By Michael YEGHIAYAN

For two days the beauty and tranquility of the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden will be accompanied by the smooth bass lines and rich vocals of some of jazz’s most talented artists. Held on Aug. 28 and 29, the redwhite+bluezz Pasadena Jazz Fest will feature 200-plus artists, 23 top acts on two stages as well as food, drink and the promise of good times.
The event features a star studded lineup of jazz and blues artists. Both days offer a number of musical legends including Stanley Clarke, Rachelle Ferrell, Everlast, Booker T. and Rita Coolidge, among others. In addition, Byron Miller and the redwhite+bluezz all-stars will perform a tribute to Michael Jackson in appreciation of his contributions to the musical community.
“We are going to play some classic Michael Jackson songs and really have fun with it,” said Miller, who is a fixture at redwhite+bluezz most Thursday evenings and is also contributing to the Jazz Fest as a producer and musical director. “There are a lot of songs we are really looking forward to playing to pay our respects to Michael.”
Among the other driving forces behind the creation of the Jazz Fest is André C.  Vener who operates Pasadena Entertainment and is the owner of redwhite+bluezz and point08. It has been his mission to popularize live music locally, and he has watched Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley quickly embrace the jazz culture.
“We have a pretty simple recipe for success: great quality, live music and good people,” explained Vener. “redwhite+bluezz has around 550 live shows a year. Jazz is the best genre of music to fit the personality of the area.”
Miller has come to a similar conclusion since living in the area. “We are starting to
build kind of a New York vibe. On any given night you can come by and see incredible talent. It’s a spot that musicians want to play at and look forward to performing here.”
Of course, everything ultimately comes down to the music. The local community has asked for quality live entertainment. Next week’s Pasadena Jazz Fest is undoubtedly the answer they are looking for.
LA County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, 301 N. Baldwin Ave. in Arcadia.
www.pasadenajazzfest.com

  Crescenta, PASADENA JAZZFEST