Quick Details
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Over the years, Peter White has maintained a reputation as one of the most versatile and prolific acoustic guitarists on the contemporary jazz landscape. Armed with an unparalleled combination of lyricism and energy, he combines elements of jazz, pop and classical guitar to create a sound that is singular and at the same time accessible to a broad audience.
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A regular panel member on NPR’s Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me, Alonzo Bodden has been making audiences around the country laugh for more than 20 years. Alonzo’s latest (2022) comedy special Alonzo Bodden: Stupid Don’t Get Tired, was released on YouTube by Helium Comedy Studios. In 2019, he starred in his fourth stand-up special, Alonzo Bodden: Heavy Lightweight, which premiered exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
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For four decades, the GRAMMY®-nominated pianist/composer/ arranger David Benoit has reigned supreme as one the founding fathers of Contemporary Jazz. When he was coming up, Benoit worked with singers Patti Austin, Connie Stevens, Ann-Margaret, and Lainie Kazan as her musical director/conductor. In 1976, Benoit released albums on the AVI label from 1977 to 1984. He later released several chart-topping recordings for GRP, including Freedom at Midnight (1987), Waiting for Spring (1989) and Shadows (1991), which both topped Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Charts at #5, #1, and #2, respectively.
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Whether he’s squeezing out the deepest blues or playing the funkiest soul grooves, legendary blues and soul giant Tommy Castro knows how to ignite a crowd. He’s performed all over the world, earning countless fans with his legendary, sweat-drenched, exhilarating live shows. The Painkillers – bassist Randy McDonald, drummer Bowen Brown and keyboardist Michael Emerson – have coalesced into one of the tightest bands and create one unforgettable, unpredictable performance after another.
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Celebrated pianist, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui shares her dream for unity, serenity and happiness on her new recording Euphoria.
“Through prayer and my music, I hope to be able to increase harmony on this planet.” – Keiko Matsui
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Vibrant, eclectic and truly original, the 2010 Grammy-nominated Hiroshima creates a musical world all its own. Featuring the luscious sound of June Kuramoto’s koto, and the interwoven fabrics of Jazz, Japan, Salsa and more, their Departure CD and tour, “journeys to the heart of their musical soul.”
PETER WHITE: SMOOTH JAZZ SUNDAY - JUNE 23, 2024
ALONZO BODDEN: COMEDY WITH FRIENDS SUNDAY - JULY 28, 2024
DAVID BENOIT: STEINWAY IN THE PINES SUNDAY - AUGUST 11, 2024
TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS: BLUES & LOCAL BREWS SUNDAY - AUGUST 25, 2024
KEIKO MATSUI: SMOOTH JAZZ AND MORE SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 15, 2024
HIROSHIMA - TRIO SMOOTH JAZZ AND MORE SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 29. 2024
Hear the Best Mountain Music Aboard the Yosemite Jazz Train!
Join us for a steam train ride to an intimate outdoor musical performance in the Sierra National Forest! Your inclusive full fare passage includes a chef-prepared seasonal appetizer selection, intimate conversation with the artist followed by an informal meet-and-greet at the train station. The whistle blows and “All aboard!” for a narrow-gauge steam train ride to the Lewis Creek Amphitheater for an performance by your favorite featured artist in the Sierra National Forest.
Upon arrival and easy check-in at the train station, passengers may enjoy a selection of beer and wines available for purchase with an appetizer beginning at 3:00 p.m.
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Eric Darius & Rebecca Jade
Saxophonist, composer, producer, and vocalist Eric Darius likes to play by his own rules. He’s a visionary who has learned to listen to his own inner voice. Steeped in tradition and grounded in the lessons learned from his mentors, Darius is not afraid to push himself and his art forward.
Rebecca has been described, by many, as having a chameleon-like quality to her voice, being able to deliver each song in a unique way. Yet, she has been blessed with a sound unlike anyone else. Music lovers express how her singing induces a genuine feeling within them, and many have stated that she has the ability to transfer the emotion of each song to her listeners.
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Vincent Ingala & Arthur Thompson
The twenty-something music prodigy Vincent Ingala is no stranger to contemporary jazz audiences. The charismatic and handsome instrumental wizard has endeared fans, contemporaries and critics alike with his consummate musicianship, fun-loving stage presence, energized and inspired performances and all-around passion.
Arthur Lee Thompson, Sr. (born June 30, 1964 in Tulsa, Oklahoma) is a drummer, percussionist, singer, producer, songwriter, author, designer, and entrepreneur. Arthur, the ninth of twelve brothers and sisters, started his professional music career at the age of fifteen. Arthur has two daughters, Romeca Fairue and Lesle Belcer, and a son, Arthur Jr.
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Mindi Abair
One of the most recognized and sought-after saxophonists, two-time GRAMMY nominee Mindi Abair has been electrifying audiences with her dynamic live performances and sax prowess since her debut album in 2000. No one since Junior Walker has brought saxophone and vocals in one package to the forefront of modern music, with a raucous tone and abandon. She has garnered ten #1 radio hits, six Top 5 solo records and two #1 spots on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz album chart.
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Peter White
Over the years, Peter White has maintained a reputation as one of the most versatile and prolific acoustic guitarists on the contemporary jazz landscape. Armed with an unparalleled combination of lyricism and energy, he combines elements of jazz, pop and classical guitar to create a sound that is singular and at the same time accessible to a broad audience.
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Rick BraunTrumpeter, composer and producer Rick Braun, known for his impeccable technical chops, melodic wizardry and keen compositional prowess, the consummate Los Angeles based musician has been thrilling audiences for decades. -
With Steve’s instantly recognizable guitar lines and a list of guest artists that includes bass virtuoso Jimmy Haslip, the incredible Joel Taylor on drums, and sax luminary Nelson Rangell, Illuminate puts the spotlight back on one of the genre’s most engaging performers and songwriters.
Inspired keyboardist, composer, prolific studio musician and producer Brian Simpson is a master of all he purveys. His eloquent approach to playing, sophisticated harmonics sense, bluesy overtones, R&B flavor and keen sense of how to craft a song that stands the test of time have made him the go-to man for many.
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Hiroshima (trio)Vibrant, eclectic and truly original, the 2010 Grammy-nominated Hiroshima creates a musical world all its own. Featuring the luscious sound of June Kuramoto’s koto, and the interwoven fabrics of Jazz, Japan, Salsa and more, their Departure CD and tour, “journeys to the heart of their musical soul.” -
Jesse CookAn accomplished guitarist, producer and equally prolific film maker, Jesse Cook has evolved his talents to create experiences that delight audiences both in concert, and online.He composed his first album, Tempest, over 25 years ago. Jesse could not imagine that such a humble recording, in which he played all of the instruments, would spark into such a musical legacy. To date there has been thousands of concerts performed around the world, over 2 million albums sold, 5 PBS specials filmed, more than 25 million views on YouTube and over 400 million streams of his songs.
2023 FEATURED ARTISTS & DATES
The whistle on the YOSEMITE JAZZ TRAIN will blow at the top of the hour and “All aboard!” for a magical 25-minute long guided excursion to the intimate Lewis Creek Amphitheater.
Enjoy the rustic feeling in an open air Logger or Train car as we travel on the original 3ft narrow gauge railroad tracks and learn about the amazing history on a narrated tour by our conductor as we wind our way down to the performance venue.
Experience an intimate performance by our featured headline artists in the Sierra National Forest
Social distancing seating is provided at the Lewis Creek Amphitheater for our 2023 Season. Guests are welcome to bring a blanket or cushion for added comfort. Photographs and smart phone videos are encouraged from your selected seat.
What to Bring
Come prepared for any type of weather as the railroad operates covered cars and open-air log cars, rain or shine