Let’s get rid of one myth right here! One common myth floating around is that
jazz music is complicated. Some people have the idea that it can only be learned by unraveling the deep mysteries of the inner being like it’s some sort of mystical experience that requires years of learning theories, scales and chords. That thought alone is overwhelming and as a result, we need to refocus our attention to one thing keeping it simple.

Before you get out there and start buying your jazz guitar amps and other gear, consider if you’ll have the time to do the basic things you need to do to learn all about playing jazz guitar. Set your learning and practice habit up for success by keeping it simple and you will reap the results of your investment!

The eighth annual Children’s Benefit Concert to help needy children in Vietnam will be held April 1 in Pleasanton.
The annual concert is organized by sisters Chi and Truc Nguyen, who started their fundraising efforts in 1998 with garage sales that included a personal Beanie Baby collection and homemade almond toffee.
The concert features classical and jazz performances by San Francisco Symphony cellist Lawrence Granger, San Francisco Ballet associate principal cellist Eric Sung, New Pacific Trio cellist Nina Flyer, New Century Chamber Orchestra and Stratos chamber orchestra founder Miriam Perkoff, a Cal State East Bay jazz sextet and Stanford music students.
Truc Nguyen is a 2000 graduate of Amador Valley High who has since graduated from Stanford University. Chi Nguyen graduated from San Ramon’s California High, and now attends Stanford.
Proceeds go to the San Jose-based nonprofit Vietnam Health Education and Literature Projects for clothing, meals, books, literacy classes and basic medical needs for more than 100 street children at a shelter in the southern Vietnamese city of Can Tho. Organizers hope to raise $15,000.
Tickets are $10 before the concert or $12 at the door.