Sonoma jazz
Harry Connick Jr., Tony Bennett, headline this year’s festival
By L. PIERCE CARSON
Register Staff Writer
Sonoma Jazz +, now in its third year, will bring crooners Tony Bennett and Harry Connick Jr., rhythm ’n’ blues singers Smokey Robinson and Michael McDonald, crossover country artist Leann Rimes and blues guitarist Robert Cray to the popular Sonoma music festival on Memorial Day weekend.
Produced by the founders of Jazz Aspen Snowmass, Sonoma Jazz + tickets are now on sale for the four main concerts scheduled at the Field of Dreams, two blocks off the main square in Sonoma May 24-27, as well as the popular Wine and Song series held in venues around the square on May 26 and 27.
The four main tent concerts are:
• May 24 — 6:30 p.m., Robert Cray Band; 9 p.m., Leann Rimes.
• May 25 — 6:30 p.m., Michael McDonald; 9 p.m., Smokey Robinson.
• May 26 — 6:30 p.m., New Orleans brass funk band, Bonerama; 9 p.m., Harry Connick Jr. and his Big Band.
• May 27 — 8:30 p.m., an evening with Tony Bennett.
Tickets for Thursday, Friday and Sunday night shows are $75 and $95 for reserved seats and $45 for general admission. Tickets for the Saturday night Connick concert are $90 and $110 for reserved seats and $60 for general admission.
Four-day passes (available only by phone at 866-527-8499) are $283.50 for reserved seats and $175.50 for general admission.
In addition, Wine and Song Around the Plaza will bring all flavors of jazz to restaurants and shops around the historic Sonoma Plaza on Saturday and Sunday (May 26-27) afternoons, creating a European festival ambiance that Sonomans have enjoyed from the inception of the festival.
Wine and Song ticket buyers check in at the Sonoma Visitors Bureau each day at noon to receive their wine glass and logo tote pouch, a punch card good for 12 wine tastings, and four tickets for gourmet local food tastings (additional food tickets will be available at $1 each at the Visitors Bureau). The punch card allows access to all seven Wine and Song venues; most will pour wine from two wineries, with both the featured varietal as well as others.
For example, at Chateau Sonoma, Piano and Pinot will feature pianist/vocalist Spencer Day and pinot noir from Nicholson Ranch and Valley of the Moon wineries. At the Ledson Hotel Harmony Lounge, stride pianist Judy Carmichael will be featured along with Ledson wines. Dolcetto and Dance is the theme at Sonoma Court Shops where Tito y Son will serve up authentic Cuban rhythms along with the wines of Viansa and Muscardini.
Wine and Song tickets are $50 and are available now at 866-527-TIXX or www.sonomajazz.org. Tickets will be available the day of the event for $60. Main event tickets can also be ordered by calling 866-527-TIXX or online at www.sonomajazz.org.
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