When Jazz Comes to Town....

It's only four weeks before the real jazz begins. . .June 1-10, the Healdsburg Jazz Festival!

To read a shoutout from the Jazz Police, click here.

June 1-10 is coming up very quickly, which means time is short to choose which of this year's concerts to catch. Will it be the soulful croon of Freddy Cole in the twilight backyard of Barndiva? The smokin' R&B jazz from Calvin Keys or the brass of Dixieland Night at Costeaux? And that's just the first weekend... another full week lies ahead, with Kenny Burrell, Vijay Iyer, Sheila Jordan and Roy Haynes -- plus this week's featured artist, Michele Rosewoman. Choose tickets for all shows.

Friday, June 8 at the Raven
The Michele Rosewoman Trio

Technique is what immediately bowls you over about Michele Rosewoman. She is equally virtuosic at in-the-pocket post-bop playing, rippling romanticism, atonal flights or the Afro-Cuban clave. But while many have chops, few can muster them with the sense of equipoise that Michele brings. Like a dancer in the eye of a hurricane, Michele choreographs the piano in a way that’s electrifying without being electric.

For this evening’s concert at the Raven, Michele calls in some favors and some favorites. Here's HJF regular Billy Hart on drums, rock-solid Andy McKee on bass, and the ever-edgy Julian Priester on trombone. Read more about this show, and join the secret society who recognize Michele Rosewoman as an illuminated one at the keys. Tickets online here.

June 8 & 9 - Music, Wine and Food Cocktail Hours

People are always asking us where the after-party is (and if we knew, we'd tell you!). But this year we're introducing the before-party, a full two hours in the parking lot across from the Raven Theater where you can prepare for the Friday and Saturday night concerts. Cool off from the summer day, mingle with your friends, and listen to the sundown sizzle of the Gary Johnson Trio (Friday, June 8, 6 - 8 pm) and the Susan Sutton Trio (Saturday, June 9, 5:30 - 7:30). Sponsored by Simi Winery and their ! "winery on wheels," it's the Music, Wine and Food Cocktail Hour(s). There'll be Simi wine available, free food bites, and a before-party atmosphere of anticipation!

Speaking of food... Wait till you see what we have in store at the Festival Finale on Sunday, June 10. Fork Catering and the Killer Baking Company will be on site at Rodney Strong Vineyards, doing what they do best - create terrific "food truck food" from organ! ic eggs, sustainable meat, and fresh produce and seasonal ingredients. Think Stemple Creek Ranch Hamburger or Quinoa Garbanzo Bean Burger, organic Equator espresso and coffee out of San Rafael, capped off with three different kinds of brownies, from Blondies to Triple Chocolate Heaven. Paired with Rodney Strong's Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot or Cabernet, you'll be well-fed and ready for Jazz Roy-alty!

Please support all of Our Sponsors, whether you attend one of the winery-sponsored events, dine in the restaurants, listen to the radio or otherwise share the love of jazz as an American art form we're all proud to endorse.

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Check the North Bay Jazz Calendar, featuring May's Backyard Jazz show with the Andrew Speight Quintet on May 20 ... Napa Valley Opera House brings two jazz shows to wine country this month, including the Brad Mehldau Trio (May 17) and "James Farm" with Joshua Redman, Aaron Parks, Matt Penman & Eric Harland (May 23). Discounts with our special code, available here.