kids encyclopedia robot

Cotati Jazz Festival facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Cotati Jazz Festival
Cotati Jazz 3664.jpg
Soul Shine Band in 2010
Genre Jazz and related genres
Dates mid-June
Location(s) Cotati, California
Years active 1980 – present
Website CotatiJazz.com

The Cotati Jazz Festival is a super fun yearly music event held in Cotati, California, USA. It has been happening since 1980, making it a long-standing tradition! This festival usually takes place in the middle of June. Since 2006, it has been completely free to attend, so everyone can enjoy the amazing music.

What is the Cotati Jazz Festival?

The Cotati Jazz Festival is a special event where people come together to enjoy different kinds of Jazz music and other related styles. It's a great way to experience live music and have fun with friends and family in the sunny California weather.

Recent Festivals: A Look Back

Let's check out some of the recent festivals and what made them special!

2011: The 31st Festival

The 31st Cotati Jazz Festival took place on Saturday, June 18, 2011. It ran from noon until 7 p.m. Many talented artists and bands performed, including:

  • The Gomez Counter Band
  • Keith Andrew Band
  • Gumbo West
  • Tracy Rose Trio & Pamela Hamilton
  • Tumbao
  • One World Band
  • Jazz Roots
  • Chris Miano
  • Dick Conte Jazz Quartet

2010: The 30th Anniversary Celebration

Cotati Jazz 3656
Susan Comstock Quintet in 2010

The 30th festival was held on Saturday, June 19, 2010, also from noon to 7 p.m. This year was extra special because it was the 30th anniversary! The lineup featured:

  • The Susan Comstock Quintet
  • Rotten Tomatoes
  • Soul Shine Band
  • Keith Andrew Band
  • Strange Brew
  • Still Smooth
  • Simply Amazing
  • Sunday at Ed’s
  • Chris Miano Band
  • Jazz Roots
  • Dan Castro Group (bass clarinet)

2008: Swing Baby, Swing!

The 28th festival, held on Saturday, June 14, 2008, had a fun theme: "Swing Baby, Swing!" It was a long day of music, lasting from noon until midnight. Admission was free, and half of the money earned went to help the Rancho Cotate Music Boosters. This helped support music programs for students! Some of the bands included:

  • The Keith Andrew Band
  • The Blues Defenders
  • Stompy Jones
  • Swing Fever
  • Tumbao

2007: A Salute to New Orleans

In 2007, the festival was called A Salute to New Orleans. This was a special tribute, and 50% of the money raised went to help people affected by Hurricane Katrina. The event was on Saturday, June 16, 2007. Performers included:

  • Fourth Street Jazz Band
  • Justis Jones
  • Gumbo West
  • Allegria Latin Jazz

2006: Free Admission Begins!

The 26th festival on Saturday, June 17, 2006, was a big year because admission became completely free! The music happened at many different places around Cotati, like:

  • La Plaza Park
  • Cotati Creek Cafe
  • Dos Amigos Restaurant
  • Spancky’s Bar
  • Sweet Lou’s Trattoria
  • The Tradewinds
  • Oliver’s Market
  • Redwood Cafe

2005: The 25th Festival

The 25th annual festival took place on Saturday, June 18, 2005. It featured many bands, including:

  • Blue Moon
  • Stompy Jones
  • One World Band
  • Mike Martinez Latin Jazz Band

Before 2006, there was a small fee for adults to get in, but kids under 12 could usually enter for free.

A Look Back at Earlier Festivals

The Cotati Jazz Festival has a rich history with many memorable moments.

1996: Women in Music

The 16th festival in 1996 had a special theme: "Women in Music." It celebrated talented female performers. Some of the artists who played included:

  • Madeline Eastman
  • Joyce Cooling
  • Madeline Duran
  • Dottie Dodgion
  • Lisa Carr

Early Years

The very first Cotati Jazz Festival was held in 1980. In 1981, the festival featured a famous musician named Bobby Hutcherson. Over the years, the festival has grown and changed, but it has always been a place for great music and community spirit in Cotati.

kids search engine
Cotati Jazz Festival Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.