Music in the Gardens: Jazzgrass

Sunnylands Center & Gardens presents its annual Music in the Gardens concert series beginning Sunday, March 4, and continuing every Sunday throughout the month. The public is invited to stroll in the Gardens or bring a lawn chair and have a picnic on the Great Lawn while enjoying a different musical act each weekend.

Every performance is free and takes place from 11 am to 1 pm. While guests are invited to bring food and picnics to Sunnylands, large coolers, ice chests, grills, and alcohol are not permitted.

March 3—The Louie Bluies
March 10—Barry Baughn Blues Band
March 17—Celtic Quake
March 24—Soul Surrender
March 31—Jazzgrass

Back by popular demand is Jazzgrass! Jazzgrass was put together in 1999 by Idyllwild resident Barnaby Finch to honor the newer and more progressive side of Bluegrass music. He was originally smitten with the music of a short-lived All-Star band, put together at the Telluride Festival, called "Strength in Numbers." In 2011, Barnaby wanted to perform that music again, and recruited talented locals to play. There's Don Reed on mandolin, dobro, and guitar. He's a famous Idyllwild virtuoso who's performed with numerous artists. There's Sam Zorn on fiddle, a promising young player who covers everything from jazz to Celtic music. On bass is Bill Saitta, one of the busiest musicians in the Desert—and Jeff Olson on drums, who plays with David Benoit. Pianist Barnaby Finch is the musical director, formerly music director and touring member of Lee Ritenour's band since 1982. Prior stints include Ronnie Laws, Alphonse Mouzon, Boz Scaggs, and Lionel Richie. His piano was featured on the Lionel Richie/Diana Ross hit "Endless Love." From 1982 to 1989 Barnaby toured with George Benson, and from 1987 to 1989 he was conductor and musical director.