Gold Country jazz festival - 10th Annual Columbia Jazz Festival, Columbia College

Sunset, March, 1989

Stars shine in the Gold Country this month jazz stars, that is. On the first weekend in March, you needn't choose between a getaway to the country and top-quality jazz entertainment. The 10th Annual Columbia Jazz Festival at Columbia College can satisfy both impulses. Here, you don't have to battle crowds to see the big-name musicians who return to the festival year after year to perform with the college jazz choir. Concerts are in a setting almost as casual and intimate as your living room. When was the last time you saw a renowned performer-such as improvisational singer Bobby McFerrin (winner of five Grammy awards) or Cornelius Bumpus (formerly with The Doobie Brothers) perform to a crowd of 200?

These musical celebrities are long-time devotees of the college jazz choir and its director, Rod Harris. Bumpus puts it this way: "It's because of Rod's progressive approach to modern jazz harmony and voice. If it were just some glee club, I wouldn't be here." The billing also includes Clare Fischer, Phil Mattson, and Tata Vega.

Concerts are at 8 PM Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 2 PM Sunday. Admission is $15. Tickets went on sale February 17; reserve by calling (209) 532-1479.

To get to the college from Sonora (50 miles east of Stockton), take State Highway 49 north about 4 miles to Parrotts Ferry Road; bear right. In about 1/4 mile, turn right onto Sawmill Flat Road. In about 2-1/2 miles, just after a very sharp curve, you'll see the entrance on the left; follow signs to parking and the Forum.