Oct 15 – Clearwater Jazz

“When I say ‘Clearwater’—You say ‘Jazz’”
And they did. “Clearwater”…”Jazz.”  That little exchange was a fun  beginning, signaling the spirit of the afternoon. “Hey boat people!”… (There were boats on a close by waterway.) “I want my money,” I yelled. Fun.

I still can’t believe that this was my first time playing there. And this was their 30th year, and it’s always been a ‘free’ festival for the people. That requires some serious fun raising all year long, for 30 years. That’s more than impressive hard work and commitment.

We played under a big white tent that covered the stage. It was still plenty light outside when we went on. Seats up close to the stage were surrounded by blankets with picnic snacks, and then concession stands with more food and beer and wine were on the outside. Fun, fun, fun under the sun, and their response to the music, generous and enthusiastic the whole time. And the band was smokin’.

We met a bunch of the sponsors backstage and I was glad to run into Shannon West, one of the smartest music journalists around. Go Shannon!

Thank you, Clearwater! I had a great time. Let’s do it again next year.

Love, Al