2015 ARTISTS
Diane Schuur
Nona Hendryx
Jessy J
Ann Patterson
Ann Patterson and the Maiden Voyage All-Stars hit the stage Opening Night on October 9, 2015. They performed along with festival music director Sweet Baby J’ai, dancer and choreographerDawn Robinson and the Friday night headline artist Diane “Deedles” Schuur.
Sunnie Paxton Latin Jazz
Performing Saturday, October 10, at the Latin Jazz Poolside Party, the Sunnie Paxson Latin Jazz Explosion is a group of women who burst onto the scene in a male dominated genre that has traditionally been resistant to female instrumentalists. Paxson is known for her driving performances and memorable melodies.
Gail Johnson
Hitting the stage Saturday, October 10 at the Annenberg Theater, the Women in Jazz All-Stars is a group of musicians crafted by music director Sweet Baby J’ai. The 2015 group was a collection of extraordinary musicians merging jazz, blues and funk for a compelling musical tapestry. This gifted group of All-Stars was led by acclaimed keyboardist/musical director Gail Johnson (Jazz in P!nk).
Sascha Dupont Trio
Opening the Saturday night show, The Sascha Dupont Trio ranged from bop to blues. These formidable musicians have been credited with marketing the hearts of audiences across the nation. Denmark native, award-winning songwriter/pianist/vocalist Sascha Dupont achieved crossover success by releasing several gold-selling albums. Dupont, classically trained bassist Sherry Luchette, and accomplished drummer/vocalist Nicole Falzone have shared the stage with many musical legends over the years including Ray Charles, George Benson, Oletta Adams and Clark Terry.
Elaine Gibbs
Elaine Gibbs appearance on Season One of X Factor as one of the ‘Over 30’s’ finalists, where she wowed judges with her interpretation of Stop Crying Your Heart Out by Oasis. LA Reid, Simon, Nicole and Paula raved that she is one of the best singers they have ever encountered.
She has performed in over 25 countries, with some of the biggest names in the world of Gospel and R&B music such as the late Rev. James Cleveland, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Tramaine Hawkins and Shirley Ceasar.
Gennine Jackson
One of California’s most sought after vocalists, Gennine is a returning favorite of the Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival. From the Great American Songbook to today, she effortlessly crosses genres bringing her fresh take on classics and modern hits alike.
Gennine also renders a stunning performance in her “Essence of Whitney” Tribute Concert where she performs with musicians who actually worked/toured with the legendary Whitney Houston. She’ll be featured Saturday, September 3 at the Cool Jams event with Pamela Williams.
Kellye Gray
Kellye Gray is one of the most accomplished jazz vocalists on the national scene. Gray’s profile continues to grow by leaps and bounds, recording over half-dozen albums as a leader and logging performances nationally and internationally at world-class venues and festivals including Lincoln Center, the Spoleto Festival, Yoshi’s, SFJAZZ. Kellye has been honored to share the stage with legends Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Etta James, to name a few.