News Summary
This weekend, trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos will perform Miles Davis’ renowned album ‘Porgy and Bess’ at The Rady Shell in San Diego. The concert features the KSDS Jazz Orchestra and aims to support the radio station KSDS Jazz 88.3 FM, which faces funding challenges. Tickets are priced between $48 and $101, making it an accessible event for jazz enthusiasts. Concert-goers can expect a unique evening celebrating musical excellence and community support.
San Diego – This weekend, trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos will pay homage to jazz legend Miles Davis by performing the album Porgy and Bess at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on August 3, 2025, with an opening act from the Young Lions Jazz Conservatory All-Stars starting at 6:30 p.m.
Castellanos’ performance of Porgy and Bess comes after his successful tribute to Davis’ classic 1959 album Kind of Blue last year. This year’s concert will once again showcase Castellanos’ skill and passion for Davis’ work, as Porgy and Bess represents another significant milestone in jazz music history. Originally released in 1959, the album is a complete instrumental reinterpretation of the 1939 jazz opera by George Gershwin. Unlike typical jazz arrangements, it is uniquely orchestrated without saxophones, featuring instruments such as flutes, French horns, trumpets, and trombones. This setup allows for a distinct sound that emphasizes Davis’ signature trumpet playing and the overall subtlety of musicianship involved.
Joining Castellanos on stage is the KSDS Jazz Orchestra, a 20-piece ensemble led by pianist and conductor Josh Nelson. The orchestra comprises talented musicians including trumpeters Derek Cannon, James Ford, and Doug Meeuwsen. This collaboration is expected to create a rich auditory experience that pays proper tribute to the late Davis and his groundbreaking work.
The concert also serves to support KSDS Jazz 88.3 FM, the radio station behind the jazz orchestra, which has been a cornerstone of jazz broadcasting for over 52 years. Unfortunately, the station has recently faced challenges due to a significant budget cut, losing $243,000 from its annual funding as a result of congressional reductions in public broadcasting support. These financial constraints have affected the station’s operations and its ability to fundraise effectively.
As part of their efforts to recoup losses, a representative from KSDS is expected to speak from the stage, appealing for donations and encouraging audience members to contribute. The station relies heavily on listener donations and member pledges to sustain its programming and initiatives.
Tickets for the event are priced between $48 and $101, making it accessible for a wide range of jazz enthusiasts eager to experience this remarkable performance.
In addition to Castellanos’ performance, the concert calendar in San Diego includes a variety of other notable acts. Upcoming shows feature Femi Kuti, Less Than Jake, and Adrienne Warren, who will perform music inspired by the legendary Tina Turner.
As the weekend approaches, anticipation grows for this unique celebration of jazz, community, and artistic dedication in San Diego. Concert-goers can look forward to an evening filled with musical excellence and an opportunity to support a cherished local institution.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: Weekend Events
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Concerts This Weekend
- Times of San Diego: Jazz 88.3 Concert Highlights
- Syncopated Times: San Diego Jazz Party
- La Jolla: San Diego Jazz Party Returns
- Wikipedia: Jazz
- Google Search: Jazz Music
- Google Scholar: Jazz Music
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz
- Google News: Jazz Concerts 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
