[Dixielandjazz] Orange County Classic Jazz Festival

[LeslieMRag at aol.com]

Hi, Listmates:

I posted a notice of the cancellation of the 2005 Orange County Classic Jazz 
Festival on The Mississippi Rag's bulletin board on Saturday, but for those 
who don't know, here's the letter (see below)  I received from John Dieball (who 
contacted many others with the same letter). It's very sad to hear of this 
cancellation. John, Connie and Larry have been wonderful for the RAG to deal 
with--very professional and very concerned about quality. Their festival 
justifiably earned kudos from those attending, and I believe we all owe them thanks 
for their efforts on behalf of jazz. There's no question about how dedicated 
they have been to keeping this music alive. 

Leslie Johnson
editor at mississippirag.com OR
lesliemrag at aol.com

August 20, 2004
Dear Classic Jazz Fans:
We have just completed our 5th Orange County Classic Jazz Festival at the 
Hyatt hotel in Garden Grove.  This was a great festival from many aspects – the 
line-up, the music, the sound, the food and the fantastic service.  Many people 
came and saw all their friends.  The hotel staff was wonderful.  
On the other side, total badge sales were down 8%, and Hyatt reservations 
were down 21%.
At the same time, 2005 advance badge sales and Hyatt reservations are down 
21% compared with the same date last year.
We believe there are reasons that the reservations are down.
o        The cost of airfares are up
o        To those who are driving-cost of gas is up
o        The age of many of the fans 
o        The costs of hotels in the area, near the Hyatt who charge less than 
the Hyatt
The Hyatt has certain costs for the ballrooms that they provide us.  To give 
us the ballrooms at no charge, we must guarantee them a specified number of 
paid hotel nights from the attendees.  Any shortfall would need to be paid by 
the directors.  We are not willing to do this. (The Hyatt does give us a dollar 
sponsorship, but it is directly related to the room nights).
Accordingly, we will not have a 2005 festival at the Hyatt.  For those of you 
who have already given us your check, it will not be cashed and will be 
returned to you.  Credit card reservations will not be processed and all order 
forms will be returned too.
Our reasoning is entirely based on business decisions, despite our love of 
the music.
Please understand how difficult this decision is for us.  We are very proud 
of the quality of our festivals and are honored with the many accolades and new 
friendships created out of this experience, however, we are unwilling to put 
in the hours it takes to create such a spectacular event while risking a 
financial loss.  
If another opportunity arises that makes financial sense, we will consider 
it.  Always, we will attend and support classic jazz events and encourage you to 
do the same.<FONT  COLOR="#000000" BACK="#ffffff" style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=3 PTSIZE=12 FAMILY="FIXED" FACE="Courier New" LANG
To our classic jazz fans, our generous patrons, our superb volunteers, 
vendors and, most of all, the fine musicians, thank you for all you have given us.  
This decision has been difficult and we hope you will understand our 
reasoning.
Sincerely,
John A. Dieball
Connie Baker
Larry Baker