Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Theo Croker’s Dream … Manifested!
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
TEMECULA, CALIF.—The Temecula Valley International Jazz Festival will present drummer Louie Bellson with a Congressional Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s event, to take place from July 12–15.
The legendary 82-year-old drummer played with Duke Ellington and led his own groups, composing more than 300 pieces along the way. He continues to perform to this day.
The festival will also offer more than 30 concerts featuring 200 jazz musicians. Highlights include pianist Monty Alexander, organist Brian Auger and vocalist James Torme with drummer Dick Berk and bassist Marshall Hawkins.
For more information, visit temeculajazzfest.com.
To record Dream Manifest (Dom Recs), Croker convened artists from his current and recent past ensembles, plus special guests.
Jun 10, 2025 4:13 PM
Partway through his early set at Smoke Jazz Club, Theo Croker blinks the room back into focus. He leans over the piano.…
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Chuck Mangione on the cover of the May 8, 1975, edition of DownBeat.
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