32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 3-9, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC “Changing lives through education,” that’s the motto Monterey Jazz uses for its educational work in Monterey County. This work’s culmination is the formation of the annual Regional AllStar Band, with a big band at its core, supported by middle school combo and vocal ensemble groups. The young musicians of the 2025 edition are bringing great jazz to the local audience all summer long. The band is performing July and August concerts at Estéban Restaurant and at Folktale Winery, as well as a July 12 concert, “Jazz in the Forest,” at the Outdoor Forest Theater in Carmel. Their season ends with a performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival itself. “This is how we design the student experience,” says Claire Kim-Shin, Monterey Jazz’s director of education. “Musicians practice within large groups for months. Then, from talking to each other and developing friendships, they form small ensembles to showcase themselves individually. We don’t tell them what to play.” The ensembles of three to four musicians and vocalists then approach the booking manager, Daphne Dacosta, and find a date to perform. The set list and instrumentation is their own, a test of their independence and leadership skills. If an alternate musician is needed, the band draws from a long list of alumni who jump at the opportunity. Only 20 percent of the All-Star students will become professional musicians; for others it’s part of their general education, but lessons in leadership and communication will serve them in any field of work. The students are aware they represent the legacy and the history of Monterey Jazz and its educational programs. The “Jazz in the Forest” concert is an opportunity to see and hear more than one ensemble—the audience will hear the big band, middle school combo and vocal ensemble. This annual concert draws a big crowd; 250 people attended in 2024. Finally, the 2025 Regional All-Star Band will perform on Sunday, Sept. 28 at the Monterey Jazz festival. This year, instead of playing at indoor Pacific Jazz Café like in 2024, AllStar musicians will perform at the Tim Jackson Garden Stage, providing more exposure, Kim-Shin explains. “Everybody is very excited about it,” she says, “and time flies fast.” The complete schedule is available at montereyjazz. org/calendar. AGATA POPĘDA A Summer of Jazz The 2025 Regional All-Star Band is sharing its combined talent with the community. By Agata Popęda 2025 Monterey Jazz Regional All-Star Vocal Ensemble performing during a community concert at Stevenson School in Pebble Beach on June 26. INDOOR AND OUTDOOR DINING AND TAKEOUT Eat + Drink Monterey’s MOST Recommended Pizzeria Open at 4pm Mon-Thurs • Open at 3pm Fri Open at 12pm Sat.& Sun. 725 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey giannispizzamonterey.com 831-649-1500 Best Pizza ’98-’24 57 Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey 831-373-1851 www.abalonetti.com ’24 LUNCH & DINNER SERVED DAILY from 11:30am-8:30pm Monterey County’s Best Calamari OPEN EVERYDAY for DINNER at 4:30pm Offering all your favorites plus wine, cocktails, bottle and draft beers. 763 Wave St., Monterey 831.373.3778 thewhalingstation.com ’24 Best Steak Indoor and Outdoor Dining on the Dog Friendly Patio Tapas (Happy) Hour 4:30–6pm Nightly Saturday & Sunday Brunch 9am–1:30pm 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | 831-375-0176 | estebanrestaurant.com ’24 Best Appetizers/ Small Plates ’24 BEST RESTAURANT IN MONTEREY! JOIN US NIGHTLY FOR DINNER AT 4:30PM TWO HAPPY HOURS DAILY 5-6PM & 8-9PM Call or go to sardinefactory.com for details, reservations. 701 Wave Street, Monterey, 831-373-3775 BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT + BAR @ LOVERS POINT ★ CASUAL CALIFORNIA DINING INDOOR & PATIO DAILY AT 4:30PM 620 OCEAN VIEW BLVD. PACIFIC GROVE 831-375-2345 • BEACHHOUSEPG.COM LOVERS POINT BEACH CAFE OPEN DAILY, 9AM–4PM ’24 Best Restaurant in Pacific Grove Wood Fired Pizzas, Burgers, Pasta, salads, sandWiches and more 11:30am mon-Fri, 10am Sat & Sun melvilletav.com 484 Washington St., Downtown Monterey 831.643.9525 haPPY hour Food & drinK sPecials Sun-Thurs 4-6pm WEEKEND BRUNCH WITH BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS Fisherman’s Wharf’s Newest Restaurant Serving Fresh Seafood, Pasta, Steaks, Sandwiches Open Daily at 11:30am Great views at the end of the Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375
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