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Riviera Maya Jazz Festival

Hello—Can I be the poster boy for vacations in Riviera Maya, and especially at Jazz Festival time?

I wanted to call home and tell Susan and Ryan, “Hey, this is the place.” Most resort communities around the world promote and cater to “Rich Elegance” and it always comes with a tension and anxiousness of ‘Let’s be better than them’ and ‘Get out your jewels and finest displays.’

Oh my dear Riviera, I wish you every success as a playground for the rich and famous, but don’t sacrifice your natural relaxed, open, and friendly spirit. It’s all there in the people of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. It’s in the air.

Perfectly in keeping was this festival place for music, right on the beach with sand under your feet. Bring the kids—Music and food and drink, and all sponsored by the local government and department of tourism really who get it! That it’s a good idea to take some tax dollars and spend them in ways that lift the hearts and spirits of the local people, and people from all over the planet. Free music, and dance your ass off!

So we played good music, inspired by the whole situation, especially all these new faces so wide-eyed and expectant. We made a lot of new friends that day.

Thank you, Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, and thank you to the people. You really touched my heart.

Love, Al

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UNCF Gig in Indianapolis

We did a beautiful fundraiser date in Indy in support of UNCF, the United Negro College Fund. Established in the 40s, the Fund today supports 65,000 students at 39 traditionally black colleges and universities across the nation.

It was so natural to say, “Yes, I’ll be there.” Education is very important stuff, yet we as a nation are lagging way behind in almost all areas of academic achievement. Funding for schools and teachers is horrible and decreasing.

So we played big and loud for school and schooling, and the people came down to the front to the dance floor, and stayed there for the whole set. Andrea Neely, UNCF Assistant Development Director, led the way, coming right to the edge of the stafe. I held her hand and serenaded her. That was fun and set the tone. Laugh and have a ball and raise some money, too.

Thank you, UNCF!

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Nov 4- Dallas, TX – Tom Joyner & Jazz Roots

We did more than a concert in Dallas this time. A concert would be quite enough. In fact, that’s the beautiful standard norm. But sometimes there’s a convergence of unexpected circumstances that really makes a bright constellation.

How about this: Tom Joyner’s morning show broadcasts out of Dallas 5am to 9 daily. He’s got to be the hottest most listened to DJ in the world. He invited us to play live on the show from his red velvet cake studio with pink grand piano, an eight foot tall Green Satin Geico Gecko, next to an eight foot tall “Morton’s Salt Girl” doll, and wonderful, fun artwork on all the wall space that wasn’t covered by LP covers—Mesmerizing… A grown up child’s playroom.

On Monday we dropped by for a setup and sound check. We played almost entirely unplugged—no electronics—snare drum and brushes. The grin of delight and joy on Tom’s face was the child’s face in the play room I will never forget.

So why not play some birthday party music the next night for his wife Donna! I’m laughing and grinning myself right now… Tom pulled up a chair in the middle of the dance floor—Eight feet from the stage—with Donna on his knee, both of them singing along with the band in the “play room.”

The concert night was a night of ‘firsts.’ The first time for me and the great Ramsey Lewis to share the Bill. For sure, we were the first Jazz Music to the brand new Winspear Opera House. So out walks Larry Rosen to talk about Jazz Roots: A new youth outreach program that will be performance and educationally oriented emphasizing the global diversity of Jazz which must be preserved and taught. You go, Larry!

It was a beautiful night and a beautiful stay in Dallas. Thanks Tom and Donna! Thank you, Larry, and Ramsey, and everyone at the Winspear!

Love, Al

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