Past Events
Sunset Music & Comedy Series - Where Music Meets Magic!
Fueled by the transformative power of the arts, we bring people together through world-class performances, comprehensive music education, and cultural access—empowering underserved students with instruments -tools they need to thrive. Take a look at some of the extraordinary events and artists who have brought Sweet Baby J’ai Presents the Sunset Music Series to life. Our passion for music and community shines through every performance, and these talented artists have left audiences spellbound, creating unforgettable moments that continue to inspire.
2025 - We celebrated Black History Month with Harmony in Blue, a powerful tribute to Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin, and Nancy Wilson. Sweet Baby J’ai, Leah Stewart, and Sacha Boutros brought these legendary voices to life with dynamic performances, backed by a stellar band in a soulful celebration of jazz and timeless music.
2024 ended with a bang!
We had so much fun at this festive sing-along, where classic holiday tunes met vibrant jazz in a joyful celebration for all ages. With the boundless energy of the Yve Evans Trio and the audience's soulful touch, the night was filled with music, cheer, and the gift of giving as we equipped young Coachella Valley students with musical instruments. Plan to do it again next year!
Wow, what a night! We celebrated the incredible women of jazz with a powerhouse performance led by Sweet Baby J’ai and her all-star ensemble featuring Sunnie Paxson, Robin Bramlett, Danielle Thompson, Kimberly Allison, and special guest Leah Stewart. This electrifying night honored trailblazing women in jazz with nostalgia, surprise guests, and unforgettable musical moments.
We kicked off our three-day festival with a vibrant country celebration, blending blues, soul, and high-energy performances. Serafia set the stage on fire as we kicked up our cowboy boots and danced the night away with Laurie Morvan, Jeremie Levi Samson, Pam Phillips, Patrick Mitchem, Jennifer Corday, DJ Jiji Sweet, and comedian Pat Branch.
Saturday’s magic unfolded with Kandace Springs’ velvet voice, backed by drummer Camille Grainer and bassist Jayla Chee. Jennifer Corday’s stunning cello solo set the stage for an electrifying set with Emily V, Pam Phillips, Laurie Morvan, and Andy Fraga. Karen Williams’ comedy had the crowd roaring with laughter.
We closed out the festival with breathtaking performances by The Saxtress Pamela Williams, SBJ’s dynamic Women in Jazz All-Stars, and the ever-entertaining comedy of Yve Evans and Suzanne Suter. A heartfelt presentation of instruments to student musicians highlighted our mission to uplift the next generation.
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We honored the timeless voices of Billie Holiday, Patsy Cline, and Sarah Vaughan with Masters of Melody: A Tribute to Singers Who Shaped History. Sweet Baby J’ai, Rose Mallett, and Lisa Lynn Morgan captivated the audience with soulful performances, bringing these legends to life in an evening filled with nostalgia, passion, and pure musical magic.
We had an unforgettable time sailing through majestic Alaskan glaciers with Olivia! Legendary artists Cris Williamson, Lucie Blue Tremblay, and Mouths of Babes filled the ship with music, while comedians Marga Gomez, Vickie Shaw, and Dana Goldberg kept us laughing. Sweet Baby J’ai’s History of Women in Blues show, was a special highlight, celebrating the powerful voices of women in music.
We brought the house down at Herb Alpert's Vibrato Grill & Jazz with a sold-out night of pure musical magic! Sweet Baby J’ai’s Women in Jazz All-Stars lit up Los Angeles, featuring Sunnie Paxson, Robin Bramlett, Danielle "Dee" Thompson, Kirsten Edkins, Kimberly Allison, and Simply Sandy. Their electrifying performances left the audience spellbound!
Our Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration was a night of powerful music, inspiring talks, and joyful celebration. Moments Notice set the stage with electrifying performances, joined by guest vocalists Charles Huff, Cynthia Lee Thomas, Melba Miller, and Yve Evans. Speakers Pearl Devers, Dr. Anne Staveren, Barbara Carrington, Anyse Smith, and Joy Silver shared powerful words, making the evening truly unforgettable. WATCH EYE ON THE DESERT
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We kicked off summer at Jazz at LACMA with a standing-room-only crowd filling every seat and grassy spot. Sweet Baby J’ai performed alongside Karen Hammack, Chris Colangelo, Paul Kreibich, Dale Fielder, and Charles Small, with surprise guests Margaret Love, Amber Weekes, Davon, and Cabrini joining the celebration.
We honored generations of mothers and Mental Health Month with a sold-out Toast to Our Mothers’ Soul Jazz, Blues & Soul Brunch at Vicky’s of Santa Fe. The Women in Jazz All-Star Band, led by Sunnie Paxson, featured the smokey voiced, Angie Wells, Robin Bramlett, Dee Thompson, Kimberly Allison, Carol Chaikin, and Simply Sandy.
Now, you can relive the magic! This special performance is available to stream as part of Herbie Hancock’s global International Jazz Day event. Enjoy the full concert and, please consider donating to help keep these wonderful productions alive. Your support ensures that we can continue bringing world-class music to the community!
Our International Jazz Day Celebration featuring the Divas of the Desert was a night to remember! A sold-out crowd at Revolution Stage Company experienced powerful vocals and soulful energy, with the Divas delivering an unforgettable performance. Thanks to incredible community support, the fundraiser was a huge success!
Once a year, we host our VIP Fundraiser, and this year was a resounding success! Guests enjoyed gourmet hors d'oeuvres, champagne, and world-class music—all supporting our mission. The night’s highlight? Gifting a young musician a xylophone to nurture their craft—perhaps the next Lionel Hampton! Thank you for making this unforgettable evening possible
I was honored to receive the L-Fund Visionary Award alongside Judy Dlugacz and Shann Carr, celebrating our shared commitment to inclusivity. For the event, I curated Sweet Baby J’ai Presents: Soulful Sirens, a powerhouse Women in Soul All-Star Revue, delivering a night of unforgettable music and dynamic performances!
We had a blast at this sold-out Black History Show! Your energy made the night unforgettable, fueling a performance filled with music, storytelling, and Sweet Baby Sass. Huge thanks to Keisha D, Rose Mallett, and Laurie Morvan for their incredible tributes—celebrating legends and making history come alive!
A Night of Music & Comedy lit up the Palm Springs Cultural Center with world-class music and laughter. Sweet Baby J’ai hosted a stellar lineup featuring comedians Gina Yashere and Jenny McNulty, soulful singer Lori Jennaire, and a moving tribute to jazz legend Toshiko Akiyoshi by saxophonist Tomoka Namura-Jarvis. with a stellar band.