The music doesn’t start for another ten days, give or take — but we’re excited about the 2013 Jazz Bash by the Bay (or you can call it Dixieland Monterey . . . call it what you will as long as you support it by your presence!).
The Beloved and I will be there for as much of it as possible. The music begins on Thursday night (Feb. 28, if my dates are right) with a special benefit concert by “We3” — Jeff Barnhart, Danny Coots, and Bob Draga — and runs like an express train until Sunday, March 3, late in the afternoon.
Here‘s the schedule. And although my counting skills are imperfect, I see 149 or so sets in that weekend — because of simultaneous action in a variety of rooms. What this means to me: Marc Caparone, Dawn Lambeth, Jeff Barnhart, Anne Barhart, Bryan Shaw, Howard Miyata, John Reynolds, Clint Baker, Ralf Reynolds, Katie Cavera, Carl Sonny Leyland, Banu Gibson, John Sheridan, John Cocuzzi, Allan Vache, Ed Metz, Paul Keller, Sue Kroninger, Eddie Erickson, Chris Calabrese, Jim Fryer, Danny Coots, Jeff Hamilton, Virginia Tichenor, Marty Eggers, Gordon Au, Justin Au, Brandon Au, David Boeddinghaus, Jason Wanner, Ray Templin . . . and you can add your own favorites, heroes, heroines, and heartthrobs.
Here‘s ticket information. Few people I know are moved to take positive action because of fear and dread, but the evidence speaks for itself: many jazz festivals have vanished or morphed unrecognizably before vanishing: join us at the Jazz Bash by the Bay!
And for those readers who say, “I’m not convinced. I need evidence before I get in the car, find someone to walk the dog, and unstrap my wallet,” will this do? Recorded on March 2, 2012 — something to provoke SMILES:
May your happiness increase.
JAZZ LIVES 
It was a glorious weekend…with special composer sets of Carmichael and Van Heusen…and a twin piano and vocal set with Hook and Evans. A stellar line-up, great weather, loving and supportive audiences and the fulfilled promise of musical adventure. In other words…OFF the HOOK!