Herbie Hancock is an Academy and Grammy award winning American jazz pianist and composer. Submitted Photo
If you live anywhere within the 2.65 square miles that is the city of Sonoma, then you’ve heard of Sonoma Jazz Plus, or more specifically, you’ve likely heard the booming, annual music festival itself – from your front porch. To some, the four-day event comes with a modicum of chagrin (think Blue Meanies), for others it’s a welcome soundtrack to the overall Sonoma experience that draws music lovers from hither and yon to dance, drink and revel with Dionysian abandon.
Beginning Thursday, May 22 and running through Memorial Day Weekend, the Field of Dreams will light up with an all-star lineup that opens with popular music phenomenon Kool and the Gang, best known for their mandatory party anthem, “Celebration.” The Reverend Al Green, sometimes billed as a “musical balancing act between God and the Devil,” will burnish his legendary status with an appearance, as will lauded singer Diana Krall, who continues to stake her claim as her generation’s premiere female jazz vocalist. Likewise, Al Jarreau, who has won seven Grammy Awards in nearly as many different styles, will bring his inimitable style to the stage. Crossover legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bonnie Raitt will certainly give Sonoma something to talk about, as will Herbie Hancock, winner of this year’s “Album of the Year” Grammy Award for his tribute to the songs of Joni Mitchell, who, rumor has it, may cameo at the festival.
As in past festivals, “Wine and Song” on May 24 and May 25 will present a wide variety of small group performances across varying styles from swing to gypsy to soul to blues paired with wines poured from local vineyards in restaurants, bars and courtyards surrounding the historic Sonoma Plaza on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Festival revenues during the first three years of Sonoma Jazz Plus have launched music education programs in Sonoma schools, including providing instruments and in-school residencies by professional musicians.
For more information, visit www.sonomajazz.org or call 866.527.8499.
Sonoma Jazz Plus Festival: The basics
Kool & The Gang headlines the opening night of the festival at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 22. The Johnny Nocturne Band will play the Village Stage at 6:30 p.m. The doors will open at 6 p.m.
Friday night sees Al Green start off a fantastic doubleheader at 6:30 p.m. while the JC Smith Band plays on the Village Stage. Herbie Hancock will follow that at 9 p.m. playing “River: The Joni Letters,” the 2008 Grammy Award winner for Album of the Year.
The headliner on Saturday is Diana Krall at 9 p.m. The Taylor Eigsti Quartet with Julian Lage will open at 6:30 p.m. with Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue playing on the Village Stage.
The festival concludes on Sunday with Al Jarreau as the opening act at 6:30 p.m. as John Cleary’s Monster Trio opens on the Village Stage. Bonnie Raitt will finish things off starting at 9 p.m.
The doors open Friday through Sunday nights at 5:30 p.m. The Field of Dreams is at 151 First Street West.
Limited parking is available at the Veteran Memorial Building lot across the street from the festival site for $20. Additional parking is available for $10 at the Casa Grande lot (access from First Street West). Free parking is available at Sonoma Valley High School with shuttle service to and from the festival grounds.
Wine & Song will also take place around the Sonoma Plaza from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $60. General festival admission is $40 May 22, $45 on Friday, May 23, and $60 on Saturday, May 24. Sunday’s event is sold out. Tickets are $10 more when bought at the events tomorrow and Saturday. Call 866.527.TIXX (8499) for ticket information.
