The Goddess of Groove
By Mad Royal

Brainchild of local saxophonist Scott Andrews, the 2015 Mercedes Benz SLO Jazz Festival is about to hit town, not with a bang, but with a sweet lingering note. It had long been Scott’s dream to have a world-class jazz festival in San Luis Obispo, and last year, it finally happened. It was very successful, attended by 1800 people from as far away as San Diego, San Jose, and the San Joachin Valley. This year is hoped to be even bigger, and a Youth Stage has been added.
Headlining the event is multiple Grammy-nominated Joshua Redman and his quartet. All the entertainment is highly noteworthy, and sure to appeal to music lovers of all types, from diehard jazz aficionados to people who didn’t know “that” was jazz. Much of the music is highly danceable, from 5-time Grammy nominee Jon Santo’s Latin Jazz to the jazz and blues of diva Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, to Quincy Jones’ produced Alfredo Rodriguez and his Cuban jazz. That’s just to name a few.
There will be workshops for musicians and aspiring musicians, including a two drum clinics: one taught by John Santos and one by Wally Schnalle, and performances by local college and high school bands at the Youth Stage. The side stage on Broad Street features such local acts as Choro de Ouro and Human Nation (not to be missed). All in all, the day will be absolutely packed with activities and really great, world class music, much too much to do more here than scratch the surface. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to www.slojazzfest.org. Discounts are available for veterans, students, and groups of 20 or more people.
SLO Jazz Festival, Inc., is a 501(c)3 approved non-profit organization dedicated to “Celebrate Jazz and nurture the human spirit, one event at a time.” The way SLO Jazz Fest accomplishes this mission is to build culture through awareness, education, and events.
See the special insert in this week’s paper for the full line-up and schedule of SLO Jazz Festival events.