[Dixielandjazz] Halalujhah!

[Robert Ringwald]

Kaye Wade wrote:

> To Jim O'Briant 
> "The Sacramento Festival has decided that traditional jazz and swing are not
> capable of supporting a viable festival, so they are trying to become all
> things to all people. But don't expect everyone to agree, don't expect
> everyone to like the direction you've chosen, and don't expect everyone to
> attend."
> 
> ------
> 
> Kaye Wade


Kaye,

The Sacramento festival has not changed its format, other than what it has been doing since the mid 80s when it first went out on a limb and hired Igor's Jazz Cowboys.  He turned out to be our number one draw for many years.  He was the top band at PBIS (Putting butts in seats), selling tickets and selling CDs.  

More recently, Tom Rigney and Flambeau have been our top draw in all catigories.  As you know, Tom is sort of a Zydeco band, but much more.  He is certainly not Dixieland.  

What does that tell you?  

I remember about 3-years ago, with most of the top Dixieland bands at the Sac Fest, there were only about 5 of them rated in the top 25 bands.  What does that tell you?  

Once again I repeat, the Festival next year will be no different than it was last year or the year before.  Only the name has been changed "To protect the innocent..."  

Actually, we have tried for 20 years to convince the locals and the press that we are more than a banjo/tuba/old folks festival.  But, we hear over and over, "We don't like that kind of music."  

You, being in show biz should understand PR.  The name change is number 1, to correctly identify that we are more than just a tuba/banjo/old farts festival;  #2  To sell more tickets.  

If we sell more tickets, we will be able to afford more bands, better bands, including Jazz bands.  And perhaps someday bring in a Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, or whomever is on top at the time.  That would give us more money to bring in more Trad bands.    

And don't forget our wonderful youth music programs.  With more money to work with, just imagine what we could do, introducing more youth to Classic Jazz.  
  
As Steven Joseph, wash board player with several bands including the Uptown Low Down JB once told me:

"Every time I walk by a venue where a Blues or Zydeco band is playing, I stop and say thank you.  Because, by people purchasing tickets to see them, it enables us to present OKOM (Our Kind Of Music.)  

Talk to the organizers of Orange County and Jazz In The Olympics if you want to know how hard it is these days to put on a festival.  

The times have changed and we have to change with it or not have a festival at all.  

Perhaps you would prefer that Sacramento close up shop, rather than presenting different forms of music, including Jazz?  

Then what would happen would be a sharp promoter would grab Memorial Day in Sacramento and put on a Rock or blues Festival with no Jazz at all.  

Is that what you, and other naysayer's want?  
 
--Bob Ringwald