Friday, February 10, 2012

STORYLINE Sacramento Jazz Fest brings it on

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This is the first Jazz Fest Jubilee for me. I moved to Sactown three years ago from Washington state.

Six years ago I retired from a weekly newspaper. I was a photojournalist. I make a better photographer than a wordsmith.

I just can't help myself - I just can't stop shooting.

As I meandered through Old Sac today, I found myself smiling. The Jazz Fest had a good feel to it. The volunteers were helpful and excited, it seemed well organized and the music was great.

Hopefully this narrative will tie in with the photos accompanying this;

My first stop was under the freeway. Cornet Chop Suey was playing to a large crowd. They have great syle playing traditional jazz, swing and also the blues.

On Front Street I came upon Sacramento Banjo Band. They strummed 4-string banjos and one fellow was playing an oversized sax.

I soon found myself in Laughs Unlimited, catching the end of JazzFest newcomer Cynthia Douglas. I wished I had gotten there sooner.

Vivian Lee Sextet was up next. Easy on the eyes and ears.

Next I found myself in the lot behind the Firehouse. A man with a big skate key on top of his safari-style hat was directing a motley looking band. Luckily it was the Ophir Prison Marching Kazoo Band & Temperance Society .

The director told the crowd that they "aren't a marching band with a drinking problem but a drinking band with a marching problem."

These guys sounded top-notch. And their entertainment value was priceless.

And the last band I caught was the California Repercussions. They play loud and fast.

The last act I caught was on the corner of Second and K St.

John F. King II calls himself a one-man percussion band. Using drumsticks he beat his way around the tops of two tables hitting all kinds of things like plastic tubs, cans, pans and cymbals.

I'll be heading back to the JazzFest Sunday and Monday to catch more.

Photos | Kati Garner