[Dixielandjazz] 4th of July and security

[Ministry of Jazz]

Shalom Jazz fans,

Here in Israel, the security capital of the world, it is fun being a
musician and going through security. My experience is usually like Jim's --
they look to see that there is an instrument in the case, and don't check
anything else. Of course, Israeli security people are notoriously efficient
and effective. They must have some parameters that would dictate when a more
thorough check is needed. They are more relaxed than western security
people, who will check every grandmother's shoes and every little baby's
doll, but then let 4 guys named Mohamed through so as not to profile. But
don't get me started.

Anyway, once when I was new in Jerusalem and had a lot of immigration
business with various government offices, I quickly got known as the guy
walking around with a banjo and red and white outfit with my straw hat. I
guess I sort of stood out, and the guards often remembered me. One morning
while trying to get into the Ministry of the Interior, the seasoned guard at
the door stopped me and very sternly inquired as to what was inside my gig
bag. I told him it was a banjo, and he pointed and said, "Open it!" As I put
the case on the table to comply with his orders, I heard his voice behind me
saying, "YOU say it's a banjo... How do I know it's not a flute or a
mandolin?" Then he slapped me on the shoulder and I turned around to find a
huge ear to ear grin.

A couple years later, when the war escalated and security got more hairy, I
decided a little comic relief was in order. So I made it a habit to carry a
rubber chicken in my bag, case, or whatever I was schlepping at the time.
The expressions on the security peoples' faces were priceless.

In other news, yes, friends, Doctor Jazz also had a 4th of July gig. It was
also the 40th birthday of an American immigrant who had hit it big with a
start-up high tech company. We've played for them before, but this one was a
surprise. These folks have a huge house outside Jerusalem with an indoor
pool, movie theater, arcade, cold drink machines in nearly every room (no
money required), and a garden up on top of the house that from a distance
looks like a heliport. The grounds are impeccably maintained, with a gazebo,
barbecue, play area for the kids, and a sound system with speakers built
into artificial rocks throughout the gardens. We were invited by his wife to
arrive in the middle of the party and make a surprise entrance, then play
for a couple hours. When we got there, a comedienne was finishing her
routine. We got set up and ready to go, and suddenly there was a fireworks
display launched from their roof. That seemed like a good time to make our
entrance, so we came in playing Bourbon Street Parade, and went on to play
for their appreciative guests and family.

Now if I can only talk someone into a Louis Armstrong birthday show...

Elazar
Dr. Jazz Dixieland Band
Tekiya Trumpet Ensemble
Jerusalem, Israel
www.israel.net/ministry-of-jazz
+972-2-679-2537


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Kashishian [mailto:jim at kashprod.com]
Sent: Friday, July 07, 2006 11:12 AM
To: dixielandjazz at ml.islandnet.com
Subject: FW: [Dixielandjazz] 4th of July

>...  Anything, whatsoever, could be in there, but no one has ever looked up
inside the horn! Good thing us musicos are trusty folks!  <