John Michael Bradford
Immerse yourself in the heart of New Orleans Wednesday with Nawlins jazz from a rising star of a trumpet virtuoso and the sure-thing deliciousness of Louisiana flavors from popular local Chef Claud Betran.
John Michael Bradford’s sound, a compelling fusion of jazz, blues, funk, and soul, has garnered acclaim from critics and fellow musicians alike.
“Duke Ellington said there’s two types of music, good and bad,” Bradford muses. “So I never really thought of myself as playing a particular style. I kind of just play what I like and play what I feel.”
This philosophy has served Bradford well, earning him spots at prestigious venues like JazzAscona in Switzerland and collaborations with Grammy-winning artist PJ Morton. In fact, Bradford is currently touring with Morton while maintaining his own projects.
Yet, despite his growing fame, Bradford remains deeply connected to his roots.
“Even though I live in LA now, I still have kept my ties to New Orleans,” he says. “It’s like paying in the dividends. It’s like I put in so much into the community for years, and the community put so much into me that it’ll just always be a part of my musical identity.”
That Bacchus’ Kitchen is the venue for Bradford’s Pasadena debut is serendipitous.
Chef Claud Beltran, a culinary virtuoso in his own right, has long been infusing the local food scene with the vibrant flavors of Louisiana. Trained under the legendary Thomas Keller, Beltran has become known for his seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and his masterful blend of Southern, Creole, and international flavors.
Chef Claud’s passion for Louisiana cuisine was previously showcased in his popular Mumbo Gumbo Festival, a testament to his deep appreciation for the bold flavors of the South.
For this special evening, Beltran has crafted a menu that serves as a gastronomic accompaniment to Bradford’s musical journey.
The offerings read like a love letter to New Orleans: for appetizers, diners can choose between crawfish étouffée or a California veg étouffée. Main course options include blackened sea bass with red beans and rice and roasted mirliton, chicken and andouille gumbo with green onion rice, or for vegetarians, a stuffed veg maque choux with paprika rice. The meal concludes with a decadent croissant bread pudding with bananas foster sauce, showcasing Beltran’s ability to marry Cajun traditions with California’s bounty.
The event promises to be a multisensory experience. Doors open at 6 p.m., allowing guests to savor their appetizers and main courses before the music begins. At 7:30 p.m., Bradford and his band will take the stage for their first 45-minute set. As Bradford’s trumpet weaves intricate melodies, diners will savor Beltran’s culinary creations, each dish a harmony of flavors as complex and satisfying as a well-crafted jazz composition.
After the first set, dessert will be served, followed by another 45-minute musical performance to cap off the evening.
For Bradford, this performance represents more than just another gig. It’s a chance to bring a piece of New Orleans to Pasadena, to share the music that has shaped his life with a new audience.
Reflecting on a lesson from one of his mentors, Donald Harrison Jr., Bradford shares, “He always taught us to keep our ego at the door. So that’s really kept us, and me in particular as one of his students, humble. It’s always a thing to remember, no matter how far you get from your career in your life, keep the ego aside and remain humble because you’re never going to know who you need on your way.”
For one night, the spirits of Louis Armstrong, Professor Longhair, and Paul Prudhomme will mingle in Pasadena, as John Michael Bradford’s trumpet and Chef Claud Beltran’s cuisine serve up a feast for the senses. It’s an evening that promises to be as rich and layered as the cultural gumbo from which it springs — a true taste of the Big Easy in the City of Roses.
Tickets for this unique culinary and musical experience are priced at just $75, which includes the full dinner and show. Given Bradford’s rising star and Beltran’s culinary prowess, this promises to be an evening that will linger inn memory long after last notes have faded and the final bites been savored.
Bacchus’ Kitchen is at 1384 E Washington Blvd. in Pasadena. For more call (626) 594-6377. Reservations online at exploretock.com.
