This week I packed up my shorts, put away my sunscreen and left my sweat in Austin, Texas for a few days in the nice, cool north. While this is a chance to see my family and catch up with friends I haven’t seen since Christmas, it is really a trip to attend the Rochester Jazz Fest, which I have never missed. This unique, delightful, musically rich festival is worth traveling from anywhere to catch.

Last night I caught Bonerama, a trombone trio (with guitar, bass and drum support) who filled the big tent with New Orleans sounds. Vetrans of the fest, concert-goers knew not to bother to look for vacant seats; Bonerama is for the dance floor. I knew I had found jazz heaven when I was snaking my way through the crowd in a conga line, the marching beat of the drum and  tuba beating time and the wailing of the trombones coursing through my soul. It was jazz fest perfection!

Bonerama by Highsteppin Productions