Others may disagree with me on this, but this year’s jazz festival was one of the best I’ve ever attended. Let’s make Jazz a Memorial Day tradition in Jacksonville. The weather was a little wet and it was definitely muggy on Sunday afternoon, but the hubby and I went all three days - a first for us. The line-up provided both smooth jazz and more traditional offerings, which I appreciated since I’m from the old school.

And by the way, if Noel Freidline runs for Mayor, he’s got my vote. Mr. Freidline and his crew performed every day of the festival - starting with a mini concert at the Piano competition on Thursday and concluding with sacred jazz on Sunday. No offense to the TU reporter, but I loved Noel’s corny jokes.

Being two rows away from the great Dave Brubeck was the highlight of the festival for me. His performance in the performing arts center was simply fantastic. Let’s incorporate this great music hall into all future Jazz Fests. The St. Johns River City band also did a terrific job of providing musical support to Mr. Brubeck. SJRCB is a much unappreciated community asset. These Jacksonville troubadours were also up early on Memorial Day providing the musical background for the community’s solemn tribute to our local fallen heroes along with the Jacksonville Mass Choir. Just the day before the choir too performed with Mr. Freidline at Snyder Memorial.

A few of my favorite things:

• The Piano competition - we will never miss this kick-off to the festival again - big ups to winner Ignasi Terraza and his jazzy, bluesy, bop-y, ragtime-y talents;
• Saturday night’s Jazz Jam including Ms. Ebellarosa of the Freidline quartet, super drummer John Lumpkin, and all those bright shiny teen musicians of all sizes, shapes, and colors;
• Walking through downtown to hear music as opposed to sitting at Met Park;
• Enjoying the diversity and inclusion that Jazz engenders;
• The variety of musical acts including folks new to our Jazz Fest like Patti Austin and Jonathan Butler;
• The forethought to purchase VIP passes;
• Drinking Greg Norman’s sparking wine in Hemming plaza with friends; and
• Trying to Catch both Jeff Lorber and Chris Botti on Sunday and being impressed with Mr. Lorber’s big ass Blues-guitar chops and Euge Groove’s get-this-party-started vibe.

More than anything I was floored by the emotion I felt seeing my 15 year old nephew fall in love with Jazz. Yes, Virginia the music continues…

Mickee Brown