Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1152518
Sunday Since day one, education has been at the forefront of the MJF mission. Scores of kids have benefitted from the festival's educational programs, going on to perform as professionals at the festival itself as professional purveyors of jazz. That's why every Sunday afternoon begins with a performance by the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, under the baton of Education Director Paul Contos, and featuring the year's Artists-in- Residence, in this case Allison Miller and Derrick Hodge. Next up is San Francisco's powerhouse 20-piece Pacific Mambo Orchestra, bringing their brand of Latin Big Band music, followed by the MJF debut of saxophonist Candy Dulfer. This versatile Dutch artist has performed with a diverse Who's Who of the pop music world, including Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, Van Morrison, Sheila E., Pink Floyd, Chaka Khan and the late great Aretha Franklin. Prince once said. "When I want sax, I call Candy." But she is firmly grounded in the jazz world as well, as evidenced by her recent release, "Together." Sunday Night The evening features a performance in the second slot by legendary smooth jazz piano master Bob James, saxman David Sanborn and bass- ist extraordinaire Marcus Miller. These three are teaming up to revisit "Double Vision," the acclaimed album they released in 1986. That record took home a Grammy for Best Jazz Fusion Performance. This super group is preceded by a fresh face, vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, making her MJF debut. "We're lucky to have a strong slate of female performers this year," Tim Jackson says. "And I'm particularly excited about Jazzmeia's performance." Ending the 2019 MJF is the 19-piece Snarky Puppy, led by bassist Michael Teague. "I've personally played the festival many times," Teague says. "And Snarky Puppy has played it twice. It's a very relaxed vibe for a performer, which I like a lot. It's got a Nor Cal, super chill feel to it. And you get to mix with all your favorite musicians. It's a very well-organized festival in a beautiful setting." In describing Snarky Puppy, it's probably just best to take their own words for it: "It isn't exactly a jazz band. It isn't a fusion band…definitely not a jam band." The New York Times' Nate Chinen advises, "take them for what they are, rather than judge them for what they're not." Grounds Events Although we've dealt with the main arena acts, there is much more to MJF. Four venues showcase continuous music and there's a diverse variety of food and merchandise vendors. "There are many ways to enjoy the festival," says Tim Jackson. "It's a misnomer that tickets are hard to get or that it's sold out. It's great when people come for the whole weekend because it's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in this art form." But it's also possible to obtain tickets for one day, one show or a grounds pass (still one of the best deals in music, affording literally doz- ens of performances all weekend for $155). Jackson stresses that there's something for everyone. "We definitely have a ticket to suit your needs." The 2019 Monterey Jazz Festival is September 27-29. Tickets at monte- reyjazzfestival.org. C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 1 9 195 Granted the honor of playing the final Monterey Jazz Festival notes of 2019 on the Jimmy Lyons Stage is Snarky Puppy, a 19-piece big band led by bassist Michael Teague. This is their third MJF appearance. Photo: Stella K