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California

Monterey's Jazz Bash by the Bay

Program No. 7567RJ
Immerse yourself in the culture and history of jazz at Monterey’s Jazz Bash by the Bay. Attend as a patron with seating privileges at performances, and enjoy the special Patron’s Lunch.

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At a Glance

The annual Jazz Bash by the Bay festival on the beautiful Monterey waterfront has performed the best in Dixieland, big band, swing, ragtime, blues and gypsy jazz for over 30 years. With professional musicians as teachers, delve into fascinating classes on the history and inner world of this very American music. Explore the dazzling world of Dixieland music in this exciting and educational weekend on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking a few city blocks or more due to personal preference, some inclines. Sitting up to 1.5 hours during performances.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • With your Patron’s Badge, enjoy reserved seating at each festival performance and a special Patron’s Lunch in historic downtown Monterey.
  • Study the history and style of Dixieland jazz from the 1920's and '30s with professional musicians as teachers at Hidden Valley, an institute of performing arts.
  • Spend the festival weekend (2 nights) in comfortable, elegant rooms at the historic adobe bed & breakfast, Merritt House Hotel, conveniently located in the heart of beautiful downtown Monterey.

General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat, Hidden Valley, includes opportunities for early morning exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, locally sourced meals, and a live performance or event. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Rick Yramategui
Rick Yramategui first performed a Joplin rag at Shakey's Pizza Parlor in Los Alamitos, California while in high school in the 70s. He received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Whitworth College. He serves as pastor of Carmel Valley Community Chapel, performs with the Carmel Piano Trio, and was the pianist for a revival of George Gershwin's musical, “Oh, Kay!” He is passionate about the connection between music and spirituality.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Rick Yramategui
Rick Yramategui View biography
Rick Yramategui first performed a Joplin rag at Shakey's Pizza Parlor in Los Alamitos, California while in high school in the 70s. He received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Whitworth College. He serves as pastor of Carmel Valley Community Chapel, performs with the Carmel Piano Trio, and was the pianist for a revival of George Gershwin's musical, “Oh, Kay!” He is passionate about the connection between music and spirituality.
Profile Image of Chris Calabrese
Chris Calabrese View biography
Chris “Mr. Excitement” Calabrese’s primary instrument is the piano — although he also dabbles in soprano sax and a variety of other instruments. As a professional musician, he is a veteran of Disney theme parks in Japan and the U.S., as well as many ragtime and jazz festivals. Chris is known for his New Orleans influenced piano talents, as well as his ragtime renderings and popular music styles. He is a regular member of Big Mama Sue’s groups, and resides in Colorado with his wife and daughter.
Profile Image of Eddie Erickson
Eddie Erickson View biography
“Fast Eddie” Erickson began his banjo and guitar career in San Jose, California at a very young age. Formerly a regular performer at Disneyland and Disney World, in recent years he has been a featured artist at banjo shows, jazz festivals, conventions, private parties, concerts, and occasional store openings. Eddie has played with jazz greats Bob Haggart, Johnny Varro, Milt Hinton, Dave Frishberg and others.
Profile Image of Matthew Shea
Matthew Shea View biography
Matthew Shea’s roots in the Carmel Valley go back two generations. The son of a master gardener, Matthew grew up with an inherent understanding of the valley, its horticulture, and ecology. After graduating from Oregon State University and successfully managing 1000’s of acres of vineyards in Oregon, he returned to focus on the Estate Vineyards of Bernardus Winery in Carmel Valley. Using his background in organic, sustainable agriculture, Matt has brought a balance to the vineyard through increasing diversity, composting, and water and soil management.
Profile Image of Anne Barnhart
Anne Barnhart View biography
Anne is a flutist and vocalist who holds bachelor's and master's degrees in music from the Catholic University of America. She and her husband Jeff perform as the duo Ivory & Gold, playing in classic American styles including jazz, blues, ragtime, Broadway and Tin Pan Alley. The duo was praised by The L.A. Jazz Scene for their ability to "draw out the beauty in the rich melodies and play the music… with taste, sensitivity, and a real affection for the idiom."
Profile Image of Jeff Barnhart
Jeff Barnhart View biography
Jeff is a pianist, vocalist, arranger, bandleader, recording artist, composer and educator. He began playing live at the age of 14 in his native Connecticut, and now spends about 40 weeks per year on the road, whether performing solo, in a band setting, or with his wife Anne as Ivory & Gold. While Anne comes from more of a classical background, Jeff is rooted in jazz. He holds a dual B.A. in music and English as well as a master's in education from Connecticut College.
Profile Image of Peter Meckel
Peter Meckel View biography
Peter Meckel is the founder and General Director of Hidden Valley Music Seminars. Born and raised in the Midwest, he attended university at Rockford University in Illinois, and Occidental College in California. His leadership of Hidden Valley has resulted in one of the most respected opera training centers in America and a major contributor of arts education programs for vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers. Students from throughout the world come to study with master teachers from many of America’s most prestigious orchestras and opera companies.





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