2012 Artists

Deniece Williams

East Bay Soul

Paul Brown

Darren Rahn

Michael Paulo

Festival Producer and Host Michael Paulo is a multi talented artist with ten solo records to date. His most recent outing features the talented arranging of Pianist David Benoit along with a 40 piece symphony orchestra. With over 3 decades of experience in the music business Michael is not only a talented saxophonist but also is involved with producing the Pacific Rim Jazz festival, The popular Grooves in The Grove series at La Quinta Resort and Spa and numerous Smooth Jazz concerts in Hawaii from where he hails. It's through his numerous relationships that the festival is able to bring in such world class talent.He is also an artist in residence at The world famous Jakarta Internartional Java Jazz Festival. Michael currently resides in the Temecula Valley.

Gregg Karukas

Gregg Karukas is one of the moist sought after smooth jazz pianists and composer today, He experimented with keyboards as a child, but it was not until his teens that he pursued music professionally. Gradually, he developed a melodic and soulful style of music that made him a mainstay on smooth jazz Karukas strives to write music that evokes strong emotions. His best-known singles, "Girl in the Red Dress" and "Nightshift", reflect a funky, smooth jazzy styling familiar to his fans.. With eleven solo albums and many sessions and tours with prominent jazz artists, Gregg Karukas has established himself as one of the leading musicians in Smooth Jazz.Gregg has been all over the airwaves recently, featured on Jessy’s debut #1 single “Tequila Moon,” and Rick Braun and Richard Elliot’s smash hit “RnR”. He is also featured on The Rippingtons’ latest, Modern Art and 20th Anniversary, reuniting with Russ Freeman, Dave Koz, David Benoit and many other top name musicians who appeared the groundbreaking 1986 album Moonlighting. Some of his recent projects include tours with Rick Braun, Peter White, Larry Carlton, LA Chillharmonic, Java Jazz West Coast All-Stars (Jakarta) and The Tribute to the Jazzmasters.

Kanzaki

This Japanese Saxophonist is a highly respected and legendary musician in Japan. He is making his 5th appearance at The festival and has always been a crowd favorite, and travels from Japan to specially appear at the event.

Artists lineup subject to change

More TBA