The first thing you need to know is that the 2015 Allegheny Jazz Party will take place on September 10-13, 2015, at the Inter-Continental Hotel (near the Cleveland Clinic) in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Michael, that’s a year from now. Why are you telling us this?”
I had such a good time at the AJP just concluded that I want everyone to get ready for next year: wonderful music in profusion, comfortable surroundings, a quiet and attentive audience paying serious attention to the good sounds, good food, comfortable rooms in a hotel full of very friendly staff. Ease and friendliness prevailed, thanks to Nancy Griffith and Kathy Hancock, who could run a medium-sized country with gentleness and efficiency.
You’ll notice I put MUSIC at the top of that list. Here’s a sample — the second performance from the informal session on Thursday night, created by Duke Heitger, trumpet; Bob Havens (amazing at 84 or any age), trombone; Nicki Parrott, string bass; Howard Alden, guitar; Rossano Sportiello, piano:
You can keep up with the AJP here or at website.
The experience at the AJP was special for reasons beyond the splendid music: a rare comfort was in the air and the guests were so easy with one another. If you have a 2015 calendar, I encourage you to mark the dates on it now. You won’t be sorry.
More videos to come.
May your happiness increase!