By Maya Pope-Chappell

BERKELEY - 07/17/05 - As fans attempted to cool themselves off in the record-breaking California heat, Jazz artists from around the country delivered performances that solidified the Berkeley Jazz Festival, returning to the Greek Theater on the UC Berkeley campus after over 20 years.
Singer Lalah Hathaway performs on stage at the Greek Theater


A sold-out crowd of over 2500 fans swayed their hips in the stands, clapped their hands, and sang along to their favorite songs. The family-oriented vibe that whisked throughout the crowd was captivating, as jazz music lovers shared one another's food, enjoyed the music, and commented on each artist as they graced the stage.

Featuring some of today's leading jazz artists, including the incomparable Boney James, the smooth adult contemporary sounds of Kem, the pulsating sounds of Rachelle Ferrell, the renowned Bobby Caldwell, the versatile and soulful vocals of Lalah Hathaway, San Francisco's Ray Obiedo and the Unwrapped All Stars, the festival began in the afternoon and went well into the evening.

The show opened with a performance by Hidden Beach Recordings Unwrapped All Stars, followed by a celebrated performance by Bobby Caldwell. With only a saxophone, keyboard, and electric guitar, Caldwell, along with his band set the tone for the festival with his melodic voice and harmonious band. As Caldwell sang some of his biggest hits including "Do for Love," fans sang along and clapped their hands yelling, "That's my song!"

Wearing a flowing, yellow top and jean skirt, Lalah Hathaway addressed the crowd, thanking them for their support and love. Fans greeted her back in a warm and inviting manner as her commanding, yet refreshing voice belted out songs such as "How was I suppose to Know," "Summertime," and her album title track, "Outrun the Sky." Accompanied by a four-piece band and an amazing backup singer, she flowed from one song to another, with a few breaks in-between to talk to the fans. Her first single and tribute to Luther Vandross was the highlight of her performance, singing a cover of "Forever, For Always, For love." Adding her own flava and uniqueness to the legendary hit, she asked the crowd to sing along, and the crowd responded enthusiastically, every voice lifted to the wind-swept skies.

Bringing Latin flavor to the mix, Ray Obiedo, along with a seven-piece band, including congas, drums, guitars, keyboard, flute, and saxophone, made it known why he is one of San Francisco's premiere jazz guitarists. Mixing Afro-Latin jazz, the hot tempo melodies coming off from the stage got people out of their seats and dancing in the circles of the Greek Theater.

Following, dressed in white pants and a halter-top with the back out, Rachelle Farrell sang a series on slolw-tempo songs that failed to inspire the crowd. Falling somewhat short of her previous notoriety, she was still well received by some. Boney James took the energy of the crowd up along with his six-piece band, involving the crowd in his entire performance. His saxophone performance was nothing short of amazing, playing a couple of covers and original pieces.

Kem closed the festival with a heartfelt performance that got everyone on their feet


Kem and his band, dressed in an all white, brought energy and passion to the Greek Theater by delivering a memorable performance. Kem exuded energy, dancing as he sang, sparking the same energy from the stands. Hitting low base notes with ease and high notes like that of a flute, Kem sang songs from his two albums including "Heaven", "Find Your Way (Back in My Life)," and "Love Calls." The pinnacle of his performance was his testimony to the crowd, which was an honest account of his former drug addiction and homelessness and 15 years of sobriety. The crowd showed empathy and understanding of Kem's testimony as he spoke into the mic saying: "You will find bits and pieces of my life on this album."

Ending the night with his fist single from Album II, "I Can't Stop Loving You," you could hear the sincerity and passion in his voice. As fans began walking towards the exit gates, one could tell that people were truly inspired by not only Kem's performance, but everyone that performed at the festival. Their smiles spoke volumes and tapped into the true spirit of the legendary Berkeley Jazz Festival, which by all indications, has returned to the Bay to stay.