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The Marcia Forman Band

July 8 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
The Marcia Forman Band is a well-known grassroots jazz and blues ensemble based in San Diego, California, that has been putting a fresh twist on old standards for over 30 years. Originating at the counter of San Diego’s famous Big Kitchen Cafe, the group brings a lively mix of Jazz, Blues, Klezmer, Swing, and Bebop to audiences across the region.

Band History and Origins

The band was formed more than three decades ago by alto saxophonist Marcia Forman. What started as casual musical conversations in a local diner grew into a mainstay of the San Diego music scene, recognized for its relaxed, “cool jazz” vibe reminiscent of Paul Desmond. Over the years, they have expanded their footprint from local coffeehouses to community educational concerts and major public park festivals.

Musical Style and Discography

The ensemble specializes in selections from the Great American Songbook and traditional jazz genres. They are known for a smooth, casual flow that emphasizes creative instrumental solos and audience sing-alongs. Their discography includes several notable releases:
  • Relatively Speaking (2010): Their early independent album release.
  • Generations (2018): An EP highlighting a family-centric lineup featuring classic standard covers.
  • Geodesic Tones (2024): Their latest studio effort, which has been praised by outlets like the San Diego Troubadour for its warm engineering and “good vibe”.
Their music can be streamed online via their profile on Spotify as well as Apple Music. [1, 2]

Current Lineup

The band draws from a rotating collective of talented local artists: [1]
    • Marcia Forman – Alto Saxophone & Band Leader
    • Floyd Fronius – Violin (Forman’s husband and frequent collaborator)
    • Gedeon Deák – Bass (A UCSD professor by day)
    • Armand Frigon – Jazz Guitar
    • Alden T. Merrill III / Ray Conseur – Percussion & Drums
    • Camille Ku’ulei Sallave – Vocals [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Venues and Live Performances

The group regularly performs across Southern California. Frequent spots include:
  • The Big Kitchen Cafe: Their historic home base in Golden Hill. [1, 2]
  • Nate’s Garden Grill: A casual outdoor venue hosting local music. [1]
  • Public Square Coffee House: A regular performance spot in La Mesa. [1]
  • Spreckels Organ Pavilion: The band is a recurring feature for the annual Twilight in the Park free summer concert series in Balboa Park. [1, 2, 3]
  • Community Concerts: They frequently partner with groups like the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association to perform music education shows at local elementary schools.

Details

  • Date: July 8
  • Time:
    6:30 pm – 7:30 pm