The BBQ is Hot! On April 16 The Brubeck Brothers Quartet (BBQ) will appear in concert at the Gualala Arts Center. Chris and Dan Brubeck two members of the renowned Brubeck family, join the rest of BBQ, Chris Lamb and Mike DeMicco, for what promises to be a spectacular evening of jazz. Following on the heels of the Whale and Jazz Festival, this concert caps an April full of impressive performances.

Drummer Dan Brubeck may be the most familiar face. Until recently he lived on Mountain View Road and his son attended Pacific Coast Charter School. He has toured the international music circuit for over two decades and performed with the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Dan's original drumming style and use of odd-time signatures evoke memories of Dave Brubeck's legendary "Time Out" album and have earned the drummer international critical acclaim.

Brother Chris Brubeck, comfortable on four instruments, is also a composer, lyricist, and orchestral arranger for a wide variety of musical forms from folk to classical. He has debuted a concerto entitled "Convergence" that was commissioned by the Boston Symphony Orchestra to showcase its virtuosity and to celebrate the centennial of Symphony Hall. The Boston Globe called "Convergence" "a work with sophistication and heart".

Keyboardist Pete Levin has played and composed music since the 1960's. He has worked with many artists including Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Gerry Mulligan, Willie Colon, and Paul Simon. In addition to playing with the BBQ, he tours with the Pete Levin Band. Levin has been co-leader or featured player on 15 CDs.

Rounding out the quartet, guitarist Mike DeMicco has been with the group since 1980. For ten years he performed and recorded with the acclaimed electric jazz quartet, The Dolphins, a group that featured Dan Brubeck. Mike recorded his own well-received 3- instructional video set "You Can Play Jazz Guitar" for Homespun Tapes. He appeared in the PBS series, "Jazz in America" as did both Brubeck brothers.

This event marks the first time the complete Brubeck Brothers Quartet has performed in the area. Dan and Chris were featured at the first Whale and Jazz festival two years ago and have played on one other occasion at GAC in the past three years. Also, their famous father, Dave Brubeck, joined them for a concert in Point Arena that raised funds for the local charter school. However, this concert marks the first time that a local audience will hear the entire ensemble - a unique opportunity!

The previous Brubeck concerts were sold out and this event should be no exception so purchase your tickets as soon as possible. Tickets cost $20.00 in advance and $25.00 on the day of the concert. For $35.00 one may purchase a Special Jazz Package that combines the Main Event in Two Acts - the Redwood Coast Whale and Jazz Festival featured event on the evening of April 2 - and the Brubeck concert on April 16. Tickets are available at the Gualala Arts Center, the Dolphin Gallery, and at Violet's Boutique in Gualala. The Special Jazz Package is available only at the GAC.