Swinging into Sunset: Wrapping Up the 38th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival’s Closing Weekend
Posted by Catalina Holiday | October 20, 2025
Oh, jazz lovers and island dreamers, can you feel that lingering saxophone riff in the salty Catalina breeze? As the sun dips low over Avalon Harbor, the echoes of the 38th annual Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival are still vibrating through my soul. What a way to close out the season! If you’ve been following along on Catalina Holiday, you know I’ve been buzzing about this two-weekend extravaganza since the opening notes hit on October 9th. But let’s talk about the grand finale—the closing weekend of October 16-19—that left us all swaying, sipping, and utterly enchanted under the stars at the iconic Wrigley Casino Ballroom.
This year’s JazzTrax didn’t just deliver smooth grooves; it wove a tapestry of timeless talent against the backdrop of our beloved Catalina’s azure waters and rugged cliffs. From unplugged beachside vibes to high-energy ballroom sets, the closing weekend was a masterclass in why this festival remains a must for any music aficionado’s calendar. Grab your virtual martini, and let’s rewind through the highlights—because if you missed it, you’re already plotting your 2026 return.
Thursday, October 16: Kicking Off with Intimate Vibes
We eased into the finale with Thursdays Unplugged Under the Stars at Descanso Beach (though the main action shifted indoors for the evening). At 6pm, the incomparable Sam Smylie took the stage alongside the soulful Annie Reznik, their duet weaving folk-jazz magic that had couples linking arms and toes tapping in the sand. It was the perfect palate cleanser—raw, acoustic, and oh-so-Catalina.
But the real spark ignited as the Hiroshima Trio followed, blending East-meets-West fusion with taiko drums and shakuhachi flutes that echoed like a sunset symphony. Under the open sky, with the Pacific whispering applause, it felt like the island itself was humming along. Pro tip for next year: Pack a picnic blanket and let the waves be your metronome.
Friday, October 17: Legends and Lush Harmonies
By Friday, the energy in the historic 1929 Avalon Ballroom was electric—think chandeliers twinkling like fireflies over a sea of sequins and fedoras. Opening at 7pm, Erin Stevenson brought her velvet vocals and piano prowess, crooning originals that tugged at heartstrings and had the crowd murmuring, “Who’s this rising star?” Her set was a gentle tide, pulling us deeper into the night’s tide.
Then, the maestro himself: The Bob James Quartet. At 88, Bob James is jazz royalty, and his quartet—fueled by impeccable keys, bass, and drums—delivered fusion gold. Tracks from his vast catalog, laced with that signature electric piano glow, turned the ballroom into a time machine. I spotted more than a few misty eyes during “Westchester Lady”; it’s the kind of performance that reminds you why live jazz heals the hustle of mainland life. If you were there, raise your glass—you earned it after that foot-stomping finale.
Saturday, October 18: Double Dose of Daytime Delight and Evening Fireworks
Ah, Saturday—when Catalina shines brightest. The afternoon matinee at noon starred Jeff Ryan on sax, his bright, breezy lines cutting through the harbor haze like a dolphin breaching. It was light, it was lively, and it paired perfectly with a waterfront brunch. Chasing him was Ronnie Laws, the flute phenom whose silky runs evoked lazy afternoons in Avalon. Laws’ set was pure escapism, blending R&B edges with jazz purity—ideal for shaking off any festival fatigue.
Come evening, the tempo ratcheted up. Roman Street ignited the 7pm slot with his guitar wizardry, fingers flying like seagulls over the waves. But the true showstopper? Damien Escobar, the violin virtuoso who turned the stage into a one-man orchestra. His electric strings sliced through the air, fusing hip-hop beats with classical fire—think Vivaldi meets Kendrick Lamar. The crowd was on its feet from note one, and by the encore, we were all part of the symphony. Damien, if you’re reading: Catalina adores you. Come back soon.
Sunday, October 19: Soulful Send-Offs and Sweet Closures
No proper jazz fest ends without a Sunday soul cleanse, and October 19 delivered in spades. The noon set opened with Johnny Britt, whose velvety baritone and band (shoutout to that killer horn section) filled the room with R&B warmth. Britt’s originals, laced with gospel grit, had us nodding along like old friends reuniting over coffee. It was the brunch set we didn’t know we needed—energetic yet reflective.
Eric Darius followed, his soprano sax soaring like an eagle over the island’s peaks. Smooth jazz at its finest, with grooves that begged for swaying hips and closed eyes. Darius owned the afternoon, blending funk and finesse in a set that felt both celebratory and contemplative.
As the sun set on the festival, Randal Clark warmed up the 7pm finale with his trumpet’s golden tone—pure, emotive lines that painted the room in amber hues. But the coup de grâce? Peabo Bryson, the voice of romance himself. At 74, Bryson’s tenor is eternal, wrapping us in hits like “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” and festival exclusives that left not a dry eye (or unfilled dance card) in the house. His set was a love letter to Catalina, to jazz, to life—closing the weekend with arms wide open.
Why JazzTrax’s Closing Weekend Steals the Show
What makes this finale so unforgettable? It’s the alchemy: world-class artists in an Art Deco gem overlooking the sea, all wrapped in Catalina’s effortless charm. From ferry rides buzzing with anticipation to post-show strolls down Crescent Avenue, the island amplifies every note. And let’s not forget the after-parties—those impromptu jams at local haunts like the Avalon Grille, where fans and performers mingle like family.
If you joined us, thank you for making it magical. Share your fave moments in the comments below—what was your highlight? Peabo’s powerhouse vocals? Damien’s violin fireworks? For those who couldn’t make it, tickets for single days or full series go fast, but mark your calendars for 2026—it’s already shaping up to be legendary.
Until next groove, keep chasing those sunsets and sax solos. Catalina’s calling—answer with style.
JazzTrax vibes forever, Catalina Holiday