Few artists have made as strong and sustained an impact on music as Ella Fitzgerald. The first lady of song has inspired generations of artists and music enthusiasts with her swinging style, crystal clear tone, horn-like vocal improvisation and masterful scat. On March 30, some of the area’s vocal talents pay tribute to Fitzgerald with Santa Cruz Women of Jazz. The evening’s bill includes Gail Cruse, Vicki Coffis, Ann Whittington, Ruby Rudman, Stella D’Oro and Charmaigne Scott (center, above). The women are accompanied by the Back in Time band, featuring pianist Martan Mann, reedman Phil Smith and bassist Bill Bosch.
INFO: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 30. Kuumbwa Jazz, 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. $18/adv, $23/door. 427-2227. WANT TO GO? Go to santacruz.com/giveaways before 11 a.m. on Monday, March 27 to find out how you could win a pair of tickets to the show.
