Jazz Men Paulo and Karukas Playing Saturday at the Festival of Arts

Submitted by the Festival of Arts:

For the past five years, the Festival of Arts has had the privilege to host some of the top legendary jazz artists known all over the world. Kicking off this wildly popular series, acclaimed jazz musicians Gregg Karukas and Michael Paulo will perform on the Festival stage Saturday, July 20, from 1 - 3pm.

One of urban contemporary jazz's most versatile artists over the past 25 years, keyboardist/composer Gregg Karukas is a Grammy Award winner for producing, engineering, co-writing and arranging Omar Akram's “Echoes of Love,” which won Best New Age Album at the 55th Grammy Awards in February 2013.

A solo artist, Gregg's 11 CDs have garnered consistently solid reviews for his signature piano touch, pristine production, and melodies that are both soulful and sophisticated. Always in demand as a musical director and keyboardist, Gregg has received multiple Best Keyboardist nominations at the Oasis and National Smooth Jazz Awards. His best-known singles, "Girl in the Red Dress" (#4) "Nightshift" (#1), and Jessy J.'s #1 hit "Tropical Rain" showcase Gregg's funky, melodic compositional style familiar to his fans.

Gregg's uplifting attitude shows in his concerts, as he has emerged over the years as one of the genre's most dynamic and inspiring live performers since he first took the stage in 1987 with the original Rippingtons and toured through the years with superstars Boney James, Sergio Mendes and Larry Carlton. Even as future production and headline offers come in, Gregg continues to tour the world with Peter White and Rick Braun and is Musical Director for the Dave Koz and Friends Cruise to Europe, featuring the best artists in smooth jazz and international stars such as Michael Bolton, Shelia E., Michael McDonald, and Jeffrey Osborne.

One of the most versatile and cosmopolitan saxophonists in pop, soul and contemporary jazz for nearly 20 years, Michael Paulo has added his distinct saxpertise to a virtual who's who of artists, including Al Jarreau (Paulo's longest term touring association), James Ingram, No. 1 Smooth Jazz Trumpeter and guitarist Rick Braun and Peter White, Oleta Adams, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Jeffrey Osborne, Jeff Lorber, David Benoit, Carl Anderson, Bobby Caldwell, Johnny Mathis and more.
 
Michael’s reputation as the no. 1 Asian American Jazz artist continues with each new year. A dynamic live performer, his emotive playing and endearing style has never failed to capture the hearts of his fans all over the world. 
 
“Each of these musicians are talented performers- then pair them together and it’ll be an exciting afternoon of music that you won’t want to miss.” said Susan Davis, director of special events for the Festival of Arts.

Gregg Karukas and Michael Paulo will perform on Saturday, July 20 from 1 - 3pm on stage at the Festival green. Jazz on the Green Concerts are free with Festival of Arts Admission. Limited seating available in reserved section for $25 per person per concert. Includes Festival admission. Call (800) 487-3378. The Jazz on the Green series is sponsored by the University of Redlands and KSBR. 
 
DATES AND ADMISSION

The Festival of Arts is open daily from June 30 – August 31, 2013, from 10am to 11:30pm (Early closing at 6pm June 30 – July 4 and 3:30pm on August 24). General Admission: Weekdays $7, Weekends $10; Students & Seniors: Weekdays $4, Weekends $6; Free Admission for Children 12 and under, Military, and Laguna Beach Residents.