JazzTrax, now in its 39th edition, brings contemporary jazz to Catalina Island each October, and its weekend shows fill the 1929 Avalon Ballroom on the top floor of the Casino, looking out to sea. Opening weekend has Euge Groove on Friday, a Chuck Mangione tribute with Grant Geissman on Saturday, and Kirk Whalum and Acoustic Alchemy on Sunday.
What to expect
Thursday, October 8 is an outdoor evening at Descanso Beach Club with Chase Huna and Peter White. Friday has 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Ballroom sets; Saturday and Sunday add noon and 2 p.m. matinees before the evening shows.
Good to know
- Catalina is a ferry ride from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point, so plan the boat around the show times.
- The festival's closing weekend runs October 15–18 with a different lineup.
- Tickets are sold through Tix.com; the organizers say all sales are final.
- The organizers point visitors to their official hotels page for overnight stays in Avalon.
Going? Keep it.
Common questions
Where are the shows?
Weekend shows are in the Avalon Ballroom at the Casino; the Thursday show is at Descanso Beach Club.
Who plays opening weekend?
Artists include Peter White, Euge Groove, Chris Standring, a Chuck Mangione tribute, Acoustic Alchemy and Kirk Whalum.