Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
According to a report on TicketNews, Festival Network, the company that in 2007 bought George Wein’s Festival Productions and now runs events such as the Newport and JVC New York jazz festivals, has lost millions of dollars and has trimmed its staff.
(The complete report on Ticketnews.com can be read here.)
DownBeat is looking into this story, to learn about the status of the Festival Network festivals. According to TicketNews, Festival Network events not slated for 2009 include Past festivals currently not on their schedule include Martha’s Vineyard Festival, JVC Jazz Festival Miami, Jackson Hole Music Festival, Festival Au Desert, JVC Jazz Festival Chicago, San Francisco Music Festival, Whistler Music Festival, JVC Jazz Festival Los Angeles (CA) and JVC Jazz Festival Paris.
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
