It seems to be just yesterday that we set out on this 13th edition of Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, yet here I am writing about the the eighth day and planning for the ninth and last night of music. I approach today with mixed feelings. We will be able to get back to some kind of normal schedule of eating and sleeping and getting something done during the day. We will miss the time in long lines getting to know people with whom the only thing we have in common to start with is the music. We will miss the music, especially the rich and varied choices that the producers have brought us for these few days. Where else can we get our fill of straight ahead jazz, americana, Nordic and UK jazz and just plain rock all in one setting with thousands of fans milling around in a five block area? That’s the Festival.

Last night, Friday, we started out in line at Kilbourn once again, waiting to Hear Bill Frisell’s Guitar in the Space Age. With a moderately early start, 3:30 for a 6 O’clock show, we got the seats we were looking for and settled in. We were far from the first in line. Frisell took the stage and in his manner he spent quite a while setting up loops, modifying the sounds and generally making spacey noises. It resolved into sustained music with his partners on steel guitar (mostly), bass and drums that pinned us to our seats with anticipation of what was coming next. Too soon the set was over and we were on our feet demanding MORE. And more we got, the encore took off on a classic surfer song, “Surfer Girl” which he spun out in ways the Beach Boys had never thought of.

And it was 7:15 and we were on the street running. This time we were headed back to the apartment to get the car and drive out to Temple Sinai where our friends Joyce and Victor were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary by participating in the service and reading from Torah. It was a wonderful way for them to express their love for each other and the for the community that is so important to them.  Their entire family was present and ready to depart for Kenya in the morning.

We headed back to Jazz Street dropping the car at the apartment and changing shoes. Our first stop was Montage, where Ibrahim Electric were electrifying the house. Unfortunately we had to watch on the closed circuit tv in the bar because the crowd at the entry to the hall aws solid. After one number we headed on over to The Big Tent, where Honey Island Swamp Band were causing the tent walls to pulse. Once we got inside the volume level was just below earth shattering. We stayed for one number and decided that this really was not to our taste. So on we flitted to Max where Phaedra Kwant and her group were weaving a different kind of magic. She pulled out her cellphone and played a recording of the sound of a traffic light in Tokyo using the simple melody to build a fine piece around. There is music everyplace, just listen. After stopping for Abbots Custard on the street we headed over to the Plaza Hotel and the Jam to see what might be happening. The crowd was happening, it was thicker than ever and tonight will be even more. We left as John Nugent was wrapping up a set and went home to get some sleep.

Haven’t made plans for tonight other than Newport Jazz Festival: Now 60 at Kilbourn.  Watch this space for the actual happening.

Oh, the count, well somehow we got into 4 venues last night bringing the total to 36 through the eighth night.

See Ya on the Street, one more time.