About Melanie Maxwell

Writer/Author/Magazine Publisher

For more than 25 years, I have written about celebrities, smooth jazz artists, travel destinations, jazz festivals, authors, nonprofit organizations, pets and human interests for Smooth Jazz News. Earlier in my career, I was a staff writer at The Espresso Coffeehouse & Cafe Newspaper, and freelanced for The Entertainer.

Melanie Maxwell at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa for the 2005 Holiday Concert Series (Photo by Pat Benter)

As the publisher of Smooth Jazz News, my coverage of the many genre artists I’ve interviewed and events I’ve covered earned me the “Journalist of the Year” honor at the American Smooth Jazz Awards in 2010.

In addition to managing Smooth Jazz News––a nationally distributed lifestyle and travel magazine I launched in 1999––I offer  blogging, editing and print media services.

Prior to my writing career, I worked as a bank vice president, top-producing mortgage loan officer and certified senior escrow officer.

In my spare time, I enjoy attending author events, book festivals, writing workshops, cooking for friends and neighbors, and being bossed around by my two very spoiled rescue cats, Grey Boy and Lily.

And, when I travel to jazz festivals, I always make sure that my little devils are well loved and cared for by their au pair. 

When I’m not out doing something to write about, I call San Diego, California, my home.

Here are a few photos of my travels…

Wink Martindale, Melanie Maxwell, GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz and Chris Gardner (“The Pursuit of Happyness” author) at the 2011 AARP Life@50+ convention in Los Angeles, California (photo by David Hopley)

Barbara Knox (Smooth Jazz News copyeditor) and Melanie Maxwell (Smooth Jazz News publisher) at Yosemite National Park during the 2011 Yosemite International Jazz Festival in Central California (Photo by David Hopley)

Journalist of the Year Award

Melanie Maxwell, Christopher Gardner (“The Pursuit of Happyness” author) and GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz at Koz’s 2007 At the Movies CD-Release Party in Beverly Hills, California

Melanie Maxwell and Ray Parker Jr. (“Ghostbusters” songwriter, Raydio band leader) at the Playboy Mansion in Holmby Hills, California, for the 2007 Playboy Jazz Festival Press Conference (Photo by David Hopley)