WALKING MY WAYS

WALKING MY WAYS. On Saturday, I attended the Monterey Jazz Festival. At the Monterey Fairgrounds. This is the oldest CONTINUOUS playing Jazz Festival in the world, playing its 68th year. And I have attended many. In fact, at one time, 14 of us had season tickets. But eventually, everyone dropped out, except for one diehard. Now, this good friend gives me one of his Saturday Arena tickets. For which I am ever so grateful.

And although the Arena is the biggest stage, there are 4 other stages, with a total of 79 shows. Over 3 days. So it really is a Festival. With music all around and each of the musicians superb. The biggest challenge is where to park. I have cousins in Washington State, who are excellent mushroom pickers. But when they park, they always look over their shoulders, to make sure they are not being followed. Parking at the Fairgrounds is similar. And rather than paying $40.00 or taking the bus to MPC, I have a secret spot. And then all I have to do is walk to the entrance. With hat and cushion. For the music, people, food booths, refreshments, jewelry, clothing, crafts, high fives, hugging, dancing, energy and more. Where the audience feeds off the music and the music off the audience.

There used to be a “ Rainbow Lady.” Who would strut her stuff, wearing tie dyes, an umbrella, colorful glasses and on. Followed by a melee of similarly-attired exhibitionists. She has died, but her reputation remains, with copy cats galore. And there used to be a tall, graceful, gentleman, balancing on top of the railings. Like a tight rope walker. Doing his thing. And these are the types of activities one sees.

But, of course, it is the music that really counts. Because the music is what it is all about. Loud. Melodious. Rhythmic. Jazz. Blues. Soul. Joyful. Energetic. Charismatic. And more. Big names. Little names. New Names. Which make the Monterey Jazz Festival such a definite delight. Purely Exhilarating. Always. Finis.