Jazzing It Up in the Pines
By Bob Bogard
Idyllwild Arts will present the 25th Annual Jazz in the Pines August 10–12, 2018 in Idyllwild, California. The three-day event will feature more than two-dozen bands on the breathtaking 205-acre Idyllwild Arts mountain campus among the pines, under the festival’s signature colored parachutes. Attendees can choose to purchase any of five different ticket packages, including the new VIP All-Access Pass, the Patron Pass, the Two-Day Pass, and daily admission passes for Saturday and Sunday. All proceeds from the festival will benefit Idyllwild Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that changes lives through the transformative power of art. The festival takes place rain or shine.
The festival will feature memorable performances by a wide variety of jazz, blues, and R&B performers. It will feature both young artists who are keeping the art form fresh and alive, and seasoned musicians like Jazz in the Pines co-founder Marshall Hawkins, the standup-bass master and revered Idyllwild Arts teacher who learned at the knees of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Tony Williams while touring with the Miles Davis Quintet. Hawkins personally curates this entire festival.
Significant performers include the Pete Escovedo Orchestra, the Graham Dechter Quartet, Joshua White, Richie Cole “Alto Madness,” the Azar Lawrence Experience, and American Idol star Casey Abrams. The festival also includes a special performance on Sunday by the Idyllwild Arts Academy Student Combo, featuring student performers from the Academy.
For the 25th Annual Jazz in the Pines, a new VIP all-access package has been added, with exclusive access to a new VIP lounge Saturday and Sunday, including appetizers, non-alcoholic refreshments (alcoholic beverages are available for purchase), private restrooms, air conditioning, and more. Patron packages, which include access to the exclusive Patrons Dinner on Friday August 10, are available at the same price and benefits as in previous years. It also features a pre-show reception and preferred seating at Seahawk MOJO Concert on Saturday evening, preferred parking, preferred seating in the Main Amphitheater, and unlimited Saturday and Sunday admission.
Seven Reasons to Attend Jazz in the Pines (And to get your tickets now)
1) This is the 25th Anniversary of the annual festival
For more than two decades, this festival has been produced in the mountain town of Idyllwild, CA. The three-day event will feature more than two-dozen bands on the breathtaking 205-acre Idyllwild Arts mountain campus among the pines, under the festival’s signature colored parachutes.
2) You will be able to experience a wide range of established and up and coming jazz, blues, and R&B performers
Jazz in the Pines features both young artists who are keeping the art form fresh and alive, and seasoned musicians like Jazz in the Pines co-founder Marshall Hawkins, the standup-bass master and revered Idyllwild Arts teacher who learned at the knees of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Tony Williams while touring with the Miles Davis Quintet. Hawkins personally curates this entire festival.
3) The event raises funds that benefit the Idyllwild Art Academy Scholarship Program.
Idyllwild Arts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that changes lives through the transformative power of art. The Idyllwild Art Academy provides pre-professional training in the arts and a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum to a diverse student body of gifted young artists from around the world that study Creative Writing, Dance, Film & Digital Media, Fashion Design, Music, Theatre and Visual Arts.
4) The location is spectacular
The festival is held on the grounds of the Idyllwild Arts Academy, a breathtaking 205-acre mountain campus perched high upon the mountain top in Idyllwild, CA. The outdoor venues of the festival allow attendees to experience a range of incredible music while surrounded by majestic soaring trees.
5) You can get exclusive access to the Patron’s Dinner the Friday night of the festival
One of the most exciting components to Jazz in the Pines is the exclusive annual Patrons Dinner that is held on the Idyllwild Arts Academy campus. The theme this year is “Riverside French Quarter” and includes traditional New Orleans music and cuisine. Starting at 7 pm, guests will enjoy festive libations at a Bourbon Street-inspired bar, and savor a mouthwatering New Orleans-style food reminiscent of the city’s famous Cafe du Monde French market.
6) While at the festival, you can explore and enjoy the tranquil mountain town of Idyllwild
Attendees will discover the quaint town of Idyllwild, home to a world-class community of artists, wonderful locally owned shops and restaurants, and some of the best scenery, hiking and rock climbing in the country.
7) There are hundreds of cute places to stay – but don’t wait too long!
Because Idyllwild accommodations are limited, hotels and short-term vacation rental properties book quickly. Festival attendees are advised to make reservations soon. At the event, there is no parking on the Idyllwild Arts Campus, but a complimentary shuttle will provide transportation to and from the main gate from various pick-up points within town.
Go to http://www.idylodging.com to see what accommodations are available.
For more information about Jazz in the Pines, go to jazzinthepines.com or call 951.659.2171.
