The North Beach Jazz Festival is once again set to make waves in the heart of San Francisco. For the seventh year in a row, an assortment of top names and new arrivals to the jazz scene will fill the streets, clubs, parks, cafes and boutiques of vibrant North Beach between July 28 and August 5 for a week of concerts, workshops, CD release parties, Louis Armstrong tributes, jazz diva showcases and more.
The festival’s kick-off event is a 75th birthday tribute to Miles Davis with both electric and acoustic sets. Later in the week, a battle of the trumpets, pitting Irvin Mayfield, Kermit Ruffins (pictured left) and Carlos Washington in a classic showdown that’s been part of jazz history ever since the famed Armstrong/King Oliver shouting matches of the ‘ 20s and ‘ 30s in the cobble-stoned streets of New Orleans.
Other performers include singer/pianist Dena Derose, the Mark Wright trio and award-winning vibes man Roy Ayers. For more information and a full list of performers, visit www.nbjazzfest.com.
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