Hot Swing Time in Monterey

Big band, blues, jazz, and swing ring out near the Bay.

IT'S A FUNNY THING... when a place that is known for two distinct art forms starts to see a third twist on both pop up in a separate and distinct way. Well, we suppose that isn't too funny at all, but rather right on the money. Take Monterey, for instance. It's home to one of the planet's biggest, best-attended, and most highly lauded jazz festivals, a star-packed multi-day concert that's flowed each fall for over a half century. And swing dance? The city has been welcomed the wintertime Monterey Swingfest for over two decades. So it makes sense that both traditions would show up again and again throughout the year, sometimes on the very same party-sweet platform. One major one where both make a showing? It's the Jazz Bash by the Bay, itself a venerable part of the area's culture scene. And it's ready to toot its trumpet again, and tie on its dance-ready saddle shoes, from Friday, March 7 through Sunday, March 9, with a kick-off dance on Thursday, March 6.

WHO'S PLAYING: A bevy of washboard-toting, brass-wielding bands known far and near and wide and up around the Golden State will bring the jazz, big band, swing, ragtime, and more jazzy vibes throughout the weekend. The Ellis Island Boys are on the schedule, as are the Stephanie Trick Trio and the Side Street Strutters with Melanie Collins. We expect spectators will be in their spectators and best suits and dresses, and we believe the swing thing'll be pretty ongoing, as long as a band is up and playing. And all-event badge is a fiver over a hundred bucks, but you can buy a la carte, too.

OH... and if we wanted to go really deep on all of the things Monterey is loved for showing up in this event, here's one more: The mascot is an otter musician. Nicely done, Jazz Bash by the Bay.

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