[Dixielandjazz] Re: LA Sweet And Hot Music Festival

[Robert S. Ringwald]

Thanks to Listmate Ken Gates for the nice words about the new sound of the
Fulton Street Jazz Band.
I am sorry to say that to me, it looks as if the attendance for the Sweet &
Hot Music Festival is down this year.
Because of something in someone's makeup bag, LAX was closed for half a day
yesterday.  All roads into the airport were blocked off.  Since that meant,
all roads to this hotel were also blocked off, I'm sure that it hurt the
attendance.  I know that Vince Bartels, our drummer, played 6 sets
yesterday, filling in for a drummer who could not get here because of the
closed roads.
For me, the highlight of the festival has been The California Quartet led by
Jack Sheldon & if that wasn't enough, today, his big band took the roof
right off of the place!  Certainly not Dixieland, or even Traditional.  But,
MKOM.
His bassist Jennifer Lethem (SP) formerly John Lethem is the best bass
player I have ever heard.  She played a solo today that is humanly
impossible to do!
Johnny Varo's Swing 7 was outstanding.  It is amazing how much great talent
is at this festival this weekend.
 We have had a great time with some of the all-stars sitting in with us--Jim
Galloway, Russ Phillips, Tommy Saunders, John Bambridge, Chuck Hedges and
even Jack Sheldon.
Bob Ringwald
Pianist, Fulton Street Jazz Band