What a treat to live in Atlanta where festivals and great weather are both available in abundance. This Memorial Day weekend found Robert and I at the Atlanta Jazz Festival. Saturday found us partially prepared with two folding chairs and the camera. We managed to get great seats right up front, however the camera lense was not sufficient to get any fabulous pictures. We did get to watch and listen to wonderful performers including The Benny Golsen Quartet , The United Trombone Summit and Carmen Lundy & The New Songbook Artists.
Sunday we decided that we would really be prepared. We stopped by Harry's Market to pick up some sushi, salmon rolls, peach-mango salsa, tortilla chips and bottled water. Since it was Sunday, alcohol is not available for sale, but lucky for us - we already had some in the frig. We loaded up the cooler, brought the folding chairs and the long camera lense. Luckily for us, we were able to claim the same spot right up front that we had the evening before. Now you would think we had it all covered right? Well, we settle in to the music of Grady Tate, open the chips and salsa - Robert hands me a Smirnoff Ice, then proceeds to pull an ice cold Corona out for himself. Whodathunkit?! Seems you need an actual can opener to open it! Well, a nice man named Allen from Columbus, Ohio came to our rescue with a pocket knife that had a psuedo can opener on it. Whew! That was a close one.
The sun was hot (check out our sunburns) and yes you guessed it, we forgot sunblock too. We did however bring small white towels, which when soaked in ice water provide temporary relief. As the afternoon progressed, we listened to Donald Byrd, then to Moncef Genoud and finally Kendrick Oliver and The New Liff Jazz Orchestra featuring Robert Glasper and Kevin Mahagony. The emcee continually reminded the audience about the booth on the hill that was selling commemorative items such as posters and t-shirts. Sooooo... we found our way up the hill and bought not only the 2006 poster, but the 2005 and 2004 as well. The artist who designs the annual poster is Eric Waugh and as luck would have it, he was painting that evening right in front of where we were sitting. As the Barry Harris Trio plus special guest Charles McPherson performed, Eric created another one of his masterpieces. It was a special treat for us that he autographed the three posters we had just purchased. The evening ended, and as we packed our chairs, the camera and bid farewell to our new friend Allen, we realize that music is indeed the stuff that life is made of.
The sun was hot (check out our sunburns) and yes you guessed it, we forgot sunblock too. We did however bring small white towels, which when soaked in ice water provide temporary relief. As the afternoon progressed, we listened to Donald Byrd, then to Moncef Genoud and finally Kendrick Oliver and The New Liff Jazz Orchestra featuring Robert Glasper and Kevin Mahagony. The emcee continually reminded the audience about the booth on the hill that was selling commemorative items such as posters and t-shirts. Sooooo... we found our way up the hill and bought not only the 2006 poster, but the 2005 and 2004 as well. The artist who designs the annual poster is Eric Waugh and as luck would have it, he was painting that evening right in front of where we were sitting. As the Barry Harris Trio plus special guest Charles McPherson performed, Eric created another one of his masterpieces. It was a special treat for us that he autographed the three posters we had just purchased. The evening ended, and as we packed our chairs, the camera and bid farewell to our new friend Allen, we realize that music is indeed the stuff that life is made of.
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3 comments:
Our jazz band played with Benny Golson 1.5 yrs ago at a jazz clinic. He's incredible!! Sounds like you two had a terrific weekend!! Do you have a close up of that artwork that we could make cards from? I'd love to have one.
ok, you guys have WAY too much fun. :o)
that art work kicks ass!!! wow!
jen
That's what happens when you live in Atlanta and have a little bit of free time off together!
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