Jazz in the Park Returns to Playhouse Village Park

Jazz in the Park at Pasadena Playhouse Park (Photo – City of Pasadena)

Playhouse Village sizzles this summer with the return of the beloved Jazz in the Park concert series presented by Playhouse Village Association in partnership with Playhouse Village Foundation.

By Katlyn Ong

The free concerts will take place every Sunday in June and July from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on the Van Halen Stage at Playhouse Village Park, 701 Union St, Pasadena. This project is partially funded by a grant from Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts and the generous donors of Playhouse Village Foundation as a result of A Night Out In Playhouse Village. Bring a blanket or low chair and a picnic from your favorite local restaurant.

For more information, click here.

Lineup

• June 1: Little Brazil – Bossa Nova
  Little Brazil was born with the idea of revisiting the defining moments of Brazilian music from a contemporary perspective. Samba, Choro, Baião, and Bossa Nova are addressed in an acoustic set with vocal, nylon guitar, drums, and percussion led by the Brazilian musicians Natália Spadini and Marcelo Bucater. The arrangements are well crafted and modern, all played by Brazilian musicians who live in Pasadena, what makes the music stay true to its Brazilian identity.
• June 8: Michael Haggins – Smooth Jazz
  Born in Pasadena, Michael Haggins began his musical journey at the tender age of eight years old. Today, he is a renowned recording and touring artist, bassist, and composer of the worldwide smash hit “Daybreak” featured in the hit NBC show Community. Michael has his own unique sound & style which The Los Angeles Times has referred to as being “a special brand of smooth funk.”
• June 15: Marcelo Bucater & Friends – Brazilian Rhythms & Odd Meters
  Marcelo Bucater is a drummer/percussionist from Brazil based in Pasadena since 2013. The trio plays Bucater’s compositions bringing a variety of Brazilian rhythms, Jazz, and odd meters. Currently, Marcelo is also part of the Drum Faculty at Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) in Pasadena, teaching private and group lessons.
• June 22: Elliott Caine Quintet – Bepop/Boogalo
  Inspired by ’60’s “Blue Note” style jazz, as well as by the music of Tito Puente and Mongo Santamaria, The Elliott Caine Quintet plays original compositions, as well as the works of Lee Morgan, Hank Mobley, Donald Byrd, and more. Latin Beat Magazine describes Elliott Caine as “one of the West Coast’s finest trumpeters.” His original compositions have been heard on programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show and Late Night with David Letterman. In addition to being an accomplished musician, Elliott Caine has had a parallel career as an optometrist with a practice in Highland Park.
• June 29: The Larry Muradian Quintet – Straight-ahead Jazz
  The Larry Muradian Quintet, formerly known as the Donavan/Muradian Quintet, has been a staple of the Pasadena jazz scene for over 30 years. With the relocation of drummer Jeff Donavan, bassist Larry Muradian has continued the legacy of straight-ahead jazz in the area. The quintet regularly performs at notable local venues, including the Playhouse Village Summer Jazz Series, the Pasadena Art Walk, the Pasadena Playhouse Theater, Boston Court, and the Pasadena Central Library. The band features Kye Palmer on trumpet, Chuck Manning on saxophone, Chad Edwards on piano, Larry Muradian on bass, and Jack Cook on drums.
• July 6: Kira & the Major 3 – American & World Standards
  Kira Morrison first started playing jazz with her classmates at Los Angeles College of Music (LACM) in Pasadena. Having previously studied jazz in classes at LACM with instructors such as Tierney Sutton (6-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist), Sara Leib, and Steve Billman (Grammy-winning bassist), she thought it was the perfect time to apply her performing skills out in Los Angeles. After Kira decided to form a jazz group, Kira & The Major 3 was born. This LA-based jazz quartet has a repertoire of over 40 standards from American jazz, Brazilian jazz, and Afro-Cuban music.
• July 13: The Jasmine Band – R&B Jazz
  Pasadena native, bass player Michael Haggins returns for an encore performance, this time with his band Jasmine. Jasmine is an American instrumental contemporary jazz group, mainly relating to the genres smooth jazz, jazz fusion, jazz pop, and crossover jazz. The band is based in Los Angeles and performs at jazz festivals, summer concerts, and many other venues throughout Southern California.
• July 20: Miro Sprague Trio – Modern Jazz
  The Miro Sprague Trio is a dynamic modern jazz ensemble featuring Altadena pianist Miro Sprague, bassist Karl McComas-Reichl, and drummer Dan Schnelle. The trio performs original music by each band member along with unique arrangements of jazz standards, all performed in a lyrical and highly interactive improvisational style. Pianist Miro Sprague is widely known for his inspiring creativity, dynamic and passionate performance style, and artistic versatility. An active performer and composer for more than two decades, Miro has worked with a wide range of artists including Karrin Allyson, Jeff Parker, Ingrid Jensen, Greg Osby, Michael Mayo, Daniel Rotem, Jonathan Pinson, and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, among many others.
• July 27: Trip Shot Trio – Modern Jazz
  Triple Shot Trio is a Pasadena-based ensemble known for spontaneous performances that blend jazz and blues traditions with hints of gospel and funk. Their setlists are crafted in the moment, making each show a unique and immersive experience. With a dynamic mix of structure and improvisation, they honor jazz roots while pushing creative boundaries.