Chateau Ste. Michelle Festival Of Jazz

One of the best time I've ever had with dear friends in Seattle WA.

Every year my wife and I look forward to The Jazz Festival. We were very disheartened when there was no 98.9 to sponsor the show. When it started up again we (and I'm sure other smooth jazz fans)We're overjoyed. For the most part the shows have been very good. A few shows could have better but overall very good. Saturday, July 30, 2016 is a day that will live in infamy! Bobby Caldwell was either tired or had a cold or maybe getting too old for the road. The folksong trio, not smooth jazz, the political song protester,NOT SMOOTH JAZZ!

I love concerts atChateau St. Michelle. Parking was awesome. The venue and crowd was amazing. Bobby Caldwell is one of my all time favorites - glad he was on first to get the party started. Nellie McKay and Madeleine Peyroux Trio were fine, but not right for the sunny, bright day - they did not energize the crowd. They would have been more suited for an evening event. Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright rocked the house. My only issue is the extremely long intermissions between each artist. Last year when I attended a jazz concert it moved like clockwork. Our crew had an amazing time at the concert...how could we not!

We traveled from Texas to attend this great event. The concert venue was fabulous--outdoors, beautiful weather, great wine and on the grounds of the gorgeous Chateau Ste. Michelle. We were in Section C, but felt like we were right up on the stage. Sound was fantastic. The artists picked a great selection of songs. The lead singer from Ambrosia was a special nostalgic touch from the 70's! We would highly recommend these Summer Concerts and are planning to go back next year!

OMG.....best jazz event EVER. Perfect weather, fabulous music and not too crowded. Can't wait for next years event. Thanks CSM!!

Great day! Enjoyed it immensely except not the venue for political statements.

I was hoping for a great line up, The two female performances were horrible plus they had nothing to do with jazz more like folk music. Not to mention the insults of military and slavery. In addition I did not anticipate Gerald Albright and Johnathan Butler to perform together. Was disappointed.

Great performances from first, second, and fourth group bringing the "together" feelings of prior jazz festivals at Ste. Michelle. Third performer politicized the event with "Bernie Sanders" which while she has the freedom to do so, made the event feel divisive. Unfortunate, since this event wasn't scheduled as a "political" event. Not everyone living in the Seattle area is a socialist nor wishes to be a captive to the rhetoric!

I have been attending the yearly jazz festival every year since they started a few decades ago. This was the worst one yet. A weak and boring lineup and no clear schedule of when musicians would be performing. They stopped printing schedules when KWJZ ceased to exist and the choices of performers also have gone straight downhill since then.

The headliners were great! Especially enjoyed Gerald Albright & Jonathan Butler. Good band too. We arrived late & missed Bobby Caldwell unfortunately, didn't know he would be the opener. Nellie McKay was not a jazz artist! She was very disappointing! Her political statements and offensive insensitive statements and songs were so bad that many walked out and left early before he headliners. She was the worst act we have ever seen at the winery! It was not her musicality it was her message. I won't even repeat the words she said they were so inappropriate. Many of us went into the winery and the restrooms to escape, maybe that was the idea, to sell more wine! Hope this years show doesn't drive future attendance downward. Hope next year will be better.

Although Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright were great like they always are, I thought Madelyn Peroux and Nellie McKay were best suited to a stripped down folk or blues gig with a more intimate crowd. Although Bobby Caldwell is normally an amazing performer, he gamely did his best performing through the nemesis that at one time or another, visits every performer. A respiratory ailment that robbed him of his best voice. Otherwise, he would have been a stellar addition to the festival as I've seen him on many occasions and enough to know this was a difficult gig for him. This festival has been going on for over 25 years and I've seldom missed it. But I think I'm done. It's desperately in need of some help in the form of new blood. People who are advancing the genre of contemporary jazz. The promoters should consider booking cutting edge jazz acts like Snarky Puppy or Dirty Loops. Leave the trio blues acts and solo folk acts for another venue and a smaller audience who paid less for their tickets.

The venue was great (as always) to see a concert. The crowd was in good spirits as was the Chateau support team. The concert started late after the crowd had already been there for multiple hours. I don't recall the order (I think it was out of order), but only the first band and the last band were able to capture the crowd's attention. Although talented the string trio and the single performer for that crowd were boring.

The Jazz festival is an event we look forward to every year. However, this year the two acts in the middle seemed like odd choices... the vibe changed as the crowd lost interest. It was difficult for the final act to bring everyone back.

This was our first time in Seattle and going to Chateau Are Michelle Festival of Jazz. The scenery was beautiful, nice breeze and listed to some great jazz. Enjoyed the day. Next time we are here might get the tickets in the seating section. But overall great day. (be sure to take a hat)

A beautiful day and as always, a great venue. Weather couldn't have been better. Great performances, especially Albright and Butler. For some unknown reason, Caldwell couldn't find the notes--much of the time. I've always been a huge fan, but his pithiness was painful and disappointing. Not sure if he was ill or what. His band was great--especially his saxophonist: bda bomb!

This was a date for me and my wife. We have a 10 month old and needed a day to ourself. We do the chateau every year but normally night events. This was our first Jazz "festival". The initial band wasn't bad (can't recall names right now""). The vocalist was pretty brutal but the instrumentals were excellent. The second performer was a snooze fest. We both fell asleep. Then Nellie McKay came up and we damn near left the venue. She was just awful. She's a FOLK singer! Not a jazz musician. And more than that she was so political and offensive that she reminded me of a pissed off Joan Baez. She San about dead Arabs and how we're all gonna die by nuclear weapons. This isn't the 60's and this is a frickin Jazz festival. Absolutely despised her performance. Not a good choice chateau. Thank G-d Johnathan Butler and Gerald Albright made it so worth the long transition times between performers and poor performances prior to them. Because they absolutely rocked it. True entertainers and performers. Next year Chateau needs to have a singular Johnathan Butler and Gerald Albright event. They were incredible.

Absolutely abysmal. Concert started 1/2 hour late and went downhill from there. Bobby Caldwell couldn't have cared less. Madelline Peroux was no better than a Pike Place busker. Unknown female performer who followed was forgettable. To their credit, Gerald Albright and Jonathan Butler tried to save the concert with their nightcap collaboration but it was 5 1/2 hours too late. The damage had already been done. Long afternoon with little reward. St. Michelle Jazz needs to book better and more reliable performers.

I would not have called this a Jazz Festival. No real headliner. I can say that the first act Bobby Caldwell was jazzy and the last act (Gerald Albright and Jonathan Butler) were definitely jazz artist but the other two acts should not have been included. In fact the second to last act Nellie .... was not even close to being a jazz artist and her rude political views were disturbing. No one was there to introduce the artists. Will not attend next year unless the lineup is totally different.

Outstanding presentation especially Michael Bolton

What a fantastic musical day ! Morgan James started out the festival, and she was an absolute hit. She is somewhat new to the concert scene, but everyone was blown away with her performance. She sold out of all her merchandise to the crowd clammoring for her autograph. Chris Botti has only gotten better over the years, and his guest violinist Carol created awe with her talent and beauty.

Everyone was super! First time hearing Morgan James. She was great, will buy her cd! Already looking forward to next year's smooth jazz event! !!

I go to a lot of concerts at ste Michelle but it was my first jazz concert! Loved it! Relaxing watching 4 different artists!

We really loved Morgan James and her voice was unbelievable. Yes, she was so much jazz and soul, but she was great anyway. Very genuine. My favorite of the day! Bob James was a downer and he lost the audience. I wish Earl Klugh was featured more, the keyboard was the main feature. The overall performance was great, I was just looking forward to see and listening to Earl Klugh. Chris Botti was a great surprise!! We were expecting his normal slow even performance. But he was great and very up beat. Loved it!

Great place for a Jazz Concert. Have attended many in the past. This one was way too mellow. Please liven it up next year. Love smooth jazz and Chris Boti.

Saturday July 25th was my birthday and I spent the day with good friends, perfect weather, not too hot, not too cold and Great Jazz. We arrived in time to get situated in a good spot, we brought a great lunch and were surrounded by great people. It could not have been any better. See you next year.

I had never been to this event and did not know what to expect. We got there when the gates were opening and this part was organized. There was no MC so we were not sure of who was coming up next, and the schedule. Morgan James is a favorite. She choose to sing new songs but I would of liked some covers too. The sound system was not as good as when Chris Botti played. Earl Klugh was good but did not really engage the crowd. Bob James needed a Sax player. Chris Botti seemed to be the star of the show with seemingly a better volume and sound control too. A monitor would have helped when he went into the crowd.

I think there was way too much time in between the groups. Organization needs to happen in 15 to 20 minutes.

The festival went on from 2-8:30pm. Awesome. Weather turned in our favor and the predicted rain did not happen. Chris Botti was the highlight. Caroline Campbell and Sy Smith fantastic. Amazing how they came into the audience and performed......a true entertainer. Morgan James........was just amazing as the first act. Earl Klugh and co. super as well as Bob James. A really amazing experience in a fantastic venue

I bought tickets to see Chris Botti who was amazing and put on an unforgettable performance. What didn't work was having to wait over 4 1/2 hours from the beginning of the Jazz Festival to see him. And that didn't include getting there 2 hours early to get a place to sit. There were too many bands (four) and they were spread out at least 45 minutes apart. So a lot of down time. Also, the only other band that was even close to the caliber of Chris Botti was Morgan James. The other bands were easy listening jazz that made it easy to nod off. So, unless the festival included higher quality bands and were better organized so not so much down time, I would not attend this again. This is the only concert I have attended at St. Michelle that was a disappointment. I would have given this a 2 star rating except for Chris Botti!

Morgan James was awesome. Chris Botti and Caroline Campbell brought tears to my eyes.

What a wonderful experience at the Chateau St. Michele! All the acts were outstanding but Earl Klugh who I have followed for 30 years, is still the best! He is my favorite jazz guitarist but his band almost overshadowed him! The pianist was a wonderful showman and a virtuoso in his own right. The only downside is that they only played for an hour. I could listen to these guys all day long. Making way for Bob James and his band relieved my disappointment. What a jazz great and it was such a treat to see him for the first time. His bass player was such a treat to hear and see. His love of the music was so evident! Seeing Chris Bottie for the first time I was amazed how good he is. Even with his talent the guest artists almost stole the show! He is an artist I will start following

Last year was the worst concert ever! The year before was the best jazz concert ever. This year was close to the very best if not the very best and all because of Chris Botti, a truly world class entertainer. He brought it along with 3 literally world class guests. Outstanding performance by all. Last year's staffing fell short but this year it was back to being excellent. The only critique I would give is the "dead zone" for 45 minutes between each of the sets. When sponsored by the Jazz radio station, there was always something going on t fill up that time.

...that sound system really sucks. It may have sounded just fine to the guy running the board and those who managed to snag reserved seating. But to those of us who were on the lawn and off-axis it stunk. There is almost no coverage on the left side of the stage and it's not much better on the right side. They had the volume so low for the first three acts that crowd noise was very distracting. When Botti finally took the stage the place started to rock. Morgan James opened and she was awesome. What a huge voice for such a tiny lady! And she was so gracious after the show, giving autographs and taking pictures with fans. Earl Klugh came up next, and he was incredible. Bob James took the stage next and I noticed some in the audience were snoozing. Very disappointing performance with a lackluster band. No horns, no vocals. While his young bass player was diddling his upright Bob appeared to be nodding off himself. Chris Botti saved the day with his outstanding guest performers. Caroline Campbell was a name that I had not heard before, but it turns out she really is a world-class violinist. I loved the way Chris hopped down into the crowd and played. Great interaction. Just wish the Chateau had more consideration for the entire crowd, not just the reserved seating section.

It was a great day with 4 fantastic performers. Disappointed that Earl Klugh mostly took a backseat to his keyboard member (both in overpowering sound and antics). Earl was suppose to play a solo but skipped it. Morgan James' voice was fantastic. Bob James was great on the piano Chris Botti was fantastic on the trumpet. He brought Caroline Campbell, a brilliant classical violinist and together they were the best.

transition between acts was awful, so left before the concert finished

Always the best place to see a concert!!! The seats are a must.. No more lawn for us..

There were good bands but the music never changed tone or tempo. At times it seemed as if they were trying to put us to sleep. The band that opened had a great groove and a female singer that lit up the stage. No, the concert did not have the sound I came to hear.

Morgan James, Bob James, Earl Clue, Chris Bonti, what a great show in great place. This event was everything I had hoped for. Having a shuttle bus servive there with ample parking was out of site, thank you so much to the lady in charge of that, good job.

This was a great day of jazz in a comfortable venue.

The 2017 St. Michelle Festival of Jazz was a major redemption of the stumbles in 2016. Thank you for a great lineup. Herb Alpert at 82 can still make incredible music. Only one missed introduction (David Sandborn) . The whole lineup was excellent. Had to be the hottest jazz concert we've ever had out there, had to have been close to 90 in the afternoon.

I have been going to this jazz festival for a long time and this was the worst it's ever been. They almost had to pull one artist off the stage due to her politically motivated themed song she was singing. People were booing, it was awful. The rest of the lineup was boring at best. I sure hope they do a better job next year.

We've been strong supporters of the Jazz festival for years, but the disorganization and a couple decidedly poor non-jazz acts (leave the protests for another venue!) left us staring at each other in disbelief. Where was the MC? Few introductions......very odd. So sad, but a colossal waste of time and money. Review how 98.9 did it right and we'll see the reviews next year before we consider throwing our hard earned money away again.

We're big fans of CSM and their outdoor concert series, but this one was a stinker. There were 5 acts in total - we left halfway through the 4th one after we'd heard, perhaps, two memorable and decent songs. To top it off, the venue was absolutely packed - we heard a lot of grumbling and saw people start to filter out at the end of the 3rd act, then the trickle became a flood during the 4th. Chateau Ste. Michelle - you usually do and should have done better on this one!

Really enjoyed BOBBY Caldwell, Gerald Albright and Jonathan Butker hi ever the trio and single woman performer put me to sleep! Please do t bring those folks back to chateau! Some folks left after their performance before the great headliners Albright and Butler! I've been to so many wonderful coverts at this venue and love it! There were some folks who booed the trio and single woman performer. Will be back though!

My husband, daughter and I attended the concert on July 30. We have attended Jazz concerts at Ste. Michelle ever since the Smooth Jazz station started promoting the concerts. It was always worth the drive from Tacoma. Booby Caldwell had a great set as always. But we were VERY DISSATISFIED with the two female artists! Neither of them had anything to do with Smooth Jazz music. It was torture. However, Nellie McKay was actually OFFENSIVE!! The songs she made up with the politically charged lyrics were terrible. It was an insult to anyone who has served in our nation s military or are a military family member. My husband is retired from the military, and I retired as a nurse from Madigan Army Medical Center. I couldn t hear all the lyrics, but she spoke of fathers signing their sons up for war and the sons returning in coffins from Iraq and Iran, and the only good Arab is a dead Arab etc. Totally inappropriate!! Some people started booing, many just started their own conversations, and many started to pack up their stuff and leave. One woman behind us started a Seahawks chant just to drown out the singing. Certainly Event Management noted the large numbers of people leaving by the end of Nelly s performance. Her microphone should have been turned off as soon as she started with the rogue lyrics. We should not have been subjected to an hour of that. The only reason we stayed was because Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright never disappoint. They made the day worthwhile! But it felt like we were held hostage during the approximately two hours of Madelyn Peyroux(sp?) and Nelly s performances. Local Seattle artists could have done a better job filling that void. I will not attend again unless I know all the artists that are scheduled. Please bring back TRUE Smooth Jazz to Ste. Michelle!!

Again Ste. Michelle does it right. The staff is beyond courteous without being condisending. The concessions are diverse and the wine offerings suit the time of year and setting.

Bobby Caldwell was his usually good self and entertained well. And Gerald Allbright and Jonathan Butler were very entertaining. And then there were the others in this "jazz" festival. The middle piano player (can't even remember her name) was totally out of line and I thought I was listening to someone's piano recital. Her political message was hard to hear over the boos from the crowd. Please CSM, don't do that to us again. So many people walked out after that piano disaster and then they missed Butler and Allbright, the best part of the show.

The opening act was good. Middle was good too. But then came this singer who had all political agenda with her music. People started booing her. We paid money to listen to jazz. If need political point of view, one can get tickets for that too. Last act was good, but by the end I felt it was more or less a church feel I started to get. When it's a jazz festival it should stick to jazz.

Always a fabulous time with great performers. This year was extremely disappointed with performer Nellie Mackay. She was rude, offensive, poor singer, and this establishment was not the correct venue for her style of performance. Many people walked out, and I hope to not see her at the festival again. Also, I would like to continue seeing people given the opportunity to decide if they want to park in the front or the back. When people arrive hours early to get in line, it is to get particular seats in a certain area.

If it wasn't for the last act, this event would be one of the worst jazz festivals. There was some kind of mixup with the order of acts and Bobby Caldwell ended up opening the concert and there was no mention of why. The middle 2 acts were hardly jazz and although I do appreciate political opinions it just wasn't the setting for that...in fact it got pretty uncomfortable. Gerald Albright and Jonathan Butler killed and really saved the entire evening. This year's festival was woefully short in comparison to last year's acts. I hope Chateau Ste Michelle does a better job of selecting acts for 2017. Hopefully they will look at the reviews of potential artists before booking them...looking for subtle things like the genre they perform. Luckily is was a beautiful day and there was plenty of wine...

We have no clue how they booked Nellie McKay for a Jazz Festival. When she got out the ukulele and played 5 songs after banging on the piano after some very political lyrics the crowd began to BOO her off. It was horrid! Please do not book her again for this venue. We felt like the timing between artists just waiting for 20 minutes was too long. Why was that necessary??? Other than that the venue and music was great.

As a long time attendee to the Jazz Festival at Chateau St. Michelle, I have never been so disappointed. I paid for a relaxing afternoon of Jazz and found out that I had to listen to what appeared to be a political rally by the two female performers. One performers lyrics were riddled with bigotry and totally inappropriate for the audience. Despite all this chaos, the two male performers did a great job! I will definitely be checking out the performers before buying tickets in the future.

My husband and I went to the winery on Saturday July 30the on a beautiful sunny day. The concert started up around 3 pm and we enjoyed Bobby Caldwell who performed first. We were enjoying the day and enjoying everything until the next 2 female singers came out. The 1st female I had never heard of and she was kind of unforgettable but we were still having a good time. It took them a long time to change in between sets. The next lady Nellie McKay was absolutely terrible. She ruined the rest of the concert for me. We were so bored listening to her and when she started giving her political views on stage, that was it. She just wouldn't stop and people started booing at her. People were yelling for her to get off the stage including me. She just kept going on and my husband and I couldn't take it anymore. We quickly packed up our stuff and left. I was so disappointed because I wanted to see the last 2 artist perform but she ruined the concert for me and sadly if they continue to have more performers like that I won't be coming back. What a waste of money!!

The music started off with Jazz but slowing went into a mix match of genres. Very poor selection of artist for a jazz festival. Plus there were to long of interludes between musicians. Lots of silence. Next time have a preset playlist ready to go to fill the void.

I think for a hot afternoon, the lineup was not in the correct order...It was hard to have a great band followed by two OK artists, and the headliner, Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright at the very end after a long hot day...people were fading...

My friends and I have gone to the jazz festival for 15 years, back when the radio station used to book the event and it was amazing! It has declined in quality each year, and 2016 was the most disappointing of them all - I will not be back. Whomever booked the performers made a tragic mistake including Nellie McKay. She was offensive, the music was not jazz, her lyrics and attitude were so out of place for this event. If she was the last performer, everyone would have left. I've never seen a jazz festival crowd boo somebody on stage before. This crowd is the most mellow, chill and fun loving group of concert go'ers I've ever seen. For her to be boo'd, you know she should not have been there. I felt bad for her as well, we are not her fan base. The performer before her was not my favorite either, but they were at least talented and bearable. Bobby Caldwell, Jonathan Butler, and Gerald Albright were amazing, but having their performances separated by such a horrid act, made this concert a huge disappointment.

After years and years of Jazz Festivals, this one (2016) was a major disappointment. A change in schedule pulled Bobby Caldwell up first. Hate to use the term "has been" but this just wasn't the caliber of a typical CSM Jazz Festival. Madeleine Peyroux is amazing in a small, intimate venue - which this wasn't. We were sitting about halfway back and couldn't hear a thing. The next one up - Nellie McKay--had no business being up on that stage; both her music and her inane political blathering with inappropriate lyrics had people leaving almost immediately which is a shame since Gerald Albright and Jonathan Butler were AH-MAZING - for those who stuck around. Please make sure that whoever put this lineup together - is NEVER given the opportunity again.

I have attended for years. I will never attend again. Solo performances were not appropriate for such a large venue.

This was the second or third jazz festival I have attended at this venue. It was by far the worst display of jazz that I have heard at St. Michelle. To begin with it was 40 minutes late in starting. When you get there two hours early that's not a good start. I don't know if Bobby Caldwell switched his lineup and that was why they were late starting. One of the acts was a woman who would have been better singing on Broadway then singing at the jazz festival but that was alright. Then we had the singer who felt the need to sing War songs as if that's what would make us feel better in this day and age! REALLY! One of my best friends' son was killed in Afghanistan and came home in a box. Do you really think that the people in this audience want to be singing about that! Shameful! And lastly the last act Jonathan Butler, felt the need to have all the folks with different ethnicities and religions in the audience profess their love of God. Not Appropriate! Please review your acts more thoroughly in the future.

Not sure how the winery could call this the festival of jazz since hardly any of it was jazz. This is obviously the winery's attempt to replace the late, great Smooth Jazz concerts of years back, but they woefully miss the mark. The lineup was...well let's say...not optimal. The only acts worth seeing were at the end - Gerald Albright and Jonathan Butler - who brought the house down. Bobby Caldwell was marginal, Madeline Peroux is enjoyable but definitely NOT jazz and the worst of all was Nellie McKay, who was more to playing show tunes and anti-war songs from the 60's with only a piano. The crowd wanted to boo her off the stage, but no one cared enough as they all just stopped listening. And this concert should not have been a forum for her left-wing agenda. I'm as left as the next person, but I'm not going to preach to you about it when I should be entertaining folks. Come on Chateau St. Michelle! If you need help with booking real smooth jazz (or regular jazz) call a booking agent. Or better yet, ask the general public who regularly attends these concerts each year.

Weather was perfect! lots of room to sit on the lawn good choices for food and beverages.. I would do all over again.

Bobby Caldwell, Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright were great! Loved them. Nellie McKay was not jazz--- really! We had to listen to a Woodstock protest song as she strummed ukulele? NOT JAZZ.. Please not again. Half her set was on a ukulele. NOT JAZZ.

Bobby Caldwell and Gerald Butler were great and they were playing good jazz style music. The vocalist Nellie was really a folk singer and was very political - she did not bvelong gat a jazz festival. The other singer, Madelaine had a good voice but was more blues style than jazz. Overall for a venue as large as the Chateau, I was disappointed.

Nellie McKay had no business being at the Festival Of Jazz. Not a single Jazz piece was played, Music was awful and political comments were not appropriate. People were walking out the longer she played. Other than Jazz Ally we have limited Jazz performances so it a real shame that Ste. Michelle didn't place a greater emphasis on quality performers.

Have been the last 3 years and the event has been very good. This year the performers that went on 2nd and 3rd out of the 4 were awful. First band and especially the last band were awesome. Very disappointed in 2nd + 3rd performers. They shouldn't be invited back.

I have heard all of the artists who played the concert actually play true jazz--being that of the likes of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dizzy, and even Billie Holiday. Saturday's performance was not jazz. Sadly, it was something that I can only describe as "elevator music". While the musicians are VERY talented, I would caution anyone who appreciates jazz for what was built from the early 20th century. All in all, if you like Kenny G-style "jazz", you'll probably enjoy this concert.

We listened to four different groups ending with Chris Botti. The concert was from 2 - 8:30 pm! Each group played for an hour so you certainly got your money's worth! Each was very different and distinctive. We enjoyed it very much and lucked out with the weather, no rain!!!

Wonderful concert! Amazing night of Jazz! Chris Botti a MUST SEE and loved his special guest. Morgan James WOW never heard of her but will be looking for her music. Bob James and Earl Klugh LEDENDARY!!!!!! A wonderful night all together and very organized! Thank you Chateau St. Michelle!!!!

Chris Botti, a most outstanding artist...trumpet player and invites the audience to enjoy "new talents". His performance was absolutely the best there could be. I was well familiar with his CD: Chris Botti in Boston, so couldn't wait to hear some of those pieces. No arrogance on his part...I don't think he knows just how wonderful an artist he is. I love the inclusion of classical throughout his choice of pieces. Superb!!! Come back, Christ. Your most enthusiastic fan in the crowd. Remember you shouted out to the crowd you should take me on the road with you.

While I enjoyed all of the performers, it took way too long in between acts. 40 minutes before another act was on stage. I go too many jazz festivals and haven't had to wait this long. Made for an extremely long day of listening to mostly elevator jazz. The best act was the first one - Morgan James, whom I have never heard of! She was excellent! Came to see Chris Boti and by the time he got on stage I was over the whole thing.

The venue is good, but muddy in places. Would be nice to have gravel in walkways. Roped off seating would be nice. Just to define the rows in the lawn seating. Music and sound outstanding! Musicians were of the highest quality.

Even though it was a hot sunny day we thoroughly enjoyed the venue and the lineup. It was our first ever visit to Chateau Set Michelle and we will definitely return.

If you are a jazz fan, you were in Mecca. The variety and talent of these artists left you breathless.

The entire concert was top notch! Everything was right the weather, the performers, the wine. That Mimi Chardonnay was WOW! If there was a small situation it would be traffic coming into the winery. There were sheriff officers at the front gate and they were not managing the traffic's egress at all. It was up Seattle's best audience to fend for themselves and we did. Thank you again to the car I let in for picking up my parking tab!! All in all a Top Notch Concert.

I would caution families who want to bring their children, even teenage kids as some folks were markedly impaired and were clearly intoxicated. I understand it's a Winery however it was a bit uncomfortable when as a parent we are always educating our children to drink in moderation and responsibly and always know your limit. Overall the concert was fantastic, however I won't bring my kids to this venue again.

The Festival of Jazz was fun, but the venue was the real treat! Being able to spread out a blanket, bring in our own picnic foods, and open as many bottles of wine as we wanted throughout the day made the day relaxing and enjoyable.

Perfect weather with 7 hours of relaxing Jazz served up with great wine and great company. Festival seating.. bring in your own shorty lawn chair.. cooler for the table. Enjoy!

Loved who played. My nephew a recent high school grad who played jazz band would have liked a band with a brass section to complete the lineup. Felt bad that people started leaving after Manhattan Transfer started. I know they were the headliner but they're first song was hard to hear because of sound issues. Once they got them fixed they were great.

Great show - upbeat music - good performance by all involved

Saturday's experience reminded me of the old KWJZ (RIP) Jazz Festival at CSM. Long sunny day on the lawn, listening to smooth jazz, drinking wine, enjoying food and great company. Personally could have done without Manhattan Transfer but not because they were bad...just not my thing. Thanks CSM, for a wonderful day!

All the groups were incredible. It would be nice if the web site added the phrase "and other groups" so people new to the site would have a better idea of how long the concert might be. We were expecting a 2-3 hour concert and ended up being there for 6 hours. I would also recommend that people be told how early they can claim their seats.

Truly enjoyed the Jazz Festival, the performances were well worth the cost and who wouldn't love sitting on the lawn with sunshine and wonderful music. Especially appreciated the staff. Had battery problems when I arrived and when I left, staff went out of the way to make sure I was taken care of. Rest of the staff were very friendly and helpful. Look forward to another Jazz Festival next year.

great wine recommend brut rose hope to return every year for the jazz festival, have been twice, first time in 2000-ish really enjoyed it, winery has grown nicely very professional operation thanks

The first two jazz bands in the line-up were much better than the last two; we left soon after we heard Manhattan Transfer. I've bought wine there before and it was definately overpriced that day.

All four groups were wonderful ! Jessie J was new to us and she is darling, likable and talented as was her group. She could forget about singing, however, and stick with the instrumentals. Dave Grusin and Lee Rittenour were having as much fun as the crowd. Their time went way too fast and their drummer was sensational. Would have liked to hear more Grusin tunes of the past. Spyro Gyra was as good as ever. They work hard and have fun and their music is magical. Manhanttan Transfer is an amazingly talented group. I am not as crazy about their typical choice of songs to perform but it does showcase their vocalizing strengths. We hadn't been to this venue in 3 years and we were impressed by how efficient the parking and entry processes had become. Very pleasant staff all around. We are so pleased at your affordable prices for this day long event. Thank you.

The weather and the venue were perfect. Some in our party used the shuttle and it was great! Lee Ritenour was terrific! Manhattan Transfer was out of key so much of their set that the show ended on a bit of a low note.

As always the day was a fun time with friends and the facilities are lovely. The opening acts were very enjoyable, but there is so much great jazz available it was dissappointing to end with Manhatten jazz transfer. They are so dated and offer little to a good jazz event as evidenced by the droves of people leaving early. Not good when the people leave the supposed headliners. Other years, the day has had a nice building of talent, but this year it felt like a descending order. Will reconsider attending next year. maybe it is time for a new tradition for us.

The music at the jazz festival was just right, Manhattan Transfer was as good as always, Jessie J from Portland started the day off with great Sax, Spiro Gyro together 40 years and still going strong. The weather was just perfect and the venue as always was organized and all went smoothly

It's been a couple of years since the last Jazz Fest, and it was great to have it back. Very nice that it's only one day instead of all weekend. That always seemed really long, but then the acts were split up to make it good. Anyway, this year's event was enjoyable, although I would have put Manhattan Transfer earlier in the day and would have finished with a more vibrant act. It seemed a bit long when MT was up with their mellow brand of music after all the intensity of the earlier music. The sound was all great, as the bands were/are well seasoned, except Jesse J; but she sure put on a performance! You'll be seeing more of her to come, I'm certain. I only gave this 4 stars because of the order of music, not anything else. It was a great line-up; and I will go, again.

A wonderful afternoon of world class smooth jazz and excellent company of other attendees.

Except for Lee Rittenour, this concert was the weakest lineup in Chateau Ste. Michelle's smooth jazz history. The last group (Manhattan Transfer) had people leaving by the groves by the second song - they are not in the same league as Rittennour and former Chateau Ste Michelle jazz festival performers such as Peter White, Rick Braun, MIndy Abair, Norman Brown, Brian Culbertson, Euge Groove, Foreplay, Richard Elliott, etc. In other words this was a very disappointing concert. Chateau Ste. Michelle should bring back Carol Hanley to organize a smooth jazz concert.

This was a wonderful day of Jazz music. I'll definitely go again! Loved Spyro Gyra and The Manhattan Transfer!!

In all of the years attending performances at the Chateau Ste. Michelle winery, never have I been disappointed until now. The sound level was so loud that I was forced to abandon my reserve seat for a less obnoxious place in the rear of the site just to make the experience somewhat tolerable. The opening act was so amateurish that my excitement for the event was quickly extinguished. The lead saxophone's singing voice was less than what would be required at a amateur hour event. And, she only sang a few stanzas of a couple of Brazilian songs that I have known for forty years which made the experience troubling. After the opening act was compassionately completed, there was an indeterminable pause while the staff prepared the venue for the other performances. At this point, I was so disgusted that I left without seeing any of the musicians that I paid dearly to see.

Dave Grushin and Lee Ritenour were terrific. Spyro Gyra was good, but a bit disappointing. not a lot of energy or volume. Last 2 or 3 songs were best, and woke the crowd up. Manhattan Transfer was a bust. Very disappointed. I saw them 25+ yrs ago, and they are a shell of what they were. No energy, no volume. The band was weak. We left mid-way thru their act, as did probably 25-30% of the audience. I've never walked out of a concert before, and haven't seen an audience so dis-engaged from a headliner act. Unfortunately never got to hear their hits, Birdland, Boy from New York City, etc. I assume they saved them for the last, which was a mistake, they lost the audience before that. Even though we were on the side of the stage, I've never heard such weak volume and poor mixing at Ste Michelle concert.

great venue - great sound - awesome wine be prepared to walk

I have been to the last five jazz concerts at St. Michelle but this year's was the worst ever - last year's was the best ever! Jesse was a terrible singer and inspired to play Brazilian carnival music more than any jazz. If you are going to play a Santana number, then you had best be very, very good at it. Dave Reitenhauer was okay but the music was slow and uninspiring. The last set by Manhattan Transfer was agonizing and we finally left with the other hundreds of people exiting. Not one person was up on their feet dancing the entire concert - unhear of behavior. You can bet I will be examining the performers before booking next year. If you are going to have a Jazz Concert, then have a Jazz Concert. Elevator music before concert should have been the tip off. The couple next to me were from the UK and thought it the worst concert they had ever been to. A total disappointment to say the least. There were even numerous staffing snafus; however, considering how bad the concert was, they were the least of my concerns.

Weather was great, site beautiful, company fabulous. First 3 acts were good, but all ruined by Manhattan Transfer's performance to close out the evening.

The opening acts took way too long....and then to make things worse the team took about 20 minutes between each act to set up the stages. There was no schedule and the act that we came to see (Manhattan Transfer) was right at the end.

It all started with Jenny J, an up and comer in the jazz scene. Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin were as good as it gets. Spyro Gyra topped it off wonderfully. But Manhattan Transfer hit the stage with sour voices and a gospel ambiance that turned us off. We left early to have a nice dinner instead.

Spiro Gyra and what I heard of Jessy J ( I arrived somewhat late) were also really good, but Lee's band was great. Manhattan Transfer, the headliner group, was far less enjoyable.