‘Jazz Live at the Hyatt’: Rare Local Performances On Tap

Rare Orange County performances by saxophonist Phil Woods, trombonist Carl Fontana and baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan are on tap during this year’s “Jazz Live at the Hyatt” series being sponsored by the Newport Beach hotel and Long Beach-based KLON-FM radio.

The 12-concert series begins tonight with legendary pianist and bandleader Jay McShann (see accompanying story).

“The thought behind the series this year was just to bring in something unique,” says KLON concerts production manager Ken Poston, “to bring in people we don’t often get to see, not just in Orange County, but in Los Angeles as well. Even the local groups we’ve scheduled, like Supersax, aren’t seen too often locally.”

Fontana, who is based in Las Vegas, last was seen locally at the 1991 Taste of Orange County festival with an orchestra conducted by European arranger-composer Rob Pronk. Poston said he especially is excited about hearing Fontana and Gerry Mulligan at the hotel’s outdoor amphitheater. “You don’t get to see the Mulligan Quartet in that kind of up-close, intimate setting these days. They usually just play the large festivals. Considering the strong rapport Gerry has with his audience, it should really be something.”

The complete schedule:

* May 29: Jay McShann Quartet.

* June 5: Phil Woods Quintet.

* June 12: Carl Fontana Quartet.

* June 19: Gerry Mulligan Quartet.

* June 26: To be announced.

* July 3: Clare Fischer Quartet.

* July 17: Gary Foster Quartet.

* July 24: Charlie Mariano Quartet.

* July 31: Supersax.

* Aug. 7: Harold Land Quartet.

* Aug. 14: Conte Candoli Quartet.

* Aug. 21: Louie Bellson Big Band.

The Hyatt Newporter hotel is at 1107 Jamboree Road. All concerts start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $8 to $12. Information: (714) 729-1234.