Spend the evening at the venue that is fast becoming Pasadena's hottest spot for live jazz: the Pasadena Jazz Institute’s new home at Paseo Colorado. Audiences will enjoy ongoing sets of music, performed by some of the most talented newcomers and veterans from the world of jazz.

Appetizers, beer and wine are available. 

Friday, August 1st, LA Jazz Collective

LAJC returns to the site of its very successful inaugural event back in April. This evening's member bands are: Joeless Shoe (featuring Matt Otto on sax, Jamie Rosenn on guitar, and Jason Harnell on drums), SPES (featuring Mike Scott on guitar, Jeff Ellwood on sax, Roger Shew on bass, and Tim Pleasant on drums), WEDU (featuring Matt Zebley on alto sax, Paul Carmen on tenor sax, Joey Sellers on trombone, and John Daversa on trumpet, and Los Devastrados (featuring Gabe Rosenn on guitar, Miles Senzaki on drums, Robby Marshall on sax, and Jason Powell on bass).

Saturday, August 2nd, Vocalist Jessica Vautor

Michael Bluestein - piano, Lyman Medieros - bass, Dave Cowan - drums
Jessica was born in the beautiful island of Martinique. Her father, Robin Vautor ,incredibly gifted guitar player ,piano player ,flutist and composer,(also member of the acclaimed caribbean jazz band Fal Frett), provided her at an early age with a rich and unique musical foundation that is the essence of her inspiration today (merci PAPA pour ta musique et Maman Veronique pour ta jolie voix!) She studied Jazz ( Le C.I.M) and Opera ( Ecole Normale Alfred Cortot ) in Paris, and also attented M.I.T (Musicians Institute) ,in Los Angeles. Jessica lives now between LA and Martinique, via Europe. She enjoys creating spontaneous musical interactions with amazingly talented musicians with singular style and original harmonic senses . Among her favorite partners in crime, Otmaro Ruiz genius piano player and composer form Venezuela, Mike Bluestein, wonderful pianist from the west coast,the magical Artist Amel Larrieux , Yoon-Seoun Cho amazing pianist from South Korea ,innovative pianist and composer Gary Blumer, Mister Lyman Medeiros the man with the great tone (upright bass) Leo Costa, one of the most talented brazilian drumer in LA, Gretchen Parlato.

Friday, August 8th, Saxophonist Robby Marshall and Pianist and composer Brian Friedland

A night of new music for large jazz ensembles by two of Los Angeles' most exciting and creative young composers, featuring many of finest young improvizational artists on the scene.   
 
I.Saxophonist Robby Marshall performs new original works for nonet, solo sax, and more.  Marshall is well known for his work with rising stars James Torme and Rene Olstead.  

II. Pianist and composer Brian Friedland preimeres several new works for big band.  Friedland draws inspiration for his compositions from music as diverse as piano great Keith Jarrett, the Bulgarian Women's Choir, and avant-garde composer Gyorgy Ligeti.  While studying jazz composition with greats Vince Mendoza and Kim Richmond at the University of Southern California, Friedland began extensively composing for big band and quickly developed a unique compositional voice in that medium.  Kim Richmond declares that Friedland's music is "not only professional quality material, but inspirationally crafted, and an excellent and interesting mix of art works."  Friedland's big band compositions are journeys filled with emotive textures, compositional surprises, and rhythmic vitality.  Richmond further comments that, "[there are] many great moments fashioned by this amazing creator are already out  there. I recommend you seek them out.

Friday, August 15th, Rachel Lauren

Singing classic jazz standards fueled by raw emotion and an innovative style, Rachel Lauren is an artist who will not only delight your ear, but revive your spirit.  With the release of her first album away from the crowd, she has succeeded in stepping away from the anonymity of the larger music scene and into a spotlight of her very own. 

As a vocal stylist, Rachel Lauren pays homage to the music that created jazz, flavoring it with original emotional expression.  “Its not about how many notes or beats you have,” she says, “If you have people feeling something, feeling what you are feeling, that is what jazz is about.” She infuses this mantra into jazz standards, reviving vintage tunes with an emotional interpretation of her own.

Saturday, August 16th, Chuchito Valdez In Concert

Jesus "Chuchito" Valdés following in the footsteps of his famed father Chucho Valdés and grandfather Bebo Valdés, continues the legacy of great piano players from Cuba. His influences of Afro Cuban rhythms and jazz creates an exciting and energetic blend of spicy music that drives audiences wild.

Chuchito has led "Irakere" for 2 years and has also performed at festivals, clubs and concerts throughout the world: from Cuba, the Caribbean to North America, South America, and Europe.  Chuchito is recognized as a master at Cuban music including Son, Danzon, Cuban Timba and Guaguanco.  In his performances, Chuchito’s music draws on many styles including Afro-Cuban Latin Jazz, Bebop, Danzon, Cha-Cha-Cha, Son Montuno and much more.