Eastman Theater
Rochester, NY during the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival is magical. The whole city turns out in full force to celebrate great music. Whether it is the talent of the high schools on “Jazz Street,” the dance music wailing from the Big Tent, or headliners the likes of Bela Fleck or Elvis Costello (what I wouldn’t give to have seen Elvis!), the music is euphoric!
Haiku for Shuffle Demons
cacophonous sound
wild bass and dancing trombone
maniac music
Year after year I am astounded by the talent of Rochester’s youth.
One of the best parts of the festival is the surprises I never expect. On Wednesday night I wandered into Christ Church to the sound of seductive piano by the Alan Benzie Trio. He would hold his fingers over the keys as I waited in breathless anticipation for the sound I knew he would create.
Haiku for Alan Benzie Trio
Dark church shadows dance
breathless, contorting to sounds
of seductive keys
Last year as my mother and I left one venue on our way to the next, a gentleman on the sidewalk turned to us and said, “Hey, weren’t you two the ones dancing up front? You guys were great!” There is so much great music, subtle music in a darkened church, even music that makes me cry, but there is also great music for dancing! Most nights found me in front of the Big Tent stage dancing with my mother to trombones or the other worldly sounds of Slavic Soul Party (pictured above)
Slavic Soul Party!
Trombone Shorty on the streets of Roc!
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