L.A.-Kobe Jazz Connection Brings Together Free Shows

“Bringing two jazz families together” is the way producer Betty Berry describes this weekend’s International Jazz Party at the Westside Room of the Century Plaza Hotel.

Among the Los Angeles jazz artists appearing will be saxophonists Ricky Woodard and Pete Christlieb, trumpeter Snooky Young, trombonist Carl Fontana and singer Sue Raney and the Bill Berry L.A. Band.

Also performing, and occasionally working with the L.A. players, will be Japanese clarinetist Eiji Kitamura and his quintet.

The event, which is free to the public on a first-come basis, is funded entirely by a group of 40 avid Japanese jazz fans. The earthquakes in Kobe have limited the group’s participation to 40 members this year, and the party will be dedicated to jazz musicians of Kobe.

Programs are scheduled today at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m.