Trumpeter Chris Botti has been plastered all over the 831 in dramatic black and white photos promoting his performance Saturday, June 6 at the Monterey Conference Center. A brooding blond with a sharp nose and piercing gaze, Botti looks like a serious musician, complete with college graduate groupies. But get him engaged in conversation, and the brooding gives way to boyish, smiling eyes and an easygoing manner.

The Weekly stole a few moments from the musician, currently on tour in Mississippi. Botti, who’s been touring the better part of 10 years, just bought his first home. “All I owned for a long time was a suitcase, my trumpet, and whatever clothes I had for the day. It’s worth it because touring is the ultimate musical weapon – the energy, the fans, the connection makes it all worth it.” But with a schedule that included over 250 performances last year, is Botti’s world a jazz version of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll?

Chuckling, Botti admits that as a young man he “dreamt about groupies,” but maintains that touring is not the debauchery many imagine. “My fans are a bit subdued… We go out in the audience after every show and sign CDs. We meet people all the time but it’s not like I’ve got girls waiting backstage for me. I’m not like Sting.”

Botti is referring to the man who practically made his popular career. Although he had released two solo albums prior to working with the former Police singer, it wasn’t until Botti opened up for Sting’s “Brand New Day Tour” in ‘99 that his music garnered a huge buzz. “From there, the world just opened up. I got on the Oprah show and now I’m lucky enough to do what I do.”

Born in Portland, the 46-year-old musician has had a great ride in the music industry. After taking piano lessons as a child, Botti had a revelation: “I realized that I wouldn’t ever be Michael Jordan and I need to find something I loved that I could do for the rest of my life.” The trumpet came easily to the 9-year-old Botti and after hearing the sounds of Miles Davis, he was hooked, often practicing three to four hours a day. At 21, Botti dropped out of college and went on tour playing with Frank Sinatra, later working with Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell before getting his big break with Sting.

Not only is Botti one of the premiere trumpeters of the decade, his experience playing with acts from pop/blues artist John Mayer to classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma has made him one of the most versatile jazz musicians in recent history. When asked about his frequent collaborations with pop artists, Botti says, “There’s something to be admired about popular artists. Many try to discount pop music but the great popular musicians like Stevie Wonder, U2, Elton John, Billy Joel all have something special – they are so unique and have undeniable talent. I am able to cross over genres easily because I’ve worked with so many great artists from across the spectrum. Good music is good music.”

When it comes to Saturday night’s gig, guests never know what might happen. “My success is highlighted by my band. I’ve got the best band out there, just the chemistry and the artistry is amazing.

“And the Monterey groupies aren’t bad either,” he deadpans. Then he bursts into a laugh.

CHRIS BOTTI performs 8:30pm Sat, June 6th at the Monterey Conference Center, Serra Ballroom One Portola Plaza, Monterey; in a benefit sponsored by Rotary District 5230 for Polio Plus.Tickets $125/premiere seating and champagne reception; $50, $70, $100/general admission tickets. 1-925-866-9599, www.chrisbottimonterey.com.