapolis
Bay Area/NYC vocalist, Serafina Brown, crafts deeply beautiful interpretations of both familiar standards and some lesser-known songs, consistently displaying an acute reverence for melody. Accompanied by Rob Ellis, keyboard, Francis Vanek, tenor sax, Chris Doering, guitar and Steve Webber, acoustic bass. Enjoy the views, wines and great jazz! Bring a picnic to enjoy under the blossoming orchard. Fine Annapolis wines available for purchase; light refreshments. Donation $5 to $25. (707) 886-5460.
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215 Main & Jazz:
Steve Webber / Rob Ellis Trio & Special Guests
Saturday, May 4, 7:00 p.m.
215 Main (Highway 1), Point Arena
The Steve Webber / Rob Ellis Trio with Chris Doering on guitar.
Beautiful classics, bop, blues and bossa nova played by three elegant and accomplished Marin and Sonoma County musicians, Webber, upright bass, Ellis, keyboard and Doering, guitar. Serafina Brown, in town from NYC, will guest with her artistic vocal stylings and the consummately lyrical tenor saxophonist, Francis Vanek will contribute his mastery
Beer / wine bar. $8 cover. Food available. (707) 882-3215.
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Festival Sponsor:
Rams Head Realty & Rentals
Complete list of
2013 Whale & Jazz Sponsors
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Past Festivals
Past Festivals
"Gualala and Point Arena are truly best-kept secrets for many travelers in Mendocino County,"
said Hal Wagenet, Chair of
Visit Mendocino County,
the travel tourism office.
"A gorgeous coast, great hospitality, and for a musician like me the jazz is simply fantastic."
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The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email
info@gualalaarts.org.
Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.
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