Sneak peek: Kenny G fuels Seabreeze Jazz Festival

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The 19th annual Seabreeze Jazz Festival continues to reach new heights with more than 20 powerhouse performances — from multi-platinum selling saxophonist Kenny G to the legendary R&B group Tower of Power — for five days against the smooth backdrop of the Gulf Coast.

"I’m so excited to be a part of the Seabreeze Jazz Festival this year," Kenny G said Thursday morning. "I love visiting Panama City Beach. It has such a cool vibe. Everything I do is from the heart, so I’m trying to come up with ideas of how I can make my performance special."

Seabreeze, named a “Top 10 Jazz Festival” by JazzIZ Magazine, brings in nearly 30,000 jazz-minded fans from across more than 40 U.S. states (60 percent of tickets sold outside of Florida) and seven countries for a long weekend of good vibes. Seabreeze, which has the most performances of any jazz festival in the U.S. in one weekend, highlights what appeals to locals and travelers — coastal cuisine, golf, fishing, the white sand beach and emerald blue waters. 

Seabreeze officially begins Wednesday, April 19, with the sold-out Seabreeze Jazz Festival Dinner Cruise featuring award-winning multi-instrumentalist Brian Culbertson aboard the Solaris Dinner Yacht in St. Andrew Bay. Known for his high energy performances, Culbertson's latest album is "The Funk!" — with plenty of bass and horns. If you didn't get tickets to the cruise, catch Culbertson on stage Saturday evening before he hosts a sold-out after-party at Pompano Joe's. Saxophonist Eric Darius hosts a lunch cruise ($80) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 20, before performances move to the main venue, Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheatre. The venue is adjacent to Pier Park with more shopping, food and entertainment — just steps away from the City Pier and beach. 

Kenny G, also an avid golfer, is still climbing Billboard's contemporary jazz chart after more than three decades — and is looking forward to being back on stage as well as some "fun in the sun." Join him for a special evening at 8:30 p.m. Thursday as he plays music from a career that includes nearly 25 albums.

"Kenny G has earned the title of one of the 'Top Selling Artists Of All Time' with over 75 million records sold," said Seabreeze founder Mark Carter, who owns WSBZ-FM The Seabreeze Smooth Jazz 106.3 with his wife, Renee Carter.

Kenny G released his first self-titled album in 1982 and his latest, "Brazilian Nights," was released in January 2015 — a follow up to 2010's "Heart and Soul." "Brazilian Nights" — with Bossa nova sounds — was inspired by his travels to Rio de Janeiro, where people spent nights of dancing and singing. The deluxe edition contains live versions of his biggest hits, such as "Forever in Love" (which garnered him a Grammy in 1994) and "Heart and Soul."

Announced in March, Kenny G will be teaming up with George Benson to co-headline a tour performing songs from Benson's Grammy winning album, Breezin' and Kenny G.'s Grammy winning "Breathless," which sold more than 12 million copies in the U.S. alone.

Seabreeze Schedule

Wednesday, April 19

7-10 p.m.: Seabreeze Dinner Cruise featuring Brian Culbertson aboard Solaris Dinner Yacht (sold-out)

Thursday, April 20

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Seabreeze Jazz Festival Jazzy Lunch Cruise featuring Eric Darius

2 p.m.: Gates open at Main Stage at Aaron Bessant Park

3 p.m.: Althea Rene goes on Main Stage

4:30 p.m.: Ken Ford on Main Stage

6:30 p.m.: Jake Shimabukuro on Main Stage

8:30 p.m.: A Special Evening with Kenny G

10:30 p.m.: Seabreeze Thursday After Party hosted by Ken Ford at Pompano Joe’s Seafood House at Pier Park

Friday, April 21

1:30-2:30 p.m.: Candy Dulfer CD Release Party at Pompano Joe's at Pier Park (sold-out)

2 p.m.: Gates open for Main Stage at Aaron Bessant Park

3 p.m.: Jeanette Harris on Main Stage

4:30 p.m.: Pieces of a Dream on Main Stage

6:30 p.m.: Darren Rahn and Paul Brown

8:30 p.m.: Sheila E

10:30 p.m.: Seabreeze After Party All-Star Jam hosted by Eric Darius at Pompano Joe's in Pier Park (sold-out)

Saturday, April 22

10 a.m.: Gates open at Main Stage at Aaron Bessant Park

11 a.m.: Adam Hawley on Main Stage

12:30 p.m.: Eric Darius

2:30 p.m.: Doc Powell

4:30 p.m.: Candy Dulfer

6:30 p.m.: Brian Culbertson

8:30 p.m.: West Coast Jam featuring Rick Braun, Norman Brown, and Richard Elliot

10:30 p.m.: All Star After-Party Jam hosted by Brian Culbertson at Pompano Joe's (sold-out)

Sunday, April 23

10 a.m.: Gates open at Main Stage at Aaron Bessant Park

11 a.m.: Roman Street

12:30 p.m.: Four 80 East and Matt Marshak

2:30 p.m.: Michael Lington

4:30 p.m.: Patti Austin

6:30 p.m.: Boney James

8:30 p.m.: Tower of Power

10:30 p.m.: End of Festival After Party and All Star Jam hosted by Four 80 East and Matt Marshak at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville at Pier Park (Free admission.)

For an interview with Tower of Power, see the April 21 Entertainer.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival