If You Build It... They Will Come: Jacksonville Jazz Festival 2011

In a previous post I mentioned that the slogan for the 2011 Jacksonville Jazz Festival was "Can you hear it yet?" and it really fit the tone for the event. As usual, click each photo for a better view.

Stage venues where set up at various points throughout downtown and music was everywhere. All you had to do was bring a chair to be part of this swinging street festival.


I chose the "Groovin " stage in front of City Hall which had the intimate feel of a Jazz club.

Despite the sizable crowd that filled Hemming Plaza, finding a seat was not a problem. Everyone was in a welcoming mood and allowed you to pitch your portable chair in a spot that provided a good vantage point.

Roy Ayers was the headline act for the evening, and he did not disappoint. His claim to fame as a Jazz musician revolves around his skill in playing the vibraphone or "vibes" in addition to being a prolific Jazz composer. The following video clip demonstrates that he is still going strong.

I hope the video gave you a sense of the mellow mood that filled the night and made it such an enjoyable evening.

Next blog: George Duke and David Sanborn montage! Be patient though, editing videos is hard work.