[Dixielandjazz] Re: Dixielandjazz Digest, Vol 18, Issue 2

[Bcf111 at aol.com]

In a message dated 6/1/04 8:40:35 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Dick Redmond  
writes:


> I noticed some differences this year which are probaboly related to the 
> rumor 
> of financial troubles.  Only one foriegn band this year instead of the usual 
> 
> ten or so.  The hours were cut back for the nite sets.  There were fewer 
> venues this year, and I noticed that the old rule about people playing only 
> with 
> one group were broken.  AND fewer trad bands than usual and more of the 
> other 
> varities.  What did the rest of you notice????   Dick Redmond,  Palm 
> Springs.
> ------------------------------
> 

Gosh, Dick, were you at the same  Sacramento Jazz Jubilee  that I attended?

First of all, they are not 'rumors' of financial troubles.  Up front, there 
ARE financial troubles, and the STJS, under the leadership of new president 
Vince Bartels, is doing something about it: more accountability for expenses, 
especially at Jubilee-run bars; fewer perks for volunteers (shirts, drink/food 
tickets); a few less venues; fewer foreign bands (but not just one - 
specifically, Hot Jazz Band from Hungary, Jazzin' Jacks from Sweden, Fat Sam from 
Scotland, Climax from Canada, no free booze for musicians on stage (however, 
hospitality rooms are untouched). Shorter hours, seeing as how that the late night 
sessions were sparsley attended anyhow; To sum it up:   a general tightening-up 
without lessening the experience for ticket buyers.

Although I claim mouldy fygg  status, I am not at all disturbed by the 
broadening of the base - that is, more non-trad jazz.  Obviously, we must appeal to 
the young people, and then attempt to wean 'em away from whatever and onto 
trad jazz.  We can't do that if they ain't there! At the same time, the all -trad 
centers are still there at the Yolo Room, Lagoon Terrace, and elsewhere.  I'm 
happy with the balance.

I've attended every Jubilee -  all 31 since 1964- and each one has been 'the 
best yet'.  I'm optomistic about the positive changes that Vince and his 
supporters are making, and am confident  that the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee will 
prosper long into the future, with a broad appeal to those who love American  jazz 
music, even Zydeco.

Best regards, Ben Fowlkes, old fogy in Sacramento


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