California
Monterey Jazz Festival
Program No. 4628RJ
Join all the cool cats at the Monterey Jazz Festival where you’ll hear world-class performances, engaging lectures and panel discussions in the historic setting of beautiful Monterey.
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800-454-5768
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5 days
4 nights
9 meals
4B 3L 2D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Carmel Valley, CA
2
Jazz History-Repertoire Class, Attend Monterey Jazz Festival
Carmel Valley, CA
3
Jazz History-Repertoire Class, Attend Monterey Jazz Festival
Carmel Valley, CA
4
Jazz History-Repertoire Class, Attend Monterey Jazz Festival
Carmel Valley, CA
5
Program Concludes
Carmel Valley, CA
At a Glance
Savor the offerings of the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival under the tutelage of a special musician and teacher who provides an inside view of the American jazz scene. Beginning in 1957, “Monterey” is the granddaddy of American jazz festivals and features the finest of world class-performers. Experience headliners at the Main Arena concerts as well as the festival’s magnificent oak-studded grounds featuring films, conversations with the Festival’s stars, exhibitions and hundreds of artists performing throughout multiple stages.
Activity Level
Varies by date
Walking 1 to 2 miles throughout the day at the 20-acre fair grounds. Sitting for up to 2.5 hours during lectures. Flat terrain, ground-level buildings; stairs may be avoided.
Best of all, you’ll…
- In sessions with a professional jazz musician, prepare for each performance with presentations about music and musicians and gain insider knowledge about the American jazz scene.
- Experience all the Monterey Jazz Festival has to offer with assigned backed seating at Main Arena concerts, as well all stages and activities on the festival grounds.
- Enjoy the beauty of oak-studded Carmel Valley with lodgings at a history country inn, dating back to the 1800s’ Spanish Rancheros.
General Notes
Transportation to all events included. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Ali Ryerson
Ali Ryerson is consistently voted among the top jazz flutists in the Downbeat Jazz Poll, was a Jazz Flutist of the Year nominee by the Jazz Journalists Association, and has released 20 highly acclaimed jazz albums on major labels. Ali performs, records and teaches internationally, with performances ranging from the Monterey Jazz Festival to Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. She has worked with jazz greats such as Kenny Barron and Joe Beck, and classical artists such as Luciano Pavarotti.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Ali Ryerson
View biography
Ali Ryerson is consistently voted among the top jazz flutists in the Downbeat Jazz Poll, was a Jazz Flutist of the Year nominee by the Jazz Journalists Association, and has released 20 highly acclaimed jazz albums on major labels. Ali performs, records and teaches internationally, with performances ranging from the Monterey Jazz Festival to Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. She has worked with jazz greats such as Kenny Barron and Joe Beck, and classical artists such as Luciano Pavarotti.
Peter T. Meckel
View biography
Peter Meckel is the founder and General Director of Hidden Valley Music Seminars. Born and raised in the Midwest, he attended university at Rockford University in Illinois, and Occidental College in California. His leadership of Hidden Valley has resulted in one of the most respected opera training centers in America and a major contributor of arts education programs for vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers. Students from throughout the world come to study with master teachers from many of America’s most prestigious orchestras and opera companies.
Suggested Reading List
(2 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Monterey Jazz Festival
Program Number: 4628
The History of Jazz — Second Edition
Monterey Jazz Festival — Forty Legendary Years
Bill Minor is a local Monterey Peninsula author and jazz pianist. He is a longtime friend of the instructor. This is the best history that she knows that has been written on the festival.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
5 days
Program Begins
Carmel Valley, CA
Program Concludes
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals
9
| 4B |
3L |
2D |
Activity Level
Savor the offerings of the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival under the tutelage of a special musician and teacher who provides an inside view of the American jazz scene. Beginning in 1957, “Monterey” is the granddaddy of American jazz festivals and features the finest of world class-performers. Experience headliners at the Main Arena concerts as well as the festival’s magnificent oak-studded grounds featuring films, conversations with the Festival’s stars, exhibitions and hundreds of artists performing throughout multiple stages.)
Best of all, you'll...
- In sessions with a professional jazz musician, prepare for each performance with presentations about music and musicians and gain insider knowledge about the American jazz scene.
- Experience all the Monterey Jazz Festival has to offer with assigned backed seating at Main Arena concerts, as well all stages and activities on the festival grounds.
- Enjoy the beauty of oak-studded Carmel Valley with lodgings at a history country inn, dating back to the 1800s’ Spanish Rancheros.
General Notes
Transportation to all events included. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
Ali Ryerson
Ali Ryerson is consistently voted among the top jazz flutists in the Downbeat Jazz Poll, was a Jazz Flutist of the Year nominee by the Jazz Journalists Association, and has released 20 highly acclaimed jazz albums on major labels. Ali performs, records and teaches internationally, with performances ranging from the Monterey Jazz Festival to Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. She has worked with jazz greats such as Kenny Barron and Joe Beck, and classical artists such as Luciano Pavarotti.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Peter T. Meckel
Peter Meckel is the founder and General Director of Hidden Valley Music Seminars. Born and raised in the Midwest, he attended university at Rockford University in Illinois, and Occidental College in California. His leadership of Hidden Valley has resulted in one of the most respected opera training centers in America and a major contributor of arts education programs for vocalists, instrumentalists, and dancers. Students from throughout the world come to study with master teachers from many of America’s most prestigious orchestras and opera companies.
Activity Level
Easy Going
Varies by date
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(2 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
5 days
4 nights
What's Included
9 meals | 4B | 3L | 2D |
4 expert-led lectures
5 performances
An experienced Group Leader
4 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals:
D
Stay:
Los Laureles Lodge
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously). Walking at the lodge varies depending on room location; distances may be up to 300 yards.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00-5:00 p.m. Register at the front desk of Los Laureles Lodge to get your room assignments and welcome packet with any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. Please let us know if you will be arriving late. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Reception: 5:00 p.m. In the Lodge’s Saloon, we will meet fellow Road Scholars and have cheese and crackers; beverages from the bar available for purchase.
Dinner:
In the Terrace Garden Room.
Evening:
Orientation. In the Terrace Garden Room, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All of our meals and classes will take place in the Terrace Garden Room overlooking the Lodge’s pool and scenic gardens. Our class instructor and Group Leader, Ali Ryerson — jazz flutist, teacher, international performing artist, and a frequent performing guest at the festival — will provide a brief overview of the festival, the longest running jazz festival in the world, first presented in 1958. Our tickets are for the same reserved seats in the Arena for all shows on the Jimmy Lyons Stage over the Festival weekend, and allows access to the other Grounds Stages. The Monterey Jazz Festival also features an international array of food, drink, and festivities. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Jazz History-Repertoire Class, Attend Monterey Jazz Festival
Location:
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Los Laureles Lodge
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Walking at the lodge varies depending on room location; distances may be up to 300 yards. At the 20 acre fair grounds, walking a minimum of 200 yards from entrance gates to Main Arena and other walking according to personal preference; mostly even pathways and unpaved grounds. Walking 1 mile throughout the day. Listening devices are available at no charge at Patron Services inside the festival. Deposit of a valid driver's license or current credit card is required.
Breakfast:
In the Terrace Garden Room.
Morning:
We’ll attend a Jazz History-Repertoire class led by our jazz teacher/performer who will discuss the festival performers and their repertoire. The first Monterey Jazz Festival in September 1958 featured jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, John Lewis, Shelly Manne, Gerry Mulligan, Art Farmer, Ernestine Anderson, Harry James, Max Roach, and Billie Holiday.
Lunch:
In the Terrace Garden Room.
Afternoon:
In our next Jazz History-Repertoire class, we’ll learn more about the festival performers and their repertoire. Each year the Monterey Jazz Festival brings together hundreds of performing artists from all over the world. The Festival weekend features many performances across multiple stages. These artists cover a diverse and vibrant range of musical styles and influences, making the Monterey Jazz Festival a role model in the performing arts, reaching heights that founder Jimmy Lyons imagined it could ever be.
Dinner:
In the Terrace Garden Room.
Evening:
We will travel by bus to the Monterey County Fairgrounds and attend the 68th Monterey Jazz Festival. Bus drop-off will be on Garden Road by the Gate 3 ticket entrance. Our tickets permit us to explore the entire festival and attend the performances we choose in the Arena and other stages spread across 20 acres of oak-studded grounds. The Arena has backed reserved seats to relax and enjoy the performances. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not confirmed. When available, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. Learn more at http://www.montereyjazzfestival.org. The bus will return to the lodge after the last scheduled concert ends. For those who wish to return to the lodge earlier, there will be an early bus each night approximately 1 to 1.5 hours before the last scheduled concert ends.
Day
3
Jazz History-Repertoire Class, Attend Monterey Jazz Festival
Location:
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Los Laureles Lodge
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Walking at the lodge varies depending on room location; distances may be up to 300 yards. At the 20 acre fair grounds, walking a minimum of 200 yards from entrance gates to Main Arena and other walking according to personal preference; mostly even pathways and unpaved grounds. Walking 1 to 2 miles throughout the day. Listening devices are available at no charge at Patron Services inside the festival. Deposit of a valid driver's license or current credit card is required.
Breakfast:
In the Terrace Garden Room.
Morning:
In our next Jazz History-Repertoire class, we’ll learn more about the festival performers and their repertoire. Main Arena performances pay tribute to the rich history of jazz and the festival, while also expanding and challenging the scope and breadth of jazz, blues, and rock, looking towards the future of jazz.
Lunch:
In the Terrace Garden Room.
Afternoon:
We’ll enjoy more of the 68th Monterey Jazz Festival. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not confirmed. When available, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. Learn more at http://www.montereyjazzfestival.org.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The Monterey Jazz Festival hosts a number of diverse food and beverage vendors. MJF is cashless in these areas so please remember to bring your credit card.
Evening:
More of the Jazz Festival. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not confirmed. When available, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. Learn more at http://www.montereyjazzfestival.org. The bus will return to the lodge after the last scheduled concert ends. For those who wish to return to the lodge earlier, there will be an early bus each night approximately 1 to 1.5 hours before the last scheduled concert ends.
Day
4
Jazz History-Repertoire Class, Attend Monterey Jazz Festival
Location:
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Los Laureles Lodge
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Walking at the lodge varies depending on room location; distances may be up to 300 yards. At the 20 acre fair grounds, walking a minimum of 200 yards from entrance gates to Main Arena and other walking according to personal preference; mostly even pathways and unpaved grounds. Walking 1 to 2 miles throughout the day. Listening devices are available at no charge at Patron Services inside the festival. Deposit of a valid driver's license or current credit card is required.
Breakfast:
In the Terrace Garden Room.
Morning:
In our next Jazz History-Repertoire class, we’ll learn more about the festival performers and their repertoire. The not-for-profit Monterey Jazz Festival has been committed to music education since its inception, currently investing more than $600,000 annually in jazz education. The festival runs a number of educational programs including the “Next Generation Jazz Orchestra” that selects top high school musicians from around the county to celebrate the future of jazz in musical tours and a performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival.
Lunch:
In the Terrace Garden Room.
Afternoon:
We’ll attend the Jazz Festival and enjoy more great music. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not confirmed. When available, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. Learn more at http://www.montereyjazzfestival.org/
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. The Monterey Jazz Festival hosts a number of diverse food and beverage vendors. MJF is cashless in these areas so please remember to bring your credit card.
Evening:
Enjoy the final performances at the Jazz Festival. Our program was planned far in advance when details of performances were not confirmed. When available, the information will be posted on the Road Scholar website under this program number and will also be included in preparatory materials sent following enrollment. Learn more at http://www.montereyjazzfestival.org. The bus will return to the lodge after the last scheduled concert ends. For those who wish to return to the lodge earlier, there will be an early bus each night approximately 1 to 1.5 hours before the last scheduled concert ends. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
5
Program Concludes
Location:
Carmel Valley, CA
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Lodge check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
In the Terrace Garden Room. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
9 Meals
4 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
2 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 25, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
- Sep 25, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 3 Reviews
Sort By:
Road Scholar improves senior Jazz fans' access to the Monterey Jazz Festival. Reviews of the participants + Instruction in Jazz truly add up to a GREAT TIME.
— Review left September 27, 2023
This trip is definitely the best way to experience the jazz festival. The group's jazz instructor, Ali, is absolutely on top of her game and makes it fun to learn about the specific performers (many of whom she know personally) and jazz in general so we can fully enjoy the show.
— Review left September 26, 2023
The seamless way to enjoy the Festival. Comfortable lodging with well-prepared meals, and a quick bus ride to the grounds. The presenter reviews the day's groups to help one decide who to see and manage visits to competing performances. For independent sorts, like me, take off an afternoon to enjoy one of the features of the area, especially Point Lobos or Pacific Grove coastline hike. Better, add a day or two to the trip. I'm a CA resident yet I never tire of visiting this area.
— Review left September 29, 2022
