It’s that time of year again: Memorial Day weekend. It’s a weekend of jazz, good weather, and a civic event that is older than time itself (or at least older than anyone in their mid-thirties) the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee.
The big news this year for Jubilee fans is the renaming of the festival to the generic and absolutely non-descript name of “Sacramento Jazz Festival.” Despite the name change, it’s still a great event, maybe a little smaller this year, and maybe a little lacking in international or New Orleans talent, but still a blast. This year’s emperor is one of the best trombone players of the last 50 years, Bob Havens. A vet of the Lawrence Welk band, Havens could always swing the hell out of songs that should have been undeniably square. Check out this video for proof. For those of you who have never been to Jubilee before, I highly suggest you read last year’s Jubilee Primer to get tips on where to eat, where to park, and what to avoid. It’s also filled with really good jokes. I mean, really good.
For this year, use the following suggested schedule to get the most out of the festival whether you’re going one, two or all four days. Check here for ticket prices and info.
FRIDAY– Friday is all about getting your bearings. Starting with the parade at 11:45 today, it’s a day of spectacle and wandering. All the musicians’ chops are fresh, and the weather is beautiful. Stroll around Old Sacramento and soak in the sounds. Friday admission is only $35, with folks under 21 sneaking in at only $15. Come by and find your favorite bands with smaller more intimate crowds.Check out the 101st Army Dixieland band with clarinetist Bob Draga at 2:30 in the Sheraton Grand Ballroom. Don’t miss Tom Rigney & Flameau for Cajun sounds at the Freeway Gardens at 5:30. If you like the zydeco, stick around for Gator Beat and Zydeco Flames. Gorge yourself on the notoriously bad food and stiff drinks at the Freeway gardens, then end your evening at 10pm tonight with Bill Dendle and Eddie Erickson at the Paddlewheel Saloon on the Delta King. Their show is always SRO. And if they fail to make you laugh, smile, or groan, then you’re a cold-hearted sonofabitch and you should just end it all right now. I’m serious, go for it, I’m waiting.
SATURDAY– Not to miss on Saturday: 11:30am at the Firehouse Lot, The Professors, a great group of instructors for the Jazz Society’s camp, these folks know how to play, and will easily fly under the radar if you’re not looking. If you like the soft sounds of an intimate cabaret singer, check out John Q’s at the Holiday Inn for some gorgeous singing from 10-5. With one singer featured every hour, it’s a treat. For a blazing band, check out Bill Allred’s band at 1pm at The Depot. If you’re a banjo masochist like me, you’ll be at the Holiday Inn ballroom at 2:30pm for an all-star banjo jam. Then spend the rest of the day at Freeway Gardens to see the legendary Igor (5:30), Rhythm Rascals (7:00) and local blues stud, Aaron King (10:00pm).
SUNDAY– Get a little religion on Sunday at 10am at the Sheraton with a gospel show from Blue Street Jazz Band. If you’re a fan of the piano, some of the best pianists will be showing off their chops all day at the Holiday Inn ballroom. Like the sound of French Gypsy swing? No. Well I do, and I’ll be checking out Le Jazz Hot at 2:30 at the Firehouse courtyard. Staying with an international flair, check out the Cuban sounds of La Candela at 4pm at the Riverfront Refuge. Finally, if you, like me, like a trombone when played well, check out the trombone masters set at 7pm at the Holiday Inn Ballroom. Round out the day with Billy Mata and the Texas Tradition at 10pm at the Riverfront Refuge, it’ll get you whistlin’ like the cowboys do.
MONDAY– Monday is moving day at the Jubilee, but it’s?still a party. Make sure you thank a vet on Monday, for those that serve are the real reason we celebrate anything this weekend. Do it right at 10am in the Hyatt Ballroom with the 101st Army Dixieland band’s “Salute to Service.”
When it’s all done, rest your liver, and your ears, and start gearing up for next year, the 37th annual Sacramento Jazz Jubil… uh, Festival.
The Sac Rag 