Pianist/composer Bill Evans (born August 16, 1929) remains one of the most influential jazz pianists to this day, some 45 years after his death. His introspective, impressionistic use of harmony, and his unique touch and piano sound have shaped the concept of all players who have come after him. He produced an enormous body of work: over 50 albums as a leader and nearly as many more as a sideman, and he was nominated for 31 Grammys.

Saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley (born September 15, 1928) and his cornet-playing brother Nat (born November 25, 1931) co-led a popular jazz combo for many years in the 1960s and 70s. While Nat composed much of the music for the group, Cannonball’s galvanic, pyrotechnic alto saxophone playing was the big draw. Indeed, from the time he arrived on the New York jazz scene in the 1950s, he set the town on fire with his incredible virtuosity and distinctive tone and attack. He was a key member of the great Miles Davis sextet alongside John Coltrane that recorded the classic album Kind of Blue.

Plus, St. Michael’s Jazz Fest returns for a second year of incredible jazz in Carlsbad Village this Saturday, September 27th! Headlining is New Orleans’ own, the legendary Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band, joined by Euphoria Brass Band, Gilbert Castellanos Latin Jazz Ensemble, Starsign, Chunky Hustle Brass Band, Sue Palmer Swing Orchestra, and more. Free to the public and held outside on the campus lawn of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea in Carlsbad.

Learn more and consider volunteering or donating:

https://www.stmichaelsjazzfest.org/

Saxophonist and composer John Coltrane (born September 23, 1926) remains one of the most revered and influential musicians of all time across genres. The spiritual force of his music speaks to people who aren’t even jazz aficionados, but has been an overwhelming influence on all of us who play this music to this day.

And don't forget ... St. Michael’s Jazz Fest returns for a second year of incredible jazz in Carlsbad Village! Headlining is New Orleans’ own, the legendary Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band, joined by Euphoria Brass Band, Gilbert Castellanos Latin Jazz Ensemble, Starsign, Chunky Hustle Brass Band, Sue Palmer Swing Orchestra, and more. Free to the public and held outside on the campus lawn of St. Michael’s by-the-Sea in Carlsbad.

Learn more and consider volunteering or donating:

https://www.stmichaelsjazzfest.org/

Saturday, September 27, 2025