Photo courtesy Bob Boss
Guitarist Bob Boss is a familiar presence in the Idyllwild jazz scene. The San Diego-based musician plays in many Idyllwild events, often with Idyllwild jazz icon Marshall Hawkins at his side.
Boss brings his Latin-focused jazz quintet to the Idyllwild Summer Concert Series on Thursday, Aug. 18, for an evening of bossa-nova melodies, poppin’ percussion and some Dizzy Gillespie Latin-influenced collaborations with Chano Pozo.
Joining Boss are Marshall Hawkins on bass, Ramon Banda on drums and timbales, Michael Peed on keyboard and Roy Gonzales on percussion.
“We’re dedicating this concert to the memory of our dear friend, percussionist Kiko Cornejo, who died recently,” said Boss. “Kiko was among the first bunch of musicians that Marshall brought to Idyllwild to play concerts and work with students. We were friends for nearly 30 years.”
Boss said the idea of the Latin theme and honoring Cornejo is to be playing music that is uplifting, enjoyable and fun. “I want to feature the two drummers, and remember Kiko’s big smile when he played,” said Boss.
Boss has recorded with Hawkins, Daniel Jackson, Jason Jackson and A.J. Croce, Jim Croce’s son. He has appeared on “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, “CBS This Morning” and “Entertainment Tonight.” He has taught at the University of California, San Diego; San Diego State; Idyllwild Arts; and Palomar College.
Boss and his quintet take the stage at 7 p.m. at Butterfield Commons on Strawberry Creek. The opening act, not known as of this writing, begins at 6:15 p.m.
As Ken Dahleen and the ISCS board do each year, they sign contracts with featured acts and undertake production of the series before having funds for the entire budget. At this point, with only three concerts remaining, the board is short just over $9,000. Of the $32,420 budget, $23,260 has been raised to date, through donations and sponsorships.
So bring your chairs, food, libations and cash for the donation jars. Remember that ISCS presents this series for Idyllwild locals with no admission charge. Proceeds from ice cream and water sales on the site are donated to fund the series.
