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Stanford Jazz Festival June 28-Aug. 9; tickets prices vary. Dinkelspiel Auditorium and Campbell Recital Hall, Stanford University; 650.736.0324; www.stanfordjazz.org Whereas the Monterey, San Francisco and San Jose Jazz festivals are known more for their concerts than their educational components, the Stanford Jazz Festival is actually the lesser-known sibling of the famed Stanford Jazz Workshop. It continues to present strong concert bills even as it did in the workshop's first year. Early highlights of this year's festival can be divided into two categories: the specially assembled (and reassembled) groups and the thematic shows. At the head of the former category is the Branford Marsalis Trio, with bassist Robert Hurst and longtime drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts. They perform as a trio at Dinkelspiel Auditorium for the first time since the mid-'90s. There's also a tribute by alumni of Cal Tjader's groups, featuring the likes of percussionist Poncho Sanchez, drummer Vince Lateano and pianist David Torres. Other highlights include deeply felt pianist James Williams in a trio setting with drummer Tootie Heath; vocalist Madeline Eastman and pianist-vocalist Dena DeRose in a double bill; and pianist Geri Allen's Ensemble with Watts and fellow Detroit natives Hurst and trumpeter Marcus Belgrave. On the thematic side, look for a Saturday-morning show of "Cartoon Jazz: The Music of Raymond Scott," led by clarinetist-saxophonist-flautist Jeff Sanford. Drummer and San Jose native Akira Tana hosts a Percussion Summit with taiko drummer Kenny Endo, Afro-Cuban percussionist John Santos and fusion-drumming specialist Ndugu Chancler. A pair of all-star jam sessions conclude the festival. Pianist Harold Mabern will lead a group with several artists-in-residence joining him on the bandstand, while alto saxophonist Phil Woods leads the SJW All-Star Quintet with Mabern, trombonist Steve Davis, bassist Michael Zisman and drummer Joe Farnsworth. (Yoshi Kato) Summer Music Guide 2003 Summer Sonic: This summer, Good Charlotte's Joel Madden looks forward to touring and working on his '65 Chevy. Perry-patetic: Lollapalooza's Perry Farrell attempts to recapture the spirit of 1991. Modern Love: The 1983 Day on the Green with the Police, the Fixx, Madness, Oingo Boingo, and the Thompson Twins blew open the alternative-rock movement in the Bay Area. Plus: an interview with Fixx frontman Cy Curnin. Ozzfest 2003: With Ozzy Osbourne, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Disturbed and Chevelle. Shoreline. Summer Sanitarium: With Metallica, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Mudvayne and Deftones. Candlestick. Wilco and R.E.M: Shoreline. Björk: Pier 30/32. Stanford Jazz Festival: With the Branford Marsalis Trio, alumni from Cal Tjader's groups, James Williams, Madeline Eastman, Dena DeRose and Geri Allen's Ensemble. Dinkelspiel Auditorium and Campbell Recital Hall, Stanford University. Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival: With Nneena Freelon, the Count Basie Orchestra, Greg Osby, ¡Cubanismo!, the Yellowjackets, Jimmy Heath and Ledisi. Dinkelspiel Auditorium and Campbell Recital Hall, Stanford University. India.Arie: Montalvo. Beck/Dashboard Confessional: Greek Theatre. The Dixie Chicks: HP Pavilion. Lou Reed: Mountain Winery. Shows: From Agenda to Zoë. Summer Festival Guide: Art, wine and more. Send a letter to the editor about this story to letters@metronews.com. [ Silicon Valley | Metroactive Home | Archives ]