Hemet High to Open Playboy Jazz Festival

The Hemet High School Jazz Band, winner of the Western States Jazz Festival, kicks off the 11th annual Playboy Jazz Festival on Saturday and Sunday at Hollywood Bowl. On Saturday’s schedule--in order of appearance--beginning at 2:30 p.m. (and changing approximately on the hour thereafter), are Hemet High; pianist Michel Camilo; vibist Terry Gibbs’ Dream Band; bassist Stanley Clarke and keyboardist George Duke; Latin/pop sounds from Ruben Blades y Son Del Solar; guitarist Larry Carlton; mainstream trumpeter Wynton Marsalis; jazz/funk saxman Grover Washington, Jr.; and the diverse Buckwheat Zydeco.

Performing on Sunday, beginning at 2 p.m., are the Mel Brown Sextet (winner of the Hennessy Cognac Jazz Search); contemporary saxman Michael Brecker; hard-bop drummer Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers; singer Dianne Schuur; straight-ahead pianist Dave Brubeck; jazz/rockers Spyro Gyra; a cappella vocal group Take 6; guitarist George Benson with pianist McCoy Tyner’s trio; and Illinois Jacquet’s New York-based big band.

Information:(213) 450-9040.

JAZZ FOR JUNIORS: Youngsters ages 5-13 will get an hourlong jazz concert of their own when pianists Steve Allen, Pete Jolly, Paul Smith and Mark Massey get together Saturday at 3 p.m. at the La Mirada Civic Theatre. The pianists will perform at the theater that evening in a joint benefit for the Children’s Museum at La Habra and the youth programs of the La Mirada Civic Theatre.

“Since entertainers always have a rehearsal, we asked the musicians to open it up and make it a performance for children, and they said they’d love to do it,” said Marcia Giesler, director of development for the museum.

The children’s concert is free, but tickets--available on a first-come, first-served basis--must be obtained in advance, either in person at the La Mirada Civic Theatre box office, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, or by writing to the theater.

Information: (213) 905-9793, 944-9801.