Murphys, CA…The Columbia Jazz Artist Series Returns! This program invites professional jazz artists to perform with local musicians. The Columbia Jazz Artist Series kicks off their 2023 season with a Saturday, January 14, 2023 performance at 2 p.m. at the newly renovated Murphys Creek Theatre. Guitarist Johnny Valdes will be the featured artist performing with the Mario Flores Jazz Band 20-piece and the Columbia Big Band.

Tickets are $18 for reserved seating with only 132 seats available on a first come, first served basis. Tickets can only be purchased online at https://our.show/murphys-creek-theatre/jazzconcertseries2023 Enjoy the performance in the newly renovated Murphys Creek Theatre. “It’s a great intimate theater, great sound, great parking, great sight-lines, beer and wine for sale, and comfortable new seats,” reports Rod Harris, Program Director.

“The evening will showcase Santana tunes, vocal selections and very contagious Latin grooves,” says Harris. “We’ll save room in the back for dancing.” Johnny Valdes is an accomplished musician performing in the bay area and the central valley. You can hear a lot of history in Valdes’ guitar playing, but he cites his diverse guitar influences of Jimi Hendrix, Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, John Scofield and Pat Metheny. Some of the masters that have helped shape his approach are Miles, Coltrane, Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock and Chris Potter.

The Mario Flores Latin Jazz Band is a local favorite led with Flores on percussion. The band’s repertoire includes Latin jazz, pop and original arrangements as well as Afro-Cuban classics presented in the “tropo- bopo” style. “The group delivers rhythmically vibrant soundscapes in the tradition of Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, Chano Pozo, Carlos Santana, Mongo Santamaria and Willie Bobo,” Harris said.