Keiko Matsui, right, and a friend
pose backstage at the festival. |
While
some critics have maintained that the number
of jazz festivals throughout the nation
have diminished the growth of the genre,
the Long Beach Jazz Festival has distinguished
itself in that fan favorites are routinely
booked, giving jazz enthusiasts an opportunity
to enjoy their more revered artists up close.
“They (LB Jazz Fest organizers) always
book a majority of acts with musical integrity,”
Harp explained. “Not too much of one
style over another. Not too much pop jazz,
but just great musicians playing great music.
And the audience gets to be entertained
and educated all in one night. The audience
is always great.”
|
Top Five Things
To Do At The Next Long Beach Jazz Festival
1.
Eat. There are many vendors at the festival
who offer an array of foods for you to enjoy.
They provide heaping portions at reasonable
prices so be open to trying new tastes.
2. Meet people. Thousands of
people attend the event. Why not use the opportunity
to find a new friend?
3. Bring a lawn chair and umbrella.
Those opting to pass on preminum fest tickets
will have the option of bringing a lawn chair,
towel, and picnic basket of their choice.
Chairs are only provided for preminum ticket
holders. Don't get caught unprepared.
4. Drink. Various spirit companies sponsor
the event and pitch their products to concertgoers.
Enjoy yourself, but keep in mind that it's
always best to know your limit.
5.
Dance. Now is your chance to show everyone
that you intend on having fun at the festival!
Take a deep breathe, exhale then do what you
do best. | 
A
jazz musician entertains throngs of fans at
the 18th annual Long Beach Jazz Festival,
top pic, while Norman Brown, center, and Everette
Harp, above, thrill concert-goers. |
