California

Monterey Jazz Festival

Program No. 4628RJ
Join all the cool cats at the Monterey Jazz Festival where you’ll hear world-class performances, engaging lectures and panel discussions in the historic setting of beautiful Monterey.

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At a Glance

Savor the offerings of the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival under the tutelage of a special musician and teacher who provides an inside view of the American jazz scene. Beginning in 1957, “Monterey” is the granddaddy of American jazz festivals and features the finest of world class-performers. Experience all five Main Arena concerts as well as the festival’s magnificent oak-studded grounds featuring films, conversations with the Festival’s stars, exhibitions and over 500 artists performing throughout 8 stages.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Walking a minimum of 200 yards at the Monterey County Fairgrounds. Flat terrain, ground-level buildings; stairs may be avoided.

What You'll Learn

  • In sessions with a professional jazz musician, prepare for each performance with presentations about music and musicians and gain insider knowledge about the American jazz scene.
  • Experience all the Monterey Jazz Festival has to offer with access to all five Main Arena concerts, as well all stages and activities on the festival grounds.
  • Enjoy the beauty of oak-studded Carmel Valley with lodgings at a history country inn, dating back to the 1800s’ Spanish Rancheros.

General Notes

Transportation to all events included. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Ali Ryerson
Ali Ryerson is consistently voted among the top jazz flutists in the Downbeat Jazz Poll, was a Jazz Flutist of the Year nominee by the Jazz Journalists Association, and has released 20 highly acclaimed jazz albums on major labels. Ali performs, records and teaches internationally, with performances ranging from the Monterey Jazz Festival to Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. She has worked with jazz greats such as Kenny Barron and Joe Beck, and classical artists such as Luciano Pavarotti.

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

Profile Image of Ali Ryerson
Ali Ryerson View biography
Ali Ryerson is consistently voted among the top jazz flutists in the Downbeat Jazz Poll, was a Jazz Flutist of the Year nominee by the Jazz Journalists Association, and has released 20 highly acclaimed jazz albums on major labels. Ali performs, records and teaches internationally, with performances ranging from the Monterey Jazz Festival to Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. She has worked with jazz greats such as Kenny Barron and Joe Beck, and classical artists such as Luciano Pavarotti.
Profile Image of Peter T. Meckel
Peter T. 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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