The magical Blue Jay Jazz Festival is coming Aug. 27 to Aug. 29 with world-class jazz artists and resident musicians. Lake Arrowhead is home to some remarkable jazz musicians who work in Los Angeles, across the country and beyond.
The festival begins on Thursday, Aug. 27, with critically acclaimed guitarist Carl Verheyen and his band. Guitar magazine ranked Verheyen “one of the world’s Top 10 guitarists.” As a member of the British rock group Supertramp since 1985, Verheyen has played for millions of fans worldwide.
Local artists 6 Beats Apart, led by musician Bruce Lett, will open the show. Its members are accomplished players, having played with the Doobie Brothers, Boy George, Elton John, Ernie Watts, Freddie Hubbard, Red Garland and vocalist Diane Schuur.
That night the Blue Jay Jazz Foundation will present their 2026 Future Generation Jazz Scholars. It will be a night to remember for the scholarship winners and their families.
Friday, Aug. 28, features the “Ambassador of Soul” Ellis Hall. He’s known for his five-octave range and his deep love of performing from his years with Tower of Power, Sheila E., Herbie Hancock, James Taylor, Patti Labelle and Toby Keith.
Hall shares the night with Tierra Legacy, the show-stopping, eye- popping, legendary Latin R&B band led by local artist David Salas, son of the band’s founder, Rudy Salas. Founded in 1972, Tierra is the first Latino group to have four songs on the national charts at the same time. Family members and longtime collaborators honor the band’s heritage and keep it spicy.
Saturday, Aug. 29 opens with the Digital Audio Projekt, showcasing local residents André Berry, Bruce Rubio and Harold Allen Jr. Bassist André Berry has toured with Dave Koz, Rick Braun and Mindi Abair, and is one of the busiest sidemen in the business. Saxophonist and long-time Lake Arrowhead resident Bruce Rubio has an impressive list of gigs with top jazz bands, rock bands and tribute bands. New Orleans-born drummer Harold Allen Jr. has performed with The Brothers Johnson, Jermaine Jackson, Ivan Neville, Leo Nocentelli, Percy Sledge, Jean Knight, Harmonica Fats and Michael Haggins.
Mountain favorites The Jazz Salon All Stars return on Aug. 29 with singer Niki Haris and a fresh take on the Great American Songbook. Haris spent 18 years appearing alongside Madonna and greats like the Jazz Crusaders and Joe Sample. The All Stars have become well known for their musical mastery, having played with Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Michael Buble´ and John Legend. The group includes local resident and Hollywood writer/director Judd Pillot on drums, Ricky Woodard on sax, group founder Dave Ross on bass, Nolan Shaheed on trumpet and Mitch Forman on piano.
Tickets are on sale now at www.bluejayjazz.org.