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Saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa Performs Benefit Concert Fundraiser Supports Long Beach Area Nonprofit Youth Jazz Program

World-famous saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa will perform Saturday, Sept. 24, at a concert to benefit the Jazz Angels, a Long Beach-based nonprofit jazz education program for young musicians ages 11-17.

The event, Boplicity 2011, will take place on the campus of Cal State Long Beach at the Gerald Daniel Recital Hall. The concert begins at 6:45 p.m.

Grammy-nominated Kashiwa, a Smooth Jazz artist known for his stirring sax solos and popular compositions, is expected to perform works from his six CDs that span a professional career of more than 20 years. The concert is an opportunity to hear the Seattle native -- one of the most in-demand jazz musicians and a member of The Rippingtons featured at the Montreux and North Sea jazz festivals -- perform at his alma mater. His current projects include touring with his most recent band, the Sax Pack, a collaboration of Kashiwa and fellow signature sax players Steve Cole and Kim Waters.

“Jeff Kashiwa is one of the brightest stars on the contemporary jazz scene,” said Barry Cogert, Executive Director of the Jazz Angels. “This event is a chance to enjoy the artistry of an A-list musician while supporting a program that immerses kids in jazz and promotes the self-confidence and leadership skills characteristic of this uniquely American musical art form.”

At Boplicity 2011, Kashiwa will perform with an all-star band made up of fellow friends of the Jazz Angels. The group includes Albert Alva (saxophone), Tom Bevan (guitar), Karen Hammick (piano), Rosy Rosenquist (drums), Mark Barnes (keyboards) and Cogert (bass).

In addition to live jazz, Boplicity 2011 will feature an auction and dessert. Tickets are $25.

A VIP reception with Kashiwa will precede the concert. Tickets are $50 and include hors d’oeuvres, wine and soft drinks, and preferred concert seating. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.jazzangel.org. Seating is limited.

In 2010, the California Endowment embarked on a new, 10-year strategic direction: Building Healthy Communities. Their goal is to support the development of communities where kids and youth are healthy, safe and ready to learn. One of the designated 14 Healthy Communities is the central and west side area of Long Beach.

The Jazz Angels organization is about:

Improving the quality of life through Jazz Education, Performance, and Community Awareness.

REAL musicians educating children in the appreciation of America's true art form by giving them the tools, encouragement, and platform for live JAZZ performance with other children and professionals.

We inspire young musicians to create music in group settings. The lessons learned during this process will stay with them throughout their lives.

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