14th Annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival Set to Be a 'Roy-al' Affair

The will launch its 14th consecutive year with a roster of jazz “Roy-alty” -- that's Roy as in Haynes, the legendary drummer and NEA Jazz Master -- and a bevy of veterans and jazz rising stars.

For the first time, the festival will present NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan, a unique vocal force in the music for over half a century.

Healdsburg, which has never compromised its vision of presenting authentic jazz greats, continues this June with a lineup that includes another Jazz Master -- guitarist Kenny Burrell.

Also included in the lineup are:

--pianist Vijay Iyer and his trio;

--local jazz mover and shaker Adam Theis' Shotgun Wedding;

--pianist Michele Rosewoman with trombone legend Julian Priester sitting in as special guest;

--bluesy pianist/singer Freddy Cole;

--timbales grandmaster Orestes Vilato's brand-new trans-Latin group Azesu, featuring the beguiling Venezuelan singer Maria Marquez;

--a Dixieland superband led by Mal Sharpe;

--a Jazz Night at the Movies courtesy of Mark Cantor and his cache of rare jazz footage;

--Northern California soul-jazz guitarist  Calvin Keys.

As usual, the festival matches the jazz with the area's most beautiful settings, such as restaurant, the the town plaza and of course the

With help from the to present Haynes and Jordan, the festival will also be offering a couple of special programs.  

A Roy-al Family Panel Discussion featuring headliner Roy Haynes and his two sons, cornetist Graham and drummer Craig and other participants, will air out the limitless legacy of a drummer who has played with practically every significant figure in jazz history, from Louis Armstrong to Charlie Parker to John Coltrane to Chick Corea.

A  Vocal Master Class led by Ms. Jordan, open to singers of all levels, will reveal secrets she has stored since singing with Charlie Parker as a teenager. 

Other treats abound at the fest. Try the late-night jams at the Healdsburg Hotel featuring Lorca Hart's juicy trio, or a wine tasting at Seasons of the Vineyard graced by the superlative Benny Barth Trio.

For more information, see www.healdsburgjazzfestival.org, where tickets are currently available. For additional ticket information, call 800 838-3006