Graham Dechter, Saturday’s honored, with Marshall Hawkins. Photos by J.P. Crumrine
Local jazz icon Marshall Hawkins brought in a band of brothers, and a sister or two, to the first ever, post Jazz in the Pines, evening Town Jazz concerts on Saturday, Aug. 27 and Sunday, Aug. 28. The event, a co-production of the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce and the Idyllwild Business Roundtable and hosted at Jo’An’s Restaurant’s garden setting, was by all measures a great success.
Charles Owens, saxophonist, playing the soprano sax.The Saturday event drew about 250 patrons and Sunday’s about 150. Adjacent core merchants stayed open and offered discounts to any showing their Hawkins wristband. Those sitting in the garden, drinking and eating and listening to some stellar jazz, remarked how beautiful the town looked all lit up for the occasion.
Saturday night honored up-and-coming jazz guitarist Graham Dechter, Idyllwild Arts graduate and guitar chair, from the age of 19, with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Dechter’s first CD, the 2009 release “Right on Time,” hit number 11 on the jazz charts. His second CD is about to be released. Dechter surprised and honored his friend, teacher and mentor, Hawkins, by canceling a gig to be there.
Daniel JacksonDechter sat in with the brilliant musicians Hawkins assembled — Hawkins on bass, icon and Sunday honoree Daniel Jackson on sax, Gilbert Castellanos on trumpet, Bob Boss on guitar, Mikan Zlatkovich on piano, Roy Gonzales on Latin percussion on Saturday and Najite on African percussion on Sunday, Yve Evans on vocals and surprise guest, sax man Charles Owens, another jazz lion. Tap dancing percussionist Claudia Gomez Vorce traded eights with the drummer to the delight of the audience. Part of the crowd at the In Town Jazz Concert.
The Art Alliance of Idyllwild sponsored a potluck for the community Sunday at Buckhorn Camp. AAI members and others from the community brought a dish and enjoyed spending time together while indulging in great food. “Over 60 people attended the Art Alliance of Idyllwild’s community potluck on Sunday night,” Shanna Robb, event organizer, said. “It overflowed with…
Steve Heller (right) joins Eduardo Santiago at the INK Book Gathering for the Idyllwild Author Series on Sunday afternoon. Heller talked about his writing and teaching life and discussed his book, “Lucky Kellerman,” which he wrote in 1987. He is currently writing a follow-up to that book, called “Return of the Ghost Killer.”
Marine Gunnery Sergeant Joel Daniel, Thursday night’s emcee for the summer concert, brought the crowd to its feet during a rousing performance of an original piece traditional bagpipes.
Idyllwild’s Isis Theatre Company, now in its 12th season, is presenting “A Wilde Holiday, The Star Child and Other Tales” as its Christmas offering. Isis President and Founder Suzanne Avalon noted the company is doing something new this year. “I’m excited this year we’re offering a production for children and families,” she said, referencing the…
Mark Davis is the next speaker at the Spotlight on Leadership series, sponsored by the Associates of Idyllwild Arts Foundation. The talk is at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 11, in the Fireside Room in Nelson Dining Hall on the Idyllwild Arts campus. The event is free to the public. Davis became director of Summer and…
Saturday night honored up-and-coming jazz guitarist Graham Dechter, Idyllwild Arts graduate and guitar chair, from the age of 19, with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Dechter’s first CD, the 2009 release “Right on Time,” hit number 11 on the jazz charts. His second CD is about to be released. Dechter surprised and honored his friend, teacher and mentor, Hawkins, by canceling a gig to be there. 
