Pianist

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, the Mendocino Music Festival invites you to gather once again in the warm, wood-paneled intimacy of the Abalone Room at the Little River Inn for the return of Big Time in Little River. This cherished holiday-season tradition pairs world-class artistry with the Festival’s signature hospitality, bringing unforgettable music to a room alive with candlelight, laughter, and good cheer.

This year’s featured guest is the incomparable Kenny Washington, whose luminous voice and spellbinding stage presence have made him one of the most celebrated jazz vocalists of our time. With his impeccable phrasing, astonishing range, and deeply personal interpretations, Washington transforms every song into a story that feels both timeless and newly discovered.

Big Time in Little River 2025

Little River Inn

Recently dubbed the “Superman of the Bay Area jazz scene” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Kenny Washington is a jazz virtuoso who thrills audiences with his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and rapid-fire scatting. Ravi Coltrane has declared Kenny his favorite male vocalist, and Mark Murphy said in a Jazz Times interview that Kenny was the only contemporary male vocalist carrying on the tradition.

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Kenny Washington, with John R. Burr

Preston Hall

An internationally renowned violinist and composer originally from Copenhagen, Denmark, Mads Tolling now calls San Francisco home. As a former nine-year member of both bassist Stanley Clarke’s band and the celebrated Turtle Island Quartet, Mads won two Grammy Awards, and he was nominated for a third Grammy in 2015. He was the 2016 winner of the DownBeat Critics Poll Rising Star Violin Award. Mads has performed with Chick Corea, Ramsey Lewis, Kenny Barron, Paquito D’Rivera, Leo Kottke and Sergio & Odair Assad. Mads is a current member of Bob Weir’s Wolf Bros & Wolf Pack Band. Mads will be joined for this performance by pianist John R. Burr.

Mads Tolling, with pianist John R. Burr

Ruth Davies has a history of bringing SJW audiences closer to the best blues artists in the world, such as Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal, Charlie Musselwhite, Robben Ford, Henry Butler, and many more. A blues legend herself, who has toured and recorded with artists like John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Witherspoon, Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison, Elvin Bishop, and many others — Ruth is keeping the flame of traditional blues alive and well. Ruth’s special guest artist this year is the dynamic vocalist Shemekia Copeland, whose talent; larger-than-life personality; dynamic, authoritative voice; and true star power will knock you out. Her recent album for Alligator Records, Uncivil Rest, is a tour-de-force that tackles contemporary issues head-on, while blending blues, R&B, gospel, and Americana as only she can.

Pianist

John R. Burr

Events

Past events

Dec 14, 2025

Big Time in Little River 2025 · Mendocino Music Festival

Jul 15, 2025

Kenny Washington, with John R. Burr · Mendocino Music Festival

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