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  b

The world famous Count Basie Orchestra, led by trombonist Bill Hughes, kicked off the 2009 Sacramento Jazz Fest in a special concert on Thursday, May 21 at the Radisson Hotel. The Special Count Basie Festival Kickoff Concert was broadcast live and streamed by KXJZ, Sacramento Capital Radio's news and jazz station, May 21, 2009 from 8 to 9 pm. For information, go to www.capradio.org. The 19-piece Basie Orchestra, founded by legendary pianist Count Basie, sailed comfortably through the late-'40s decline of big band popularity and, although no longer led by the Count, has gone on to garner 17 Grammy awards and to be included 11 times in the Down Beat Reader's Poll as 'Best Big Band.' The orch