[Dixielandjazz] Jubilee reinvents itself.

[Steve Barbone]

"Robert S. Ringwald" <robert at ringwald.com> wrote (polite snip)

> This article was written by Barbara Glenn and is scheduled to appear in an
> upcoming issue of the American Rag.

> Begin article:
> 
> In 2006 the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee was a smaller, thinner version of its
> former self. Gone was the California State Fairgrounds (Cal Expo) with its
> city of RVers and its crowded venues. Streets in Old Town often seemed
> deserted. Badge sales clearly were lagging, and there was talk of a jazz
> funeral for this queen of the festival circuit.
 
> Memorial Day weekend of 2007 saw the jazz lady reborn! By Saturday afternoon,
> it was clear that the new format offering several festivals rolled into one
> was going to be a huge success. Venues were nearly full - by Saturday night,
> most were full to overflowing. Sunday saw even-larger (and mostly younger)
> crowds, and Monday appeared successful as well. . . .
snip to

> The addition of the New Orleans "Rebirth Brass Band" sparked interest and
> badge sales among a whole new group of young enthusiasts. For the first time a
> "mosh pit" was observed at a jazz festival: their fans crowded the stage at
> the Firehouse Lot, dancing to the hip-hop and funk beat of this robust band
> with 2 trombones and 2 drummers. . . .
remainder snipped.


Hey Bob:

CONGRATULATIONS, CONGRATULATIONS, CONGRATULATIONS. The Jubilee movers and
shakers have worked hard and taken a fresh approach to the old and battered
Jubilee. You all took a risk while enduring the criticism of the old guard
"traddies" who didn't want what they thought would be dilution, of "their"
festival. Never mind that "their" festival would have died had you not done
so.

You all deserve a huge thank you from OKOM fans around the USA for
reinventing the Jubilee and making it relevant to the new audience.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone