Apparently the answer is yes. But there's one music series that even our city's cultural skinflints can't be excused for not attending, because it's absolutely free. One, it's hosted a truly great selection of local and national Jazz artists. With well sculpted, terraced green spaces for picnic seating, the space has seen some great Jazz of late, and continues to this season with saxophonist Kenny Garrett's Quartet on June 13 and bassist Christian McBride's quartet on June 27. Of course, this is due more to the efforts of coordinator Dorothy Wright, who runs the Amphitheater space, than to her somewhat slim programming budget.
Many bands play for less than their usual rate.
I impress on them that it's for the public and that it's free. But it's that same luck that brought trumpeter Nicholas Payton to the amphitheater last year, as he too was on his way to the Playboy event. Thanks to the proximity and Wright's efforts, the Playboy Festival has sent some first rate Jazz artists to the space, which locals have enjoyed for free. Click here . Click here .