Swing, Swang, Swung

As I'm writing this I'm thinking it's just around the time the last notes of this year's Jazz Festival are sounding in the Flynn Space: Jen Hartswick and her Quintet. Nice closer for a memorable 10 days of music.

I had to call it an early night and head home before the final show, but even as I was leaving downtown around 6pm I saw a large group gathering outside the Flynn. Another full house, wish I could have stayed!

I did catch Mike Martin and Trio Gusto earlier this afternoon at the Radio Bean. What an absolute treat. They play at the Bean every other Sunday at 5 - definitely worth making a plan to enjoy them swinging through classics like Honeysuckle Rose, Careless Love, and a cheerful, irreverently updated 21st c. version of I Can't Give You Anything But Love (including Blackberries, cell phones, tanked portfolios and all. Wonderful.)

Since that's the last music I'm hearing for this year's event I can tell you I am leaving the 26th annual Festival a very, very happy music fan.

Seen (Scene) Around Town, finale

A few more random shots from today's walk around downtown: festive banners overlooking Church St.; sweet sounds of The Blue Gardenias at Leunig's; and the new exhibit Uncharted Territories at the Firehouse Gallery

Get On Board

My vote for best improvement of the 2009 Jazz Festival: moving the traditional Sunday morning Gospel show to Church Street. I've loved it in past years at the Waterfront, with a special memory of last year's show as the Lee Boys rocked it out and brought the place down.

But having it on the Marketplace puts it front and center, where it belongs, and sets just the right vibe for the last day of the Festival. Great move.

A few inspiring moments from this (early) afternoon's tent with Reverend Lee Mitchell and friends:

Seen (Scene) Around Town, pt. 7

Really enjoyed seeing (hearing!) so many young musicians out and about today.

Seen (Scene) Around Town, pt. 6

Lots to see, lots to do!

Seen (Scene) Around Town, pt. 5

It's the last day of the Jazz Festival but downtown showed NO signs of slowing down today, in fact it looked like there were as many folks out as ever. Amazing what a little sunshine, a lazy Sunday, and a lot of great music can do to bring us all together. Smiles all the way around...this is Eliza, who was out enjoying a walk on Church Street with her family.

Jazz: it makes me want to... draw?

The obvious boon of the Discover Jazz Festival is that it brings together the entire community to celebrate music. There are performances, large and small, spread out all over town, from the Main Stage at the Flynn to the impromptu stage on Church Street. From locals, like the Vermont All State Jazz Ensemble, to legends, like Yusef Lateef, musicians travel from near and far to create and share music.

But it's not just the jazz.  Take one trip down Church Street during the festival, especially on the weekend, and you'll see that the atmosphere of creativity nurtured during these 10 days inspires artists of all tools and instruments and media.

So what better time is there than during the Jazz Festival to have a Sidewalk Chalk Pastel Competition? Apparently, that was the logic of the Arts Alive folks and, fortunately for me, I happened to stumble across (if not walk over) the sidewalk art show yesterday.

For your viewing pleasure, a short walk through the City Hall Park on Saturday June 13, 2009:

Positive Vibrations

Day nine of the Jazz Festival and the music just kept coming. Under the tent tonight: Vermont's own Movement of the People: the Fela Kuti Project (on the left) ; Corey Harris, (right)...



...and Mr. "Stay Positive" himself, Pato Banton (below).

Here's That Rainy Day

Another wet night at the Waterfront Tent, but less so than the Bayou Tent event a couple of nights ago. No matter, that's why there's a tent - and plenty of music to keep everyone moving.

(On the right: two of your waterproof VPR Jazz Fest blogging team, Jonathan and me taking a break outside the tent on the waterside picnic tables. Turned out the rain was fine but the seagulls sure were pesky!)

Ensemble V at Firehouse Center

Firehouse free jazz & dance spread across two rooms on Thursday June 11th. Ensemble V musicians include Michael Chorney on prepared guitar; Anthony Santor on upright bass; Arthur Brooks on flugelhorn; cellists Polly Vanderputten and Nelson Caldwell and dancers from The Architects