And the Kenny Stahl Quintet , lead by flutist Stahl and featuring the great George Young on tenor saxophone, will also be an act to remember for its polished delivery and strong ensemble work by seasoned professionals of the San Francisco and Monterey jazz scenes. Other band members are pianist Murray Lowe, drummer Paul Van Wageningen and bassist Dennis Murphy. While the rich, swinging vocals of Roberta Gambarini will be heard Sunday with the Marcus Shelby Orchestra, her appearance Friday night at the beautiful cliff-hugging Post Ranch Inn will be a standing room only event. She will be accompanied by guitarist Tonk Edwards, a veteran of the golden age of jazz who has played with many of the storied jazz legends. Local representatives, Lucidology , a quartet featuring singer Jaqui Hope and guitarist Joe Lucido, perform out front of the intimate dining venue, the Bonito Roadhouse.
Diners can enjoy the music as well as folks who want to just come and listen.
Artist Nancy Peacock provided the artwork for the festival merchandise and promotions and will be present at the festival to paint the musical artists in action. Her kinetic style of painting will be on display in the Big Sur Arts Initiative's gallery which also serves as the festival's headquarters. It is located in the Village Shops building near the River Inn at the north end of Big Sur village. Presented through the Big Sur Arts Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the arts and developing young artists' talent in the Big Sur community, the Big Sur JazzFest strives to do the same by providing an inspiring environment in which to create original music and art based on the concept of freedom. Jazz music fits this concept well, and for people who enjoy the same sense of adventure that musicians experience when they improvise, this is the type of performance setting where audience and performers can interact on an intimate level.