Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Clint Eastwood is the executive producer of Bruce Ricker’s documentary about jazz legend Dave Brubeck.
“Dave Brubeck is an American legend,” Eastwood said. “He is an American original who continues to make significant contributions to music, introduced a whole new generation to the world of jazz, and continues to explore the international language of music.”
Ricker’s film traces the journey of the development of Brubeck’s latest work, the “Cannery Row Suite,” from the moment it was first commissioned by the Monterey Jazz Festival to its premiere at the festival in 2006. Eastwood’s film crews captured early rehearsals, dress rehearsals, sound checks and the final performance. The film also chronicles other major milestones in Brubeck’s career.
Ricker’s other film credits include Thelonious Monk, Straight No Chaser and The Last of the Blue Devils. He and Eastwood are currently making a documentary about Tony Bennett, The Music Never Ends.
Along with producing the film, Eastwood is also chairing a new honorary board formed at the University of Pacific’s Brubeck Institute to preserve and continue Brubeck’s work. Other board members include trumpeter and composer Wynton Marsalis, film director George Lucas, recording artist Al Jarreau, record producer Quincy Jones, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, television and recording producer Larry Rosen, documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, and trumpeter and record producer Herb Alpert, among others.
For more information, visit: www.pacific.edu/conservatory
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.
Sep 22, 2026 12:26 PM
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival will take place for the 20th time on the final weekend of September 2026. Beginning half…
