The stars were shining at the San Francisco Jazz Festival which celebrated its 30th anniversary with 30 concerts over four months, including Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Dianne Reeves, Randy Brecker, Branford Marsalis, Esperanza Spalding, and a tribute to Thelonious Monk by three generations of jazz pianists.

And speaking of the number 30, free concerts called “Jazz & Colors,” featuring 30 jazz groups, were held at 30 different landmarks in New York City’s Central Park. Sites included the Cherry Hill Fountain, Summit Rock, the 59th Street Pond and Duke Ellington Circle.

It was a year to celebrate past jazz masters, including Miles Davis who was honored by the US Postal Service with his own postage stamp.

The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona offered an exhibit on the Golden Age of Jazz. On display were a guitar played by Charlie Christian, Illinois Jacquet’s saxophone and vintage photographs by William Gottlieb.

In memoriam

Kennedy Center honoree Dave Brubeck talks with the media at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for the 2009 Kennedy Center Honors Dec. 6, 2009.

Sadly, in 2012, the jazz world mourned the death of pianist and composer Dave Brubeck, who ignited his long career with the release of his Quartet’s smash hit “Take Five.” We also bid farewell to singer Etta James, bandleader Johnny Otis, composer Clare Fischer, and New Orleans bass drummer “Uncle” Lionel Batiste.