Newport Beach hosts 4-day jazz party starting Thursday

Four days of Valentine’s concerts in Newport Beach will unite those whose hearts belong to jazz.

The 16th annual Newport Beach Jazz Party at the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel & Spa will kick off Thursday with a grand opening celebrating the sounds of jazz greats Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Ella Fitzgerald, followed by performances in the hotel’s grand ballroom and pool on Friday and Saturday and a Valentine’s Day dinner and show Sunday evening.

The jazz party will offer 30 concerts featuring a wide array of up-and-coming and seasoned artists. Among them are vocalist Freda Payne, who will present a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald with musical conductor and pianist Bill Cunliffe; the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and trumpet player Gilbert Castellanos.

Tickets are available for a four-day package, as well as individual reserved seats. The four-day priority seats cost $425 to $475 and include a jazz brunch. Daily individual tickets are $55 to $70, and evening sessions are $70 to $90.

The concerts will be held throughout the day and evening at various venues at the resort, 900 Newport Center Drive.

For the full schedule and more information, visit newportbeachjazzparty.com or call (949) 759-5003.