Winery News
Temecula Wine Country - Ponte Winery
By
Oct 27, 2006, 21:06

The first annual Smooth Jazz & Music Festival at Ponte Family Estate Winery in Temecula October 27 through 29 will host an array of musical talent from across a broad range of styles, sure to engage all manner of music fans.

Embodying this range of talent is Festival Host Craig Chaquico, who earned his reputation as lead guitarist for Jefferson Starship in the ‘70s (and the offshoot band Starship afterwards), later reinventing himself as an instrumental solo contemporary jazz artist and receiving a Grammy® nomination for Best New Age Album with 1994’s Acoustic Planet.

Best known is Latin percussion legend Pete Escovedo, famous for his work with Santana and a stellar solo career. Then there’s current contemporary radio favorite David Pack, who has won acclaim worldwide for both his insightful solo work and as the charismatic lead vocalist and guitarist for the celebrated ‘70s progressive pop-rock group Ambrosia. Bringing his distinctive sax voice to the mix is jazz-funk legend Ronnie Laws -- an early member of Earth, Wind & Fire -- whose most famous recording "Always There" became an instant jazz-funk classic, covered by numerous artists. And as if this array of brilliance wasn’t enough, the Smooth Jazz & Music Festival is going over the top by playing host to artists such as German-born guitarist Nils, local party band DW3, dynamic guitar duo Chini & Camberos, traditional jazz vocalist Kim Horn, local talent Julie Day, and contemporary balladeer Keith Jacobson.

The event will benefit the Ronald McDonald House Loma Linda, which provides much-needed support for families of critically ill children. Its local beneficiary is the Imagination Workshop in Old Town Temecula, an outstanding hands-on science museum for children.

Tickets for this exciting event are available now at the event’s web site www.temeculasmoothjazz.com or by phoning (951) 694-8733. Gourmet dinner packages are available in addition to the fine-dining food stations which will be in place at the festival. Tickets will sell out early – buy yours today!