The short trip up Highway 74 from the Palm Spring California’s desert floor leads to the tiny forested town of Idyllwild, a truly seductive drive on a scorching summer day. Make the trip July 3-15 to enjoy an exciting lineup of live performances and workshops in the 29th Jazz In The Pines.
Your journey up Highway 74 climbs and curves, then glides past horse pastures and ranches on the way to the mountain retreat, embraced by the San Bernardino National Forest. The crisp mountain air mixed with timber smoke makes it light sweater weather in the evening, an abrupt contrast to the bathing suit you left drying poolside.
In addition to jazz, plan a combination of village wandering and nature’s offerings. Idyllwild’s village is made up of a walk-able assemblage of cabin-like shops, restaurants with enviable outdoor patios and art galleries. Directly off the main highway, the Idyllwild Park Nature Center warrants time during your visit, offering exhibits of area history and a self-guided nature trail through the surrounding forest.
Find Jazz Everywhere
As Idyllwild Arts Academy’s annual fundraiser, Jazz In The Pines is marking its 29th year with an exciting lineup of live performances and workshops. The 2023 celebration will feature a robust lineup of performances by famed artists and students, taking place on the art school’s 205-acre campus, as well as select venues in the town of Idyllwild, including FERRO, Middle Ridge Winery, the Grand Idyllwild Lodge, Creekstone Lodge, Harvey House and Cafe Aroma. Two special events will be featured off the mountain, at The Merc in Temecula, CA.
This year’s Jazz In The Pines is curated once again by New York Times-featured jazz vocalist Rose Colella, who has performed at the festival for many years. Headliners include Grammy Award-Winning trumpeter John Daversa & Marshall Hawkins’ Seahawk MOJO, along with Euphoria Brass Band, Joshua White, Sherry Williams, Yve Evans, Rose Colella, Tom Hynes, Dan St. Marseille, Bob Boss, Frank Fontaine, Tina Raymond & The Idyllwild Arts All-Star Student Jazz Combo.
Bringing professionals and students together
The new Jazz In The Pines Festival and Student Clinic restores the original vision of festival co-founder Dr. Marshall Hawkins, the legendary bassist, beloved teacher, and walking treasure trove of jazz. Centering around the Student Clinic, the two-week line-up of concerts builds a bridge between the professionals and the next generation of jazz artists.
Ticket sales directly support Idyllwild Arts to engage professional artists and educators, offer unique educational programs for global citizen artists, and provide scholarships for talented, young artists to attend Idyllwild Arts’ world-class Boarding Arts High School and Summer Program.
If you go:
Guests can purchase tickets for individual events as well as an all-access pass and find more information here.
About Idyllwild Arts
Nestled within 205 acres of pristine pine forest located in the renowned arts village of Idyllwild in Southern California’s San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild Arts is the most dynamic arts community in the nation. Founded as a respite for creators to come together from around the world, our international and multicultural community is home to a boarding arts high school of over 250 students from 30 countries, a vibrant summer arts program, and year-round programming for artists of all ages and experience levels through camps, workshops, and online courses. As a creative collective, Idyllwild Arts changes lives through the transformative power of art by promoting intercultural understanding and peace while re-envisioning the artist’s responsibility to society. Learn more at idyllwildarts.org.
Photos courtesy of Idyllwild Arts and The Merc
