Solvang, CA (Top40 Charts/ Weichert Real Estate Affiliates) This year, when tourists kick off the seasonal trek to Solvang, California they'll find jazz among the choices in the small Danish village. On May 26, noted jazz guitarist Frank Potenza, will be featured at the town's Famous Jazz Artist Series.
In its fourth month of offering "the finest jazz musicians in the world right here in the
Santa Ynez Valley," said Solvang businesswoman/series co-producer Ruth Hoover, "we expect that the season's visitors will join us for the Saturday night concert after a busy day of walking and enjoying the town's attractions."
Solvang is a visitor's treasure hunt come true. Located off the 101 freeway between
Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo in central California, it is an authentic Danish settlement, founded in 1911 by Danish educators, where the heritage, faces, and customs of the Old World live on. The village area is located in the heart of the
Santa Ynez Valley, surrounded by
Santa Ynez, Ballard, Los Olivos, and Buellton. The town is populated by specialty shops, restaurants, charming lodging opportunities, bakeries, wineries, and the old Spanish Mission.
A composer and performer with eight solo albums to his credit, Potenza has worked with
Dizzy Gillespie,
George Van Eps, Joe Pass, Bud Shank, Mose Allison,
James Moody, Harry "Sweets" Edison,
Brother Jack McDuff, many others. He will be joined at the May 26 performance by Joe Bagg at the organ and drummer Charlie Ruggiero, along with Charlie Shoemake on vibes and Sandi Shoemake, vocals. The Shoemakes, who founded the original Famous Jazz Artist Series in neighboring Cambria 20+ years ago, are co-producers of the Solvang spin-off.
The May 26 event, at The Terrace Dinner Theatre Upstairs at Manny's Restaurant, includes Chef Jessie's acclaimed buffet dinner at 6 p.m., followed by music from 7-9 at 1693 Mission Drive in the heart of Solvang.
Doors open at 5:30 upstairs at The Terrace Dinner Theatre (sorry, there is no elevator). Rear parking is free. Wine, beer and soft drinks are available for purchase throughout the evening. Entrance is by ticket only, at $35. per person, available in advance from Manny's Restaurant, or by reservation/credit card, tel 805-691-9137.
