<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge) Seattle jazz saxophonist Darren Motamedy performs July 9 at Animal Acres Park in Lake Forest Park.

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Darren Motamedy

• In concert: The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council’s 2008 Summer of Fun Concerts in the Park Series hosts a concert by the jazz saxophonist at Animal Acres Park, NE 178th & Brookside Blvd., Lake Forest Park. • Performance: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 9. • Admission: Free. • Info: www.Shorelinearts.net or 206-417-4645.

CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE Jocelyn Robinson, Copy editor jrobinson@heraldnet.com

Sax in the park

Local jazz saxophonist opens Shoreline-LFP Arts Council summer concert series

For the Enterprise

The Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council and Shoreline Bank hosts a smooth jazz outdoor concert July 9 featuring jazz saxophonist Darren Motamedy at Animal Acres Park in Lake Forest Park.

Born in Los Angeles, Motamedy's family came to Seattle, where he joined the 5th grade band and played the clarinet. Motamedy continued his musical education through high school, where he fisrt came to play the saxophone, then into college at Central Washington University, playing the saxophone, clarinet, and flute. During that time he also performed in several extra-curricular bands.

Motamedy has since gone on to perform with The Rippingtons, David Lanz, Greg Adams from Tower of Power, and opening for Chris Botti, Ray Charles, Grover, Keiko Matsui, Boney James, Michael Lington, Tower of Power, Larry Carlton and more. A Northwest jazz staple, his ninth album "Don't Cha' Know" hit the stores last year to national critical acclaim. "Love You Just So Much" sets the album in motion with an urban backbeat and the album includes a version of Luther Vandross's "Dance With My Father."

Motamedy's first two CD's while leading, writing, and performing with his group first group Mottoretti achieved national success, landing spots on the adult contemporary and jazz charts. In 1995, his solo CD and career were launched with his third album "Dangerously Close." This album won the Best Jazz Album of the year category from Seattle-based radio station KUBE. Soon after the release of "Dangerously Close," Motamedy was on the road opening for such acts as Ce Ce Penniston, Deneice Williams and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. "Peace" was Motamedy's follow up recording of Holiday Classics, and finally in 1999 Motamedy released "It's All Good." "It's All Good" was a culmination of great songs, excellent production featuring Kenny G's rhythm section, art and design, and an enhanced CD that features an 11 minute video with Motamedy. This CD also won the 1999 Jazz Album of the Year.

Concerts in the Parks are presented by the Shoreline/Lake Forest Park Arts Council and Shoreline Bank with partial support from the Cities of Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, 4Culture Lodging Tax and Washington State Arts Commission.