Dave Koz
By Benjamin Lolwing
The splendid gift of memories comes in all shapes and sizes and has the ability to invoke in us a kaleidoscope of emotions of varying colors and hues. As we enter a season rich with memories, both joyful and bittersweet, we’re reminded of how the power of music connects us to the past in a way that creates lasting moments with loved ones.
The McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert holds a special place in my heart. It was there, so many years ago, that my father, who passed away 10 Decembers ago, took me to my very first concert. On Sunday evening, December 22nd of this year, hundreds of excited fans, with their loved ones in tow, will file through those same McCallum Theatre doors, eager to see the legendary Dave Koz and Friends, making precious new memories of their own. Remarkably, Dave Koz and Friends have defied the challenges of the music industry over an impressive span of 27 years. Dave Koz (born into a Jewish family, mind you) is celebrating the 27th anniversary edition of the longest-running, jazz-based Christmas tour around.
When asked about the impressive longevity of his tour, he admittedly said, “Yeah I don’t know how it’s possible, especially because I’m only 32.” Then, with only a slightly more serious tone, he continued, “It is a bit of a head-scratcher for me too, I don’t know how we got here, 27 years, for a nice Jewish boy with a saxophone. I think it’s because, in a fast-changing world where everything is spiraling out of one’s control at any time, the holidays come around every year with a chance to go back to nostalgia, to the things we love and always come back to… kinda like that old sweater that you know you should throw out but you don’t, because it’s holey, yet it’s got that warmth and comfort. That’s what the music is… it’s kind of like the comfort food you want to have every year. I think that’s probably one of the main reasons why we’ve been consistent over the years. We’ve also got this incredible loyal following that keeps coming back.”
“I remember seeing people bring their little kids,” Koz continued. “Now their kids are grown up and bringing their kids. It’s amazing to sit back and look at the generational changes that we’ve seen over the years. I get to hear a lot of stories… I meet people after the shows… but one of the things that I really love is hearing about people who have brought their families, their parents. Some of their parents have passed, and yet they still come to the show. It’s almost like, when you close the doors and the lights go down and the show starts, it becomes, in a sense, a place of worship. I don’t mean to equate it with being in a synagogue or church or anything, but it’s a beautiful experience.”
Bringing back memories of loved ones, whether they’re triggered by the smell of a favorite home-cooked comfort food, or by a special song, we cherish any opportunity we can to relive those moments. Honoring the memories of loved ones who have passed was the very instigation of the tour, Koz explained. “This whole tour started in 1997 after my dad passed away. My good friend, David Benoit, who was the co-creator, had just lost his mom. I was interviewing him for my radio show, and he said, ‘I don’t know what to do. What are we going to do with all these emotions?’ It was the first time either of us had lost a parent. It was his idea. He said, ‘Why don’t we go and do a few shows, and this way we can honor our parents musically?’ That turned into our Christmas Tour, and here we are all these years later. In the DNA of the tour itself is this emotional piece that resonates with people and keeps them coming back.”
Jonathan Butler – by Raj Naik
Koz went on to explain how his tour handles the wide array of feelings that are dredged up during this time of year. “I love the holidays, but I recognize the fact that it’s not all pleasing and fun and merriment for people. The holidays bring up a lot of raw emotions in people. So, in our show, there’s a lot of fun, but there are moments of poignancy where we access the sense of loss and the impermanence of life. We understand, as we get older, how transitory life is, and how important it is to be in this moment, to relish the moment for the joy that it is. Even if it’s a sad moment, to be present for that, and to feel all the emotions associated.”
Vincent Ingala
Emotions, like good food and music, are best shared with friends. For this tour, Dave Koz and Friends features guitarist/singer Jonathan Butler with special guests saxophonist Vincent Ingala, guitarist Adam Hawley, and vocalist Rebecca Jade. Together, they plan on performing Christmas classics plus a Hanukah medley, as well as other hits from each artist’s respective catalogues. There will be songs for those who celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, and even songs for those of us who might not celebrate either.
Celebrations and traditions vary from family to family, in so many unique and different ways. One thing that is universally agreed upon, though, is the appreciation for the opportunity that this time of year affords us to spend more time with our loved ones. Hopefully, we will all take a much-needed pause from our busy lives to make new precious memories with the loved ones we still have with us. Then, as our emotions allow, take the time to flip through and gaze upon the photo albums of our minds and hearts, to keep honoring and tightly clinging to the memories of the loved ones we so dearly miss.
Adam Hawley
Rebecca Jade
More about Dave Koz: Koz has racked up an astoundingly impressive array of honors and achievements: 9 GRAMMY® nominations, 12 No. 1 albums on Billboard’s Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, numerous world tours, performances for multiple U.S. presidents, a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and more. This California native isn’t just an accomplished Platinum-selling artist; he’s also a humanitarian, entrepreneur, radio host, and instrumental music advocate. In May 2024, Dave Koz and Friends at Sea sailed to Greece, Malta, and Sicily on two sold-out voyages. Koz has raised over two million dollars to date for Starlight Children’s Foundation through his Dave Koz and Friends at Sea silent auctions and his network of fans. 2025 summer sailing dates and itineraries for his jazz cruises are now available.
Whether it’s at the McCallum or at sea, let’s make new memories with Dave Koz and Friends. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.davekoz.com/tour.
