At the beginning of Thornton Winerys 24th "Champagne Jazz" season which debuted in April with the vivacious and affecting Mindi Abair, I posited then that it was going to be one "Jazz Hot" summer this year and well... HOT it has been and the weather has nothing to do with it!

Sold Out Audience Arriving for Boney James

Thornton never fails to deliver and has always set the bar as the premier entertainment venue in our local area, once again this year has proven to be no exception. An extraordinary progression of musical super stars have stopped in so far to thrill the almost always sold out crowds that gather to spend a few hours with them, take a break and enjoy the soaring musical notes they loft into the air of wine country. Kicking off with Mindi who was a big presence on American Idol this year and who just recently finished touring with Aerosmith, the season has continued on with such jazz legends as Kenny G, George Benson, Dave Koz and Chris Botti with others still to follow. Let me tell you, with this array of talent the thermometer isn't the only thing that's been heating up and searing our local scene during this hot summer.


        Kenny G.               George Benson              Dave Koz                    Chris Botti

As these virtuosos perform and do what they do best, Thornton's accomplished and professional staff practice what they do best, which is to provide exemplary service as they cater to their valued clientele. I have been fortunate enough to experience this combination of top notch entertainment and service several times over the years and have ALWAYS had an unforgettably enjoyable time, whether I was just swaying in my seat or up and grooving on the dance floor, Champagne Jazz has always been memorable and great.

In the past I have always gone to one of their many afternoon concerts. However, for the very first time I was able recently to attend one of the few evening performances they offer throughout their season. Again, it was sold out and this particular Temecula Night Out, (literally) featured one of Thornton's most favorite and anticipated returning artists, Saxophonist and Billboard acclaimed jazz master, Boney James. So, there was no doubt the the music was going to be hot, but unlike the afternoons the evening was cool and it made for in my opinion, an even more enjoyable and unique experience. 

Unique also because this particular show started off with not music but comedy, by one of today's hottest comedic talents Ralph Harris. For the first hour and then an additional fifteen minutes granted by audience demand, Ralph got everyone light hearted, feeling good and laughing with his refreshing get you involved style of comedy. In many ways, he reminded me of a young Bill Cosby way back in the day when he captivated his audiences with his tales of growing up in the hood of Philadelphia among the characters who made up his youth, (remember Fat Albert)? Well, Ralph did the same by relating tales of his family growing up that couldn't help but make you think of your own quirky and eccentric family members and relatives, such as that always in trouble brother, crazy uncle or wacky aunt, all while keeping everyone in stitches and wanting more. 

After the audience finally let Ralph go and then following a brief intermission Boney and his band made their appearance and proceeded to light up the musical atmosphere. At the time the jazz started to flow, I was enjoying an ice cold glass of Thornton's fabulous Sangria, which quite literally at that moment, was just the ticket! For the next ninety minutes non stop, Boney and his many saxes wove his musical jazz spell over this crowd, one which had been primed and set up perfectly by Ralph beforehand. Throughout the remainder of the evening like a chameleon Boney kept shifting roles while playing all his classics from opening with "Spin" to "After the Rain" to Ain't No Sunshine" all the way through to his audience standing encore of "Grazin in the Grass" the crowd belonged to him. At times his role was to meld in as just another member of his superb band being more than happy to let each of them shine separately and then together as the cohesive group they were. He of course also stepped up and naturally took the lead role and spotlight upon himself as he performed his own familiar tunes which were carried into the night and wafted on the light breeze across the soon to be harvested vineyards in wine country. All of this coming together and demonstrating why Boney has become one of Thornton's favorites over many years.

At one point this veritable pied piper hopped off the stage and like that same fairy tale character with sax, not flute in hand and put to lips weaved and played his way from front to back and side to side of the entire Thornton patio. As he went into "Contact" off his new CD of the same name, that's exactly what he made with everyone. In the course of playing this sure to be hit, some mesmerized fans actually got out of their seats and started following him around until at one point this meandering line ended up as a large crowd way in the back swaying and dancing all around him as he moved amongst them. After what I'm sure was too soon for many, he threaded his way back through the main aisles and as the crowd slowly dispersed he took center stage again. All of this was taking place as the cool welcoming velvet night unfolded around us and as we sat under a roof of twinkling stars which seemed to stretch and extend the venue out into forever.  

It was a magical night from beginning to end, highlighted and showcased by the feel good comedy and the feel involved music. Yet it was also made very special by the extras you just won't find anywhere else locally. Only Thornton truly brings it all together into one complete package of entertainment bliss! Where else can you enjoy this caliber of performance art while sipping on their cold Brut Reserve Champagne, (Thornton's finest)  savoring a delightful red wine, (Mouvedre, now sold out) all while being looked after, (never intrusive) and professionally served by their caring staff. After     enjoying a perfect appetizer of varied cheeses, crostinis, fruits and tapenades we dined on our choice of Chef Pickells entrees exclusively offered on Thornton's own Jazz grill menu. Superb!

As always, it went by too fast and ended way too soon and as the last vibrations of "Grazin in the Grass" and Boney's sax reluctantly faded away into the now dark night and as we reluctantly started to leave I once again found myself realizing how fortunate we all were. Fortunate to have ready access to this special part of this special area that most of us call home and all that it offers to those who will simply choose to take advantage of it. So what are you waiting for? Take advantage and enjoy! Thornton's Champagne Jazz continues through next month and then it's all over again until next year. Get your tickets here, get out to Thornton and cool down to some HOT Jazz!