“Jazz For Jazz Lovers” Series’ Second Season Continues on April 13 with the Jazz Saxophonist Rickey Woodard

The Second season of Pete Carlson’s “Jazz for Jazz Lovers” Concert Series with the American Jazz Institute continues on April 13. Noted Saxophonist, Rickey Woodard, performs at 7:00 pm inside Pete Carlson’s Golf & Tennis in Palm Desert on Highway 111 (just west of San Luis Rey). Admission is $20 and students are Free. Seating is limited and desert jazz fans should arrive early.

Woodard is a noted saxophonist who has played with a variety of artists including Jimmy Smith, Billy Higgins, Frank Capp and Al Grey. He’s also played backup for such talents as Ella Fitzgerald, Barbara McNair and Prince. In addition to tenor sax, Woodard plays alto and soprano sax, clarinet, flute and guitar. As a tenor sax soloist, his sound is reminiscent of Wardell Grey, Dexter Gordon, Gene Ammons and Hank Mobley. Woodard is also a great fan of John Coltrane and has developed a diverse fan base playing the international jazz festival circuit since the early 90s.

Last year, Pete Carlson, teaming up with the American Jazz Institute, brought a variety of jazz legends to the Coachella Valley with his first “Jazz for Jazz Lovers” concert series. Regulars brought friends and soon Pete’s concerts were the place to hear “really good jazz.” “The response we had to all our concerts from the community was so positive that we very much wanted to bring great jazz to the Valley again this season,” notes Carlson. To date, Carlson and AJI have staged eight “jazz for jazz lovers” concerts since the 2012 season began in January.      

Tickets are available in advance at Pete Carlson's or at the door the evening of the performance on a space available basis. Seating is general admission. For additional information, call 760-568-3263 or visit www.amjazzin.com. Admissions benefit the American Jazz Institute’s Desert Cities Jazz Programs, which foster the careers of young area jazz musicians.

Pete Carlson is an avid jazz fan. His “Jazz for Jazz Lovers” show airs on Sundays from 6pm-10pm on KJJZ (102.3 FM). Carlson co-hosts the show with other area jazz lovers, including Fred “Da Hammer’ Williamson, Jeff Barr and Alan Schultz. Carlson, a strong supporter of The American Jazz Institute, chose to sponsor the seven concert series because”it’s another way to contribute to bringing world class music to the desert, which in turn raises awareness of the high caliber music that is jazz. I hope that this jazz series encourages aspiring jazz musicians,” explains Carlson.  “That is why all the concerts are free to students,” he adds.

The American Jazz Institute is excited to partner once again with Carlson to bring jazz to the community at family friendly venues and at affordable admission prices. “We are very excited that Pete has made such a commitment to the community, by making valuable music resources available to both adults and students,” says Mark Masters of The American Jazz Institute.