Arts Alive San Antonio

By JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor

Jazz lovers have cherished the Balcones Heights Summer Jazz Festival for years, but this past year the powers behind the fest decided to change the format. Instead of multiple concerts during a single week in July, they chose to present a concert series, with shows throughout the year. The series is coming to an end July 16, with the Summer Jazz Concert, outdoors in the laguna area of the Wonderland of the Americas Mall. Yes, it will be just like you remember it plus a few new twists. This is also be the first in-person concert of the new series.

“The July festival always generated mixed reactions,” said Lorenzo Nastasi, Balcones Height’s Director of Economic Development & Public Affairs. “Some people said, ‘Why are you doing this in the hottest month of the year,’ while others thought of the heat as a badge of honor.”

Both groups are likely to enjoy the 2021 summer concert that will feature both internationally known jazz artists and a popular local band. Multiple Latin Grammy Award winner, Joe Posada, a San Antonio native,will open the festivities with his trio. An accomplished composer and virtuoso saxophonist, Posada has made a name for himself by fusing the sounds of jazz, Tejano and other styles into a multi-genre blend that audiences wholeheartedly respond to. And he’s also a vocalist.

After intermission, he will be followed by two big jazz names, Nils Jiptner, known as just Nils, and Johnny Britt, who will perform together as part of their Heart and Soul Tour. Both have built successful music career, The German-born Nils as a jazz guitarist and songwriter, and Britt as a singer, songwriter, producer, trumpeter, arranger and composer.

Nils made a big splash with his 2005 album, “Pacific Coast Highway” which brought him to the attention of a much wider audience. The title song from that album peeked at #10 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart and became a staple of smooth jazz radio programs. Another single, “Summer Nights” hit #1. Altogether, he has had six #1 Billboard hits. According to the press release, “Pacific Coast Highway,” became the most played song on smooth jazz radio since 2000. As a songwriter, Nils has also written hits for other performers, including Lisa Addeo, George Benson, Brian Simpson, Reza Khan, Alvin Pope and Tony Saunders.

Equally multi-talented, Britt recorded four solo albums and had three #1 Billboard hits with saxophonist Boney James. He was also the youngest musical director for the famous group, The Temptations and appeared as a trumpet player in the Oscar-nominated movies “Hidden Figures” and “Dunkirk.”

So, how did Nastasi choose the artists to showcase at the July 16 concert?

“I consult with David Munoz, the host of “Smooth Jazz San Antonio” program on iHeartMedia,” said Nastasi. “He’s familiar with all smooth jazz artists. I tell him what I am looking for and he develops the possibilities. In 2019 I told him I wanted all women jazz artists. This time I was looking for jazz vocalists. I also like to present artists who haven’t been in San Antonio for a while or never.

“Normally, people pay a hefty price to see these artists. But our concerts are free,” he added.

In addition to first-class music, Nastasi has arranged for some additional, family-friendly entertainment for this year’s attendees. Prior to the concert, concertgoers will be able to see and learn about a number of animals that San Antonio Zoo’s representatives will bring to the Wonderland Mall for people to interact with. That part starts at 5:30 p.m.

And, as in previous years, there will be a post-concert party at La Tequila Jalisco Restaurant, Bar & Grill on Crossroads Blvd, where people will have a chance to chat with the artists, order food or drinks and have a good time.
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27^th Annual Balcones Heights Jazz Festival -Summer Jazz Concert; July 16, 7:30-!0:30 p.m.; Wonderland of the Americas Amphitheater, 4522 Fredericksburg Rd., Balcones Heights; free; food trucks will be available; coolers not allowed.