Reflecting on festivals … past and future
Well, Jazz in the Olympics is only a few weeks off. This festival, held annually in Port Angeles, WA is really one of the nicest jazz festivals in the country. Of course, I’m stating my opinion, but it seems to be shared by a good many jazz fans, dancers, and musicians that I talk with regularly.
Playing festivals, for me, is not only an opportunity to play for a large, interested, and motivated audience, but it’s also an opportunity to renew old acquaintances with musicians and jazz fans I don’t get to see often. It’s a time to reminisce and remember. I was recently looking through my rather large box of photos that folks have given me over the years. I came across a couple which made me think a little about when I started playing jazz and how long David Loomis and I have been playing music … and festivals … together.
The first photo was taken at a festival circa 1981 … Vancouver, Sacramento, Friday Harbor? … I can’t identify the venue.
The second photo was taken a month or two ago at the New Orleans Restaurant at our regular Tuesday gig. Hmmmmmmmm … Maybe a 30th Anniversary Tour in the making?
But, I digress - back to the Port Angeles festival. This festival always presents an absolutely stellar lineup of bands. Some of the absolute best traditional jazz bands in the country will be there, each with its own distinctive, recognizable sound. Bands from Vancouver, BC to Washington, DC … San Francisco to Boston … Seattle and Chicago. Festival director Gary Sorenson always just knocks out audiences with the collection of bands he gets for this festival.
All of the Holotradband guys love this festival. Despite a three day event which offers audiences roughly eighty sets of live jazz, there are only ten bands and four venues. You can walk the distance between venues, but there is also excellent shuttle service between them. Some folks use the “camping out” method. Just find a venue that best suits you, and let the bands come to you. You’ll hear every band at least a couple of times, and truly, every band is worth hearing. The dance floors are very good, and there is one somewhat more intimate site which caters to those who prefer to simply listen to and watch the folks making that great music. It’s truly a festival which works for everyone.
I know of no festival which takes better care of the musicians nor which seems to do such a thorough job of providing for the audiences. If you love jazz, or if you’re just curious about what festivals are - or should be - you need to experience this one.
Take care. Hope to see you there.
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