Canyon Club Gets Jazzy

It will be ‘smooth’ sailing at the on most Wednesday nights this fall. Starting August 17, the Smooth Jazz Network will be bringing internationally renowned jazz artists to Agoura Hills to perform live.

Making beautiful music

Agoura resident Allen Kepler co-owns Smooth Jazz Network with his wife JoAnn. It will be the pair’s first time to bring a live concert series to the area.

No strangers to jazz music, the Westlake Village-based company has over 25 years of experience in broadcasting radio programs worldwide and developing the Smooth Jazz radio format.

This particular undertaking is close to home and the Keplers’ hearts. “We’ve always wanted to do something local for the neighborhood, instead of making the drive to LA,” he said. 

Kepler, who will be emceeing the concert series, has been hailed by Billboard magazine as “an evangelist for the smooth jazz format.” A musician all his life, Allen played in a high school jazz band alongside jazz guitarist and Grammy winner Norman Brown.

He was enticed by numerous music performance scholarships before deciding to study radio, TV, music and film at the University of Kansas. Kepler has also lent his expertise to countless smooth jazz radio stations through Broadcast Architecture’s consulting arm.

“This is really a dream come true for us,” said Kepler, noting that the scheduled performers have toured extensively around the US and worldwide, with lucrative recording contracts and albums.

Worldly Wednesdays

Smooth Jazz Network will be kicking off the concert series with a talented, solo artist in the person of James Tormé. Already receiving rave reviews with constant comparison to Michael Bublé and Harry Connick Jr., Tormé top bills the August 17 show.

“Tormé follows the footsteps of his dad, legendary musician and Grammy award winner Mel Tormé,” said Kepler.

Tormé’s style is classical jazz with an infusion of new soul and R & B, which is evident in his debut album “Love for Sale.”

Kepler promises a rare treat after Tormé’s show. “Aside from seeing him perform, the audience can also meet him afterward to chat and sign autographs,” he said. “It’s not just a VIP thing, and we want to do this after the other shows as well.”

Upcoming performances will include guitarist Paul Brown with saxophonist Darren Rahn, saxophonist Mindi Abair, contemporary guitarist and vocalist Steve Oliver and trumpet player Cindy Bradley.

According to Kepler, they expect to have performers at the club two to three Wednesdays a month.

Smooth sailing

“It’s an exciting and dynamic genre of music,” said Kepler, who hinted that Kenny G and other record label luminaries would probably drop in during one of the concert dates. 

“It’s anything but your father’s jazz,” said Kepler. “This kind of music syncs up with the Conejo lifestyle that we love and are used to.”

Kepler is pleased about their firm’s current arrangement with the Canyon Club. “It’s the perfect fit,” he said. “Guests can grab dinner and watch our shows in a cool, hip environment. I know it’s such a luxury to see a good concert in your neighborhood and be home at a decent time,” said Kepler. “We want to keep this series going and maybe have a big Christmas show.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the Smooth Jazz web site.