Whether he’s behind the turntable or broadcasting over the airwaves, Russell Gatewood has established himself as an iconic DJ and radio personality from coast to coast. One half of the World Famous Rick & Russ Show, holding down the Sobrato Organization Main Stage between sets this year, Russell’s work as a DJ is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. Here are five of the acts he’s most excited about this year.
Lalah Hathaway: “Lalah is a long time friend and I always dig the twists she adds to her incredible instrument.” Combining a resonant voice with empowering lyrics, her music has turned heads in instrumental and vocal worlds alike. A versatile collaborator, she has joined forces with jazz fusion icons like Summer Fest alums Snarky Puppy and Robert Glasper. Don’t miss her August 10 performance on the Sobrato Organization Main Stage.
Goapele: “Oakland native Goapele has created a niche for her singular vocal gift. She seems to feed off her audience to create a unique experience at each show.” Her music unites elements of R&B with pop-savvy choruses, as heard on her latest Dreamseeker EP. Backed by an all-star East Bay rhythm section, she will enchant audiences on August 11 on the Main Stage.
Booker T’s Stax Revue: So much history in his discography. Hit after hit after hit!” One of the living legends gracing the Summer Fest stage, organist Booker T. Jones will bring an all-new ten-piece band to the Sobrato Organization Main Stage. The R&B icon will be curating a retrospective of his career, from his stint as house organist for Stax Records through his days as a bandleader. Save the date for August 11!
Jimetta Rose: “I’ve been a fan since a friend turned me on to Barber’s Daughter a while back. Hoping I can skip away for a bit and catch part of her set.” A quickly rising star in the world of soul vocals, Jimetta Rose’s poetic lyrics float over head-bobbing beats. With a diverse set of influences from jazz to hip-hop, she has positioned herself on the cutting edge of LA’s creative renaissance. Her performance on the Boom Box stage will bring Cesar Chavez Park to life on August 10.
Herb Alpert & Lani Hall : “Long time fan, however, I’ve never seen him live. Hoping he squeezes dozens of classics into his set and dazzles me me with new ones!”
Few musicians have attained the success and legacy achieved by trumpeter Herb Alpert. He and his band, Tijuana Brass, produced feel-good brass band renditions of classic American Songbook tunes throughout the 1960s, and his live shows continue to captivate audiences today. Joined by his wife Lani Hall, the duo will celebrate the accomplishments of both Alpert and Hall, who toured internationally with Sergio Mendes’ Brasil 66. Catch their Main Stage performance on August 12.