Whalefest Monterey

Music Schedule and Performers

Music will be performed at two locations: the Monterey Conference Center and at the head of Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

Monterey Conference Center

Saturday, January 25, 2020

10:00-11:00 Richard Carr

11:00-12:00 Louis Colaiannia

12:00-1:00 Michael Martinez

1:00-2:00 Derrol Keith

2:00-3:00 Mark Richardson

3:00-4:00 Stu Heydon

4:00-5:00 Nick Fettis

Sunday, January 26, 2020

10:00- 11:00 Nick Fettis

11:00-12:00 Derrol Keith

12:00-1:00 Mark Richardson

1:00-2:00 Louis Colaiannia

2:00-4:00 Mads Tolling

4:00-5:00 Richard Carr + Jam Session

Head of Wharf Music Schedule

Saturday, January 25, 2020

10:00-12:00 Stevenson School Orchestra in the Schools String Quartet Stevenson School Band

12:00-1:00 Del Monte Brass

1:00-3:00 Grove Acre

3:00-5:00 Grove Acre

Sunday, January 26, 2020

10:00-11:00

11:00-1:00

1:00-3:00 Kuumbwa Honor Band

3:00-4:00 Jonah & the Whale Watchers

About the Performers:

Mads Tolling

Mads Tolling is an internationally renowned violinist and composer originally from Copenhagen, Denmark, now living in San Francisco. As a former nine-year member of both bassist ’s band and the celebrated , Mads won two Grammy Awards, and he was nominated for a third Grammy in 2015. Recently, he was the 2016 winner of the DownBeat Critics Poll Rising Star Violin Award. Mads has performed with , , , Paquito D’Rivera, Leo Kottke and Sergio & Odair Assad.

After graduating in 2003, he was recommended by Jean-Luc Ponty to join Stanley Clarke’s band. He has since been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, and his recordings have received rave reviews in Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Strings Magazine and DownBeat Magazine. Mads has performed for Danish royalty – Prince Frederik & Princess Mary – at the celebration of The Danish Embassy’s 50-year Anniversary.

Mads has twice been commissioned to write violin concertos – for Oakland Symphony and Pacific Chamber Orchestra. He has performed his symphonic works and soloed with orchestras around the US and Japan.

Mads now leads his own groups - Mads Tolling Quartet and Mads Tolling & The Mads Men. His latest release, Playing the 60s, is a reimagination of classic songs from 1960s film, TV and radio, such as “A Taste of Honey” and “Mission Impossible.” The , released in 2017, features vocalists Kenny Washington and Spencer Day, and spent two months on US jazz radio’s top 30.

With his groups, Mads has performed over a thousand around the world, including at The Hollywood Bowl, Library of Congress and at the Bay Area’s Paramount and Herbst Theatres. As a featured Yamaha Artist, Mads leads clinics and masterclasses in the US and internationally.

To find out more about Mads Tolling, please visit http://madstolling.com

Louis Colaiannia

Louis Colaiannia is a Denver Colorado based classically trained composer and pianist. He tours Internationally and has performed at Carnegie Hall and Grand Ole Opry. He has performed with Grammy Award winning founder of Windham Hill Records Will Ackerman and multi Grammy nominated Liz Story to name a few. His album “Closer” went to #1 on the One World Music Top 100 Radio Chart in 2016 and his jazz single Obsession was #1 on the Berkshire Media Group radio chart in 2017. He has won numerous awards including three Global Music Awards, Jazz Artistof the Year Akademia Music Award, TMT Music Award for Music Composer of the Year 2017, two Primo Awards for Entertainer of the Year, and Enlightened Award for Lifetime Achievement, Best Jazz Album 2017, Holiday Album of the Year 2016 to name a few.

His concerts have been called “stunning’ in their power and beauty. Will Ackerma wrote that “his control of subtlety and nuance is a revelation” and “that Louis Colaiannia is a brilliant pianist is an obvious statement; akin to “the sun is warm” in terms of room for debate.” Will Ackerman also wrote: There’s a certain muscularity to Louis Colaiannia’s piano playing. While he’s quite capable of introspection, the power and energy that Louis brings to the instrument is palpable. Even in the most gentle and elegant passages of his composition (of which there are many), one feels the physicality of his performance. This balancing act between the beauty of his melodies and the sense of strength that he brings to the keyboard is a rare combination in the New Age realm. His compositions are “elegant and heartfelt.”

Nicholas Fettis

A California native, Nicholas Fettis has been composing and playing since his early teens in 1965. By 1968 he wrote a string quartet in the memory of Robert Kennedy. His family life encapsulated by Greek culture, greatly influences him through music, philosophy and spirituality. He attributes his upbringing to the inspiration he finds in life: a love for the natural world, the theosophical heritages of mankind, and the value of every living being, including whales!

Nicholas graduated from UC Berkeley in 1973 and continued to compose primarily for piano. He has recorded 7 CDs. In addition he has worked with synthesizers, the cello, and choral singing in the Greek Orthodox Church.

He is the first soloist to perform at the grand opening of San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 1994. Since 2001 he has serenaded walkers and runners at the Big Sur International Marathon, the longest “running” soloist there!

He was part of the first Whalefest since its inception in 2011 and has been Music Director since.

He combines original music with his “Orca”stra of whale sounds!

Derrol Keith

A very creative person, Derrol Keith is a singer- and opera writer. Derrol writes street songs, spiritual songs, children’s songs, portraits, self-portraits, hard-living, desolation and love songs. He also performs medicine show songs which chiefly came from the Monterey Bay when writing his book, How to Construct a Medicine Show. His four operas focus on spiritual character, the profound lives of great leaders. His completed operas are: Francis, Francis of Assisi, his turbulent life, The Trial of Socrates, Socrates quintessential defense of himself, The Death of Socrates, Socrates last hour of life before his execution, Jesus (King of the Jews0, the life, death and resurrection of the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. His fifth opera he is now working on presents Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa and India.

Jonah and the Whale Watchers

The Monterey reggae band Jonah and the Whalewatchers is known for its loyal fan base and longevity, forming over 25 years ago. The Whalewatchers are fronted by singer/songwriter and bass guitarist Alexander S. Shirley, originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica. Tony Fusco plays impressive licks on electric guitar, Cary Lowney on steel pan and gimbay, definitely catches the beachy vibe, and John Tallon rounds out the band with a driving beat on drums. The music is both innovative, and true to reggae its roots. Caribbean and African beats with American jazz, and soul can be heard as influences in their music.

Alexander's message is, "I tell the crowd that they have been given great gifts by the most high Jah," (God). He goes on to say, "We try to spread the message of love, every time we play." Alexander came out with a solo album, "Turn It Up," with fifteen original songs available on Spotify, Itunes, Amazon music, and many other music streaming services.

Del Monte Brass

Del Monte Brass is Naval Postgraduate School’s own, all-volunteer, musical ensemble that performs at regional military ceremonies and community events. Comprised of NPS students, faculty, DoD staff, retirees, and members of the local community, the band is a diverse group of friendly musicians who love to perform.

Klevr

Klevr is a musical trio based in Monterey California known for their vocal forward sound featuring unplugged, acoustic versions of familiar songs from the 80’s and 90’s. This, along with a few original tunes of their own makes for a nostalgic and unique listening experience.

Michael Martinez

Michael Martinez was born in 1990 and raised on the Monterey Peninsula in the beautiful town of Pacific Grove, California. Michael’s musical ability was quite evident at an early age. By twelve, he was composing beautiful melodies on a small keyboard. At age 13, Michael was introduced to famed local pianist and composer, Jonathon Lee. Michael studied under Jonathon Lee for one year. It was also at this time that Jonathon Lee announced to the public that Michael Martinez would take his place as the new Grand Piano Man for the 2005 Big Sur International Marathon, playing for runners on the nine foot grand piano at the famous Bixby Bridge turnout.

Michael has always enjoyed composing songs with melody and emotion in mind. Many fans say how much love and relaxation they feel when they listen to Michael’s songs. Michael’s style is a blend between New Age and Classical, and has been described as heartfelt, cinematic and reflective.

Michael’s second album entitled “Asilomar”, was released on July 20th, 2018. Asilo al mar, in Spanish, simply means refuge by the sea, and it was here where Michael’s inspirations for creating this album took refuge.

Stu Heydon

Guitarist Stu Heydon has played and taught the blues all of his life, earning him the Motor Cities Blues Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award, at the -Windsor Freedom Festival. He has shared the stage with Bobo Jenkins, Sam Lay, James Cotton, Paul Butterfield, , Little Sonny, , Pete, Jon Popper, , Alberta Adams, Wild Child Butler, Rick Gratton, Joe Konas, Buddy Guy, John Campell, Sugar Blue, Dutch Mason, , Hubert Sumlin, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Jordan John, Michael Keys, Lowell Fulsom, Butler Twins, Big John Dominas, Tony Wachnuvik, , Taj Mahal, Denis Keldie, Ross Garren, Aron Forbes, Stacy Heydon, Michael Branton, Michael Greco, Lester Smith, Frank Morino, George Young, and on and on. The Montreal Jazz Fest. Monterey Blues Fest. Chicago Blues Fest. Blues Fest. Mississippi Blues Fest. Windsor Blues Fest. House of Blues Boston. Buddy Guys Chicago. The Yale Vancouver. Jewish Mothers North Carolina. Ruth Brown’s Blues Stage NY. These are a few places that Stu has performed. There are not many blues styles Stu hasn’t played. Late night jams at Bobo’s studio every Saturday night with Detroit’s finest bluesmen proved to be an invaluable education. Bobo was the Pres. and Founder of the Detroit Blues Club and personally taught Stu the finer points of BLUES GUITAR! Stu was awarded BEST WINDSOR BLUES GUITAR in 1998.

After working with Bobo Jenkins and Wild Child Butler for twenty years, Stu moved to Carmel California, from Windsor, Ontario. This is when Stu did his most important work and was awarded a Paul Harris Award from the Carmel Rotary Club, for teaching the blues. For over ten years now Stu has been teaching and running THE BLUE ROOM recording studio in Carmel, promoting and keeping the blues alive. He has recorded Aron Forbes, Clint Eastwood, Weber Iago, Bob Phillips, The Blue Tones, The Infra reds, Bruce Forman, George Young, Ali Ryerson, Buddy Lowe, Eddie Erikson, Mike Branton, etc. Stu is responsible for teaching a slew of new blues and jazz artists, touring throughout North America. Teaching has been his passion, because now more than ever, live music is in danger! Stu’s previous CD (To My Very Soul) ([email protected]) was recorded in Santa Barbara, California with Bob Phillips, Prakash John, Jon Popper, Jordan John, Mike Branton, Domenic Carmodella, Aron Forbes, and Tim Poulton. All songs are original and written by the band.

Stu has a CD out 3RD DEGREE with Michael Greco, Mike Branton, Prakash John, Jordan John, Lester Smith, Michael Fonfara, Ross Garren, and Denis Keldie. The songs were written and produced by Stu. Recorded at Stu’s Carmel Studio, Santa Barbara Sound Designs, Grant Avenue Studios, and Mars Studios. The CD was mastered at Capitol Mastering and is Stu’s finest work to date. The CD is available online.

Mark Richardson

Mark has been playing the mountain dulcimer since 1970. Growing up with a musical family, his father, Rudy, played country western, swing and more in the San Francisco area. Posted here are songs from his family, including Rudy, brother George and family and friends...

Richard Carr

Music creative/contemporary pianist Richard Carr’s live performances take audiences on a journey away from the busy world and into a calmer, less chaotic mental and emotional environment. Drawing on his classical training, jazz and pop familiarity, Richard creates music through an improvisational process. His music has been called a soothing elixir for the soul, mind, and body.

The Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band

The Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band showcases some of the most talented high-school student musicians from Santa Cruz and neighboring counties. Hand-picked by their band directors, these talented young ambassadors of jazz pass a rigorous audition to earn their position in the Honor Band. During weekly rehearsals at Kuumbwa, they study advanced jazz theory, arranging, improvisation, and learn valuable life skills in teamwork and critical thinking. The band gains vital performing experience at special events and festivals throughout the school year, culminating in a special headline performance at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center.

2019/2020 Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band (in alphabetical order):

Pianist Noé Arredondo George, trombonist Donald Baker, drummer David Feinberg, trumpeter Ian Ferrucci, tenor saxophonist Sage Liem, bassist Thea Miller, tenor saxophonist Logan Robb, guitarist Sebastian Roeder-Hensley, and alto saxophonist/clarinetist Skyler Shipp. The Honor Band is directed by David McGillicuddy, a graduate of Aptos High, Cabrillo College, and UCSC. He has been teaching music since 1997 and his jazz guitar YouTube lessons have garnered nearly a quarter-million views. A longtime member of the Kuumbwa community, he attended his first Kuumbwa show in 1985 and has been volunteering since 1988.

To book the Honor Band for a concert or private event, or for more information about the program, please contact Brian Fitzgerald.

For more information, please visit https://www.kuumbwajazz.org/education/kuumbwa-jazz- honor-band/