Jazz in Marciac

Summer and France are almost synonymous for many Americans who can’t possibly fathom braving the country through the winter when most of the French natives are running about. Additionally, summer is probably the only time most Americans have time for travel or are allowed their one week of play during the rest of the 365 days. Whatever your reasons, if you find yourself meandering from café to park to outdoor concert in search of the next big, cool thing to do during your French summer days and nights check out the Jazz in Marciac festival.

The festival, in its 29th year, runs July 31, 2006 – August 15, 2006 and includes musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Roberto Fonseca, Herbie Hancock, Omara Portuondo, Jaime Cullum, Jeff Hamilton, Ile au Jazz, and Jean-Jacques Milteau to name only a few. Having had a small sampling of what’s in store from Richard Johnson (playing piano with Wynton Marsalis) I’d make sure to mark August 11, 2006 on your concert planner at the very least. I might have to make a last minute jaunt to France myself for this one and another during cooler temps, of course.

See the full schedule of events here.

New Orleans Jazz Festival

About a week and a half ago, I mentioned the Tobago Jazz Festival, and a
commenter asked if I was aware of any other Jazz Festivals in the world.

You’re kidding, right?

You’d be AMAZED at how many jazz festivals there are.  There’s the Monterey Jazz Festival.  There’s the Montreux Jazz Festival.  There’s the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal.  And there are tons of others too numerous to mention

That said, the one I think that has the biggest meaning for me is the New
Orleans Jazz Festival
— having lived in Texas, it was the one I was the most familiar with, and the one I have
memories of.  Given the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina last year, it’s amazing that the festival will
still go on. And go on, it will:  this year’s lineup includes Bruce Spingsteen, Dave Matthews, Jimmy Buffett,
Herbie Hancock, Galactic, Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco, The Ohio Players, and The Meters, just to name a very
few.

Unfortunately, I now live too far away to attend — but if you happen to live around or near Louisiana,
do the Jazzfest a favour and pay them a visit — you won’t regret it, and your presence will serve to ensure a wonderful
festival continues to flourish.