Photos - bass virtuoso Stanley Clarke with Al Williams, drummer/music promoter; and scintillating saxtress of smooth jazz Jeanette Harris

Long Beach Jazz Festival

August 9-11, 2024

Location: Rainbow Lagoon Park
E. Shoreline Dr.
$91-218, longbeachjazzfestival.com

2024 Line up

Jeanette Harris & Tom Browne, Darryl Walker, Rebecca Jade, Brian Simpson, Michael Lington, Nathan Mitchell, Justin Klunk, Nicholas Cole, Jeff Lorber, Everette Harp, Jonathan Butler, October London, Gerald Albright, Richard Turner, Jr., Braxton Brothers, Keiko Matsui, Kirk Whalum, Jeffrey Osborne

Celebrating more than 30 years of jazz, the extraordinary event features one of the most scenic concert venues in the nation. It takes place on the lawns of Rainbow Lagoon Park, overlooking the Queen Mary and world's largest Whaling Wall, created by famed artist Wyland

"It doesn't get better than this," said one fan who came from Ventura to spend a day listening to music among friends. He and his wife travel to jazz concerts throughout the year and enjoy the Monterey Jazz Festival, while Long Beach Jazz Festival remains their favorite for its central location, easy parking, fantastic weather and "friendliness factor."

"We make a date to see old friends each year, and meet new people while sharing the joy of listening to and watching the world's greatest jazz."

The annual concert was founded by renowned recording artist Al Williams (Al Williams Jazz Society, "Something to Groove About.") It has featured Cab Calloway, Art Blakey, Al Jarreau, and a Who's Who of the jazz world.

Rainbow Promotions (rainbowpromotions.com), an event company founded by Williams, is managed by his daughter/partner, Kimberly Benoit. In addition to the annual Long Beach Jazz Festival, the marketing & management firm also produces concerts, conventions and many special events throughout the year.

Be sure to catch the next sizzling Long Beach Jazz Festival (longbeachjazzfestival.com) and join in the standing ovation!

Past coverage:

When Four-time Grammy Award Winner Stanley Clarke took to the stage on the final day of the Long Beach Jazz Festival, a sea of fashionably dressed fans raised their hands and said, "Oh, yeah!" after the living legend introduced himself and mentioned his collaborations with Chick Corea - "Return to Forever," and George Duke, who recently passed away. Clarke paid tribute to his former music partner (who died on August 5,) with one of the most popular and best-known songs recorded under the Clarke/Duke Project — "Sweet Baby."

The 1981 Sony release, written by George Duke, made the Top 20 List and remains a timeless classic, much like the Long Beach Jazz Festival.

The concert stage decorated in rainbow colors included Gladys Knight, Poncho Sanchez, Al Williams and around 20 internationally-known acts.

ATTRACTION: Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is one of the nation's premier ocean aquariums. Don't stand in line and wait! Get your tickets here!

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.