The popular Concerts on the Green series, sponsored by Cambria Estates Vineyard and Winery, continues at the Festival of Arts on Saturday, August 4 from 1 – 2:30 pm. Keyboardist/composer/producer Jeff Lorber heralded as “one of the founding fathers of fusion” returns to Laguna Beach with his Grammy-winning power trio Jeff Lorber Fusion, featuring bassist/co-producer Jimmy Haslip and drummer Gary Novak.
Trailblazing pianist, composer, producer and bandleader Jeff Lorber is a consummate artist who continues to push himself to new plateaus. A groundbreaking Fender Rhodes pioneer along with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample, and Bob James, Lorber has triumphed as one of the most innovative musical minds in contemporary jazz. Last year Lorber marked his 40th recording anniversary and in January 2018, he scored his first Grammy win for his Jeff Lorber Fusion recording Prototype in the category of Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. The album is a sterling example of his expansive musical roots, masterfully crafted harmonic and melodic sophistication, irresistible finger-poppin’ grooves and intricate rhythmic sense.
Jeff Lorber’s Fusion came to life in the 70s when the pianist attended Berklee College of Music. In 1977 Jeff Lorber Fusion released their self-titled debut. Their 1980 album Wizard Island made the introduction of a then little known Kenny G. The ensemble quickly gained traction and became one of the most popular jazz acts, touring nonstop. In 1982 Lorber made his solo debut with It’s A Fact. He scored his first Grammy nomination in 1985 for his radio hit “Pacific Coast Highway” from his album Step By Step. In the 90s Lorber released a successful string of projects including West Side Stories (1994), State of Grace (1996) and Midnight (1998). During this time Lorber also stayed busy producing Michael Franks, Richard Elliot, Gerald Albright and Rick Braun, among others. The prolific pianist continued to add to his accolades with his shining recordings Kickin’ It (2001), Philly Style (2003), Flipside (2005), He Had A Hat (2007, Grammy-nominated) and Heard That (2008), Now Is The Time (2010, Grammy-nominated), Galaxy (2012, Grammy-nominated) Hacienda (2013, Grammy-nominated) and Step It Up (2015). Lorber made his first recordings for Shanachie as a member of Jazz Funk Soul with Chuck Loeb and Everette Harp on the albums Jazz Funk Soul and the Grammy-nominated More Serious Business. Lorber scored his first Grammy win for his critically heralded Prototype in 2018.
“Jeff Lorber Fusion is one of the hottest bands in jazz right now following their Grammy win earlier this year,” said Susan Davis, director of special events for the Festival of Arts. “We’re honored to have them perform as part of our Concert on the Green series!”
Jeff Lorber Fusion will perform on Saturday, August 4 from 1 – 2:30 pm on stage at the Festival green. Concerts on the Green are free with Festival of Arts Admission. Limited seating available in the reserved section for $40 per person per concert. Includes Festival admission. Call (800) 487-3378 or order online at www.foapom.com/events/concerts-on-the-green.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL OF ARTS
The Festival of Arts is one of the most highly-acclaimed juried fine art shows featuring the artwork of 140 award-winning artists. In the newly renovated, multi-million dollar facility, patrons may enjoy the work of exhibiting artists, demonstrations and art workshops, daily art tours, live music, special events, on-site restaurants and much more. For a full listing of events, visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org. The Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters are sponsored in part by Southern California Acura Dealers, Fidelity Investments, KOST Radio 103.5, Pavilions and the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.
DATES & TIMES
July 5 – September 1, 2018
Open weekdays: 12noon – 11:30 pm
Open weekends: 10am – 11:30pm
Early closing August 25 at 1:30 pm
TICKET INFORMATION
General Admission: Weekdays $10, Weekends $15
Students & Seniors: Weekdays $7, Weekends $11
Children 6 – 12: Daily $5
Free Admission for Children 5 and under, Military, and Laguna Beach Residents.
Passport to the Arts:
A special promotion (funded in part by Bank of America): Passport to the Arts for only $29. Includes unlimited admission all summer long to the Festival of Arts, the Sawdust Art Festival, and Laguna Art-A-Fair. Enjoy works of art by more than 500 artists, 300 hands-on workshops, dozens of special events, plus a one time, all-day free parking pass with each Passport purchased. Order online at www.LagunaBeachPassport.com. Passports also available for purchase on-site at each festival location during the summer. Offer excludes Pageant of the Masters. Valid June 29 – September 2, 2018.
LOCATION
Festival of Arts Grounds
650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS
(800) 487-3378
Photo Credit: FOAPOM
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Festival of Arts, a non-profit 501(c)(3), has always been a local leader that has helped with the growth and development of the community and the arts in Laguna Beach. Established in 1932, the Festival of Arts’ mission is to promote, produce and sponsor events and activities that encourage the appreciation, study, and performance of the arts. For every summer for over 85 years, the Festival of Arts has produced two world-class events: The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Together both shows attract more than 250,000 visitors each year.
