31st Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival Sizzles

By Darlene Donloe

If it’s August, it must be time for the Long Beach Jazz Festival!

A fan favorite, the festival has become a summer tradition for the thousands who attend the three-day event.

For 31 years, the Long Beach Jazz Festival (LBJF), located at Rainbow Lagoon Park on the back side of the Long Beach Convention Center on Shoreline Drive, has been the place to be, see and hear some of the greatest musicians in the biz and to experience a true jazz infusion. This year the tradition continued with some of the most popular jazz and smooth jazz artists taking the stage August 10-12.

Under the direction of Kimberly Benoit, president of Rainbow Promotions, the festival had an impressive lineup that included Jonathan Butler, Maysa, Kim Waters, Marion Meadows, Marcus Miller, Poncho Sanchez, Everette Harp, Chante Moore, Doc Powell, Nick Colionne, Eric Roberson, Nick Smith, Stanley Clarke, Randy Crawford, Kirk Whalum, Keiko Matsui, David Benoit, Marc Antoine, Brian Simpson and Jazmin Ghent.

Nick Smith

When asked what sets LBJF apart from other jazz festivals, Nick Smith, a pianist who at one time played the smaller second stage before being asked to play the main stage, said it was the variety of music that the fans get to hear.

“You get to see and hear a variety of music that includes jazz, R&B, and even some classics,” said Smith. “I’m thankful and grateful to play on the same stage as some of these great musicians.”

Everette Harp

“It’s always cool to play the Long Beach Jazz Festival,” said saxophonist Everette Harp. “The people, the venue, the music it’s all here. You get to play music with some of your friends. I always have a great time because it's a great festival.”

Eric Roberson

“This is wonderful,” said singer Eric Roberson.  “This is a cool festival. I’m having fun.”

Nick Colionne

"When I play festivals, I like to make sure the fans are having a good time," said jazz guitarist Nick Colionne. "That's why I like to go down into the audience and connect with them. The fans are very important."

The LBJF offers more than music. There is a vendor pavilion that offers a variety of freshly prepared foods and beverages plus unique clothing, art, and accessories. There is also a second stage in the pavilion that features experts sharing knowledge about health and wellness.