[Dixielandjazz] Sacramento Name Change - Was How to Succeed etc.

[Alicia Fullbright]

Dear Steve,
 As a former board member of STJS, I would like to thank you for providing the letter to the American Rag. I have been reading the posts for the last couple of days, without knowing what was actually written in the letter.
 I appreciate all of the insight full thoughts and comments.
 I can not be considered mouldy or a fig I am only in my 50's. I have however been an active member and volunteer at STJS for over 30 years. I have watched STJS evolve from a very small street festival, to a world class event.
 I can say in my experience that nothing is the same as it was 30 years ago. I miss so many wonderful talented people who were with us during the zenith of the festival. There are many bands from all over the world that I would love to see again. The fiscal, social, and political reality is that since 911 it is a red tape nightmare, not to mention the cost associated with all of that is extreme. 
 Most people in my age demographic were never extended a welcome to OKOM even in Sacramento I have heard that we need more young people. The problem is that when we have "young people" at events the more mature people make them feel unwelcome. I rarely see the average" figger" engage these younguns in a hello there. I was very lucky to have been raised in music. My family used to jam every time we were together. I come from Barbershop and Sweet Adaline singers and I have been a Sweet Adaline singer. My children all sing too. 
 I have a reverence for the traditions of American heritage music. I also am involved with a ragtime society. People my age and younger need to feel respected and welcomed before we can learn to love the music.
 I know that I hate change to the things I love. I think that is a pretty normal human emotion. 
 STJS still has the same mission statement basically it is to carry the torch forward to the next generation. There is nothing new about different art forms helping one another so all can survive. The same can be said about music genres. STJS has met many big challenges over the last several years. I am proud that they are still standing and have met them with courage and excellence. I have not always agreed with the decisions that were made but, I respect the thought and hard work that went into them. The STJS board is committed to keeping the show rolling. 
 The people who throw what is the equivelent of a temper tantrum in print about thes things, run the risk of no show at all for everybody else. I resent that. I agree that they have the right to their opinion. IMHO this kind of negativity could sink the whole boat and then it goes to the bottom of the sea never to be seen or heard again. 
 Is being so unhappy with changes to support the "real jazz" worth losing it all together?
 
Alicia Fullbright
Pollock Pines, Ca.

" The thing about performance, even if it's only illusion, is that it is a celebration of the fact that we do contain within ourselves infinite possibilities."
Sydney Smith

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