Caltech Jazz Festival, 2025 (Photo – Pat Smith)
The Caltech Jazz Band is set to present the highly anticipated Annual Jazz Festival on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the Hameetman Patio at Caltech.
By News Desk
The festival, led by the talented Barb Catlin, will showcase three exceptional jazz acts: The Caltech Jazz Band, the Teryn Ré Quartet, and Bobby Bradford and Friends.
This free, outdoor event offers a unique opportunity for the Pasadena community to experience world-class jazz in a relaxed, picnic-friendly setting. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs, blankets, and picnic items to enjoy the live performances. With limited seating available, the festival promises a warm, community-driven atmosphere. Parking for the event will be free of charge.
Teryn Ré Quartet: A Vocalist Who Swings with Style
Teryn Ré, a dynamic vocalist and bandleader, will take the stage with her quartet, offering a mix of hard-swinging jazz and impressive vocal prowess. Known for her ability to scat and her deep knowledge of harmony, Ré draws inspiration from legendary jazz icons such as Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Carmen McRae. She is also influenced by contemporary Los Angeles musicians, including Kristin Korb and John Daversa.
Ré’s original compositions and arrangements are celebrated across national radio stations, with her albums The Teryn Ré Big Band and The Teryn Ré Trio receiving widespread acclaim. As the Director of Vocal Jazz Studies at Fullerton College, Ré is a respected educator and performer in Southern California. Her performance is sure to be a highlight of the festival.
Bobby Bradford and Friends: A Jazz Icon’s Legacy
The legendary Bobby Bradford, an influential composer and cornetist, will bring his acclaimed ensemble to the stage. A founding figure of the 1950s Los Angeles Avant-Garde jazz scene, Bradford’s career spans decades of groundbreaking work alongside jazz icons such as Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, and Charlie Haden. His contributions to the jazz world, especially his pioneering work with the Mo’tet, have solidified his place in the genre’s history.
Bradford’s performance at the festival will feature music from Stealin’ Home, a 2018 commissioned suite celebrating the centennial of baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Bradford, a recent survivor of the Altadena fires, is an inspiring figure in the local community. Despite personal hardships, including losing his home in the devastating fires, Bradford continues to share his musical legacy with audiences.
Caltech Jazz Band: A Showcase of Timeless Classics
The festival will open with a performance by the Caltech Jazz Band, directed by Barb Catlin. The band will play a selection of jazz standards by renowned composers such as Mary Lou Williams, Jessika Smith, Thad Jones, Duke Ellington, and Carla Bley. Notably, the band will feature movements from Bley’s National Anthem Suite, providing a stirring tribute to the genre’s rich history.
The Caltech Jazz Festival promises an afternoon filled with memorable performances, celebrating the diversity and innovation of jazz music. With its mix of up-and-coming talent and jazz legends, this event is one not to be missed.
The festival will take place rain or shine, so be sure to come prepared to enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of live jazz music in a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.
Caltech Jazz Festival Saturday, April 19, 2025 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Location Hameetman Patio, Caltech Pasadena, CA Parking: Free Seating Limited; attendees encouraged to bring folding chairs, blankets, and picnic items.
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