22 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY® FAMILY 2025-2026 Christian Sands, who commissioned his own piece, Tammy Hall (piano, keyboards), Valerie Troutt (vocals), Marcie Chapa (drums), Kirsten Edkins (saxophone), Pat Kelley (guitar), Corbin Jones (bass), Mike Galisatus (trumpet) and Felix Diaz Contreras (trombone). The camp takes place June 24-27, 8am-4pm, with a break for lunch. A typical day in summer camp starts with a morning concert, then the students split to go to various classes. Eventually, jazz campers land in combos and start to rehearse to perform at the end of the camp. There is an All-Star Band performance planned, as well as a concert in Estéban Restaurant in Casa Munras in Monterey. Graduates of the summer programs include Seaside trumpeter Akili Bradley who now plays in New York clubs, and Tania Darb, also from Seaside, now teaching at Berklee College of Music. Tuition is $365, with a small discount for All-Star members. Some financial assistance is available but not guaranteed. For information, visit montereyjazz.org. A time to dance For the third year, Carmel Dance Festival is bringing a festival-style summer camp for dancers 16 and over. This year’s title is 2025 Summer Program Social & Environmental Justice Through Dance and will take place June 15-25. “Our first year we brought several dance companies to mentor our dancers,” says Lillian Barbeito of Carmel Dance Festival and Ballare Carmel. “Last year our theme was sustainable farming. This year, we will combine the two ideas.” In addition to work with professional dancers, there will be a performance on regenerative farming. Another aspect relates to botanical medicine and land stewardship, preceded by field research in Big Sur. To hold the summer program, Ballare Carmel partnered with Alex Ketley from dance company The Foundry based in San Francisco, as well as New York City dancer and performer Javon Ja’Moon Jones, currently Ballare Carmel’s resident choreographer. Only 20 students will be accepted and there is an application process. Each dancer will submit photos, videos and a statement of interest. “We keep it small because the program is mentorship-focused and intimate,” Barbeito says, adding that in 2024 they received as many as 100 applications. “We are looking for great talent.” The participants will get to see a professional dance company in action and practice themselves. In addition to the summer program, Ballare Carmel offers scholarships, internships and apprenticeships, and not only for dancers, but also filmmakers and costume designers. The event is also a great opportunity for networking and eventually finding one’s place in the competitive dance industry. Any talented participant can become a fellow in a dance company that later leads to work opportunities. “It’s a unique experience,” Barbeito says. Accepted applicants will pay $1,000 for the program. For information, visit carmeldancefestival.org. RANDY TUNNELL Summer Jazz Camp is open to students from middle to high school. Many have gone on to perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival. SKYE SCHMIDT VARGA Carmel Dance Festival summer campers have the opportunity to practice with professional dance companies.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==