Summer Jazz on the Argyros Plaza Concert Series

Segerstrom Center for the Arts helped make Orange County a Southern California jazz mecca, presenting the world’s finest musicians and vocalists in its annual Jazz Series for more than 30 years. The Center is continuing its dedication to FREE outside experiences on the Argyros Plaza with the Summer Jazz concert series, year two!

This summer, every Friday night from 7-9 p.m., join the second annual Summer Jazz on the Argyros Plaza concert series. It’s an all-star jazz line up featuring a wide range of jazz styles on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. KJAZZ 88.1 Radio personality and jazz legend, Bubba Jackson is back to emcee.

Starting Friday, June 7 through the end of August, the line-up kicks off with The Phil Norman Tentet, a ten-player group that brings audiences the essence of the best big band. In the week following the Tentet, The Jackie Rush Band opens before the Orange County School of the Arts Ambassador Jazz Orchestra directed by Dan St. Marseille performs a repertoire spanning early jazz to the present. OCSA's Ambassador Jazz Orchestra is led by saxophonist Dan St. Marseille, who has worked with many major jazz artists including singers Cab Calloway and Mel Torme.

The third week of June brings Bryan Cabrera Trio, followed by An Evening with Calabria Foti and Bob McChesney. Bob McChesney is an LA-based jazz trombonist famous for his ultra-fast and melodic solos. To finish out the month, The Paul Kreibich Quartet performs before Grammy-nominated Cheryl Barnes takes the stage with The Cheryl Barnes Band!

The first week of July brings jazz from around the world with Canadian pop crooner Matt Forbes and His Vintage Pop Orchestra. On July 12, both Boyz and the Beez and The Natalie Jacob Jazz Band, who collectively reflect Latin jazz, blues and a splash of world music will perform.

On July 19, the Ron Kobayashi Trio, followed by the Cathy Segal-Garcia Band. Jazz pianist Ron Kobayashi and his trio are three uniquely talented musicians, each bringing years of diverse musical experiences. Finally, enjoy a taste of Cuba with Cuban Jazz Night on July 26, featuring Calixto Oviedo and the Cuban Jazz Train. Calixto Oviedo is a Latin Grammy nominee and living encyclopedia of Cuban drumming and percussion.

August has five weeks of jazz on Fridays, beginning with Clayton Cameron and the Jass Explosion. Cameron, a dynamic drummer who has perfected the brush technique once toured with Sammy Davis Jr. and Tony Bennett, as well as other legends of the jazz world.

The George Gilliam Quartet and the Connie Han Trio will perform on August 9. George Gilliam’s natural talent and love for music gives every performance authentic classic jazz. Blues Night rings in August 16 with The John Clifton Blues Band and The 44’s Blues Band.

The second to last jazz night features Filipino Jazz! On August 23, the Mon David Quartet featuring Tateng Katindig on Piano takes the stage before "Queen of Jazzipino" vocalist Charmaine Clamor. The final FREE jazz concert on the Argyros Plaza on August 30, is fan favorite Sweet Baby J’ai and the Women in Jazz All-Stars!

Admission - FREE, non-ticketed at SCFTA.org.

600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa. 714.556.2121.