Dick Conte arrived in San Francisco in 1961 from his native Connecticut and has since become an integral part of the Bay Area jazz scene with his encyclopedic knowledge of jazz, formidable jazz radio presence (from the fabled KJAZ days to present-day KCSM and KKSF), and his piano performances at clubs, festivals and private venues. He has played at the San Francisco Jazz Festival, the Russian River Jazz Festival, the San Jose Jazz Festival, the Sonoma Valley Jazz Festival, the Calistoga Jazz & Blues Festival, Jazz on the Hill and the Cotati Jazz Festival.
Randy Vincent is a distinguished jazz guitarist whose career began in Florida before he moved to the San Francisco Area in 1980. Since then, he has been a significant figure in the jazz community, balancing his time between performing and teaching. He has played with a host of notable musicians, including Joe Henderson, Dizzy Gillespie, and Bobby Hutcherson, and has been featured at prestigious jazz festivals like the Monterey Jazz Festival and the San Francisco Jazz Festival. Vincent has also made substantial contributions to music education, teaching jazz guitar at Sonoma State University since 1981, and offering his expertise at other educational institutions such as the California Jazz Conservatory and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. His influence extends to mentoring upcoming talents like Julian Lage, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of jazz artists.
Steve Webber, a bassist whose journey in jazz began upon his move to Mill Valley in 1971, has been an active participant in the vibrant Bay Area music scene. His development as a musician was nurtured by esteemed mentors and through formal education at respected institutions. Webber’s deep connection to the genre and the region is evident in his performances, which resonate with the spirit of Bay Area jazz.
Jimmy Hobson is a renowned jazz musician, celebrated for his exceptional skills as a drummer. His career highlights include playing in the original “Hair” Rock Musical in Paris during 1971-72 and recording with notable artists such as Dorothy Morrison, Matthew Larkin Cassell, and Hall & Oates. Hobson’s unique approach to drumming, often questioning conventional techniques, has contributed to his distinctive style, blending jazz, funk, and fusion. His recent album “Premier Chant,” released in 2024, showcases his mastery in syncopated jazz and jazz fusion, further cementing his status in the jazz music scene
This concert is not just a showcase of individual talent but a celebration of the enduring legacy and vibrant present of jazz in the Bay Area. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together and revel in the artistry of these accomplished musicians. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this musical homage to the jazz greats of the Bay Area.