Over 8,000 fans at the Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord enjoyed the
perfect weather making this year's festival the biggest jazz party of the summer
in the Bay Area.
Times 4
Times 4, a local group, capably opened the festival with a high energy set.
Deborah Cox moved from her usual R&B repertoire and delivered a jazzy salute to Dinah Washington. Jazz Attack with Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliot and Peter White brought the audience to their feet with sizzling grooves. Patti Austin thrilled the audience with a wonderful set of all her hits.
Patti Austin (vo)
Jazz Attack
David Benoit (pf)
Dave Koz (sax)
Kelly Sweet (vo)
Guitars & Saxes featuring Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Jeff Golub and Tim Bowman were a huge hit and included a heartfelt tribute to Grover Washington, Jr. and Michael Brecker. The crowd enjoyed the movie-themed set of Dave Koz & Friends with special guests David Benoit and Phil Perry, introducing Kelly Sweet. The closing number "Carwash" had the entire audience dancing and singing along with the lyrics.
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