Vancouver Jazz Festival (June 25 - July 4)

[Cem]

Good-looking, well-balanced year in programming; Al Green, Evan Parker, Dave Douglas, Johnny Clegg, William Parker, Tim Berne, Aaron Neville, Herb Robertson, Joe Lovano, John Edwards, Sylvie Courvoisier, Mark Feldman, Michael Moore ... so much more

Check out their website (http://www.coastaljazz.ca/jazzfest2004/).

Should you get into town/province by the 21st of June, you can hear Lindsey Horner, Michaels Moore & Vatcher live -- Jewels & Binoculars presented by my very own Zula!

I may be able to help with accomodations etc. - including putting some folks up, depending on how my moving goes...

[al j]

Cem, are there any other shows near the 21st? I had planned on driving up for the festival this year until I looked at the schedule. Usually I like to stay for a few nights but there are only a handful of shows I'd attend this year, all days apart from one another.

Didn't realize Parker was touring with Edwards and Sanders as the "Evan Parker Trio". Edwards is captivating live.

[Cem]

Unfortunately, no other shows until the Gala thing on the 24th which is not really open to the public, only for the press, industry etc.

The reason I said town/province earlier is that, as you know, we have kind of a gorgeous corner of the world as our backyard. If anyone comes up to see the show on the 21st, then they could go hiking or island hopping or whatever, poke around BC for a few days before the fest starts. Btw, Jewels should be in Seattle on the 20th I think, if that's easier.

Yeah man, Edwards took my head off last year. What a monster, eh?

[al j]

Gorgeous, yes. I was hoping for more this year, but ah well. The setup is normally outstanding. If there are three good bands, there really is nothing like an early evening show at the naturally ventilated Western Front (did they ever 86 those squeaky chairs?), followed by a set at the Cultch, drinks, and then a midnight show at Studio 16. I miss it up there, great time of year, too.

What's the gala thing? Perhaps it runs concurrent with Svirchev's barbecue?

[Cem]

New chairs at the Front. Pretty friggin' suave, non-squeeky (so far). Your schedule is a spitting image of mine. We'll get a hang or two happening. Last 4-5 years I've been a little concerned with my decision to catch 95% improv & heavier stuff. Every year I promise myself to catch some other stuff as well for good balance. This year I'll try & see Al Green & a few others.

I'm not always crazy about the Gala thing. It can be a schmooze fest, but some years it's good'n'loose and the music can be good. A coupla years ago Atomic performed for eg.. I may be able to get a few JC visitors in. Actually, maybe it isn't even that difficult to go to...? I dunno?

Svirchev's bbq should be in the middle of the fest.

[al j]

Cem, I'm at a loss for what days I want to come out there. Shrugs will be joining me so it'll depend on what he wants to hear too, but I don't see anything really that's a must see. What shows do you plan to attend?

[Pete C]

For me the "must sees" would be two extremes: Al Green & Herb Robertson's Downtown All Stars.

[Cem]

Al, simplest response would be that I'll be at most Western Front, Cultch, Studio 16 shows, some 8 pm Cultch & 9 pm Front shows require some scrutiny, so I'll act based on how I'm feeling at the time. I'll also catch some free shows on Granville Island & as much of the free stuff as I can handle the second weekend at the Roundhouse. Usually, there are also impromptu, unofficial jam sessions at 1067 Granville that need to be checked out. Sorry, I know that's not very helpful, but if I had to only choose a portion of the fest, I'd probably go with the latter half. Also, I may be able to get you guys a corporate rate (fwiw) at a hotel here. Please let me know, if interested...

[Cem]

For me the "must sees" would be two extremes: Al Green & Herb Robertson's Downtown All Stars.
You didn't hear? Berne is Green's new horn arranger... ;)

Yeah, I really wanna catch Al Green, too!

[al j]

Those shows are at opposite ends of the festival. It'll have to be somewhere in the middle for me. I'd love to hear Herb again, especially with Courvoisier.

Thanks, Cem, that would be really helpful. You're up for a beer and a bite? As soon as we nail down the days, I'll let you know.

[Cem]

You're up for a beer and a bite?
...on a moment's notice!

So, give me your dates asap & I'll try & find you a cheap(ish) room.

btw, Al Green & Herb's All Stars are only 3 days apart.

[Cem]

For me the "must sees" would be two extremes: Al Green & Herb Robertson's Downtown All Stars.
Just occurred to me: Is this hypothetical talk or are you gonna grace us with your presence?

[al j]

Ah, I thought Green was the first weekend. That show's a possibility. I'll keep you posted, Cem.

[Frisco]

Wow, I remember the three years that I made it in, you could hear non-stop great, creative sounds from early afternoon to late evening. You'd leave hearing some 40 plus excellent sets in ten days. Seems a lot lighter this year. Is that due to cutbacks in funding?

[Cem]

Hey Pat, sorry I've been busy uploading my music onto a hd & doing all sorts of moving related mundane stuff. I completely forgot about this thread.

I thought it was a pretty decent year, but I guess there could be more heavy-hitters. More NY'ers than in recent years. New bank funding vs old tobacco $ may have something to do with it, but I consider our local players as big contributors to the fest & great stuff in that regard this year.

So, who's coming out?

[Cem]

Last caaaaalll...

[al j]

yo! Shrugs and I are going to be heading your way in the next few days. Which couple of days remains a mystery, but we'll keep you posted. Can you send your email in a PM?