Don McCaslin: Remembering the life and warmth of an iconic local musician
(WorldNews Entertainment)

Santa Cruz recently lost one of its great musical icons, the jazz bandleader and pianist/vibraphonist Don McCaslin. At the age of 93, McCaslin died at home in Capitola on July 16. Best known for his band Warmth, McCaslin continued performing in recent years at Severino`s Bar & Grill with his band The Amazing Jazz Geezers. Don McCaslin’s stellar vibe playing at the Cooper House and other venues made him a symbol of the Santa Cruz spirit for many years. (Shmuel Thaler — Santa Cruz Sentinel file) Don McCaslin was born in Tacoma, Washington, on Dec. 13, 1926, and grew up in San Jose. While going to San Jose State he played piano and vibes and formed a band that played gigs at the Hi...