Award-winning, nationally-recognized jazz DJ Brad Stone (KCSM, KSJS) is one of the biggest jazz voices in the region, and we’re pleased to have him back as our resident Summer Fest “Jazz Doctor”! Stone is not only a jazz fanatic but a long-time Fest attendee. Fun fact: his many jazz accolades are just part of his hobby — he’s actually a chemistry professor (he really is a doctor!)
This year, Stone will be our Main Stage MC, so if you’d like Summer Fest artist recommendations or just want to talk jazz, he’ll be around all weekend to answer your questions.
As part of our “Fest Five” campaign, we asked the doctor himself who he was most excited to see grace the many Summer Fest stages this year. His picks, in his words:
Brian Ho Trio
“In this day and ago of the resurgence of the organ in jazz, the Bay Area is fortunate to have one of the young purveyors of the jazz organ trio genre right here in our area. Brian is a talented organist and composer – this trio really cooks!”
Derrick Hodge
“Derrick is a bassist and composer who has worked with a host of collaborators, including Robert Glasper, Spike Lee and Common. His debut album as a leader is due to be released the week prior to our Festival! Not to be missed!”
Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
“Our Festival is very heavy with Latin Jazz this year, which I am delighted about (Latin Jazz IS Jazz), and it doesn’t get any better than with the great Arturo O’Farrill. Pianist, composer and bandleader; Arturo is originally from Mexico, and now resides in New York. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a master at work.”
Aaron Lington Quartet Plays the Music of Stevie Wonder
“I can’t wait to hear what Professor Aaron Lington (SJSU), internationally known baritone saxophonist and composer, does with his charts of Stevie’s music, which we all know and love.”
Yosvany Terry
“Saxophonist Yosvanny Terry appeared a few years ago at our Festival, and did a killer set at the Theater on San Pedro Square, with the great Dafnis Prieto (also appearing this year with his own group). A master of the alto saxophone, and wonderful composer from Cuba, now New York – I’m so glad he is coming back – today’s jazz at it’s best.”
Another 12 well worth mentioning, and checking out: Tammy Hall, Murali Coryell, Times 4, Joe DeRose & Amici, Stacy Kent, the Cookers, Natalie Cressman, Javon Jackson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Ricardo Lemvo Y Makina Loca, Joel Behrman Sextet and Sasha Dobson. I hope I get to see them all!
Who’s in your “Fest Five”? Let us know by leaving a comment below or by sharing your picks with us via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using Summer Fest hash tag #sjjazzfest.