If there’s anything I look forward to more than the State Fair or the first day of rain after a blistering summer, it’s the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. Celebrating its 35th year, the Jubilee is not just a fun local event, it is the biggest jazz festival in the West, and one of the biggest traditional jazz festivals in the world. That’s right, the world. The Jubilee is, by far, the biggest tourist attraction in Sacramento, the biggest event in Old Sacramento, and, other than not being able to close out the Lakers in the 2002 Western Conference Finals, the event that Sacramento is most known for around the country.
Despite all this, I talk to people throughout our fair city who have never attended a Jubilee. I’m flabbergasted by this. I know it can’t be because they’re not crazy about the music; I find that empirically impossible. It’s probably because they usually have other plans on Memorial Day weekend. If you’re one of those who tends to head for the hills after work on Friday, take advantage of the Jubilee pre-party tonight at 7pm in Old Sacramento. In the site known as Freeway Gardens, (a sometimes parking lot right off the K Street pedestrian underpass) The Evolution Jazz Band, Jazzin’ Jacks, and the Bohem Ragtime Jazz Band will be performing for the low-low price of $10 ($12 at the door). No excuse this year, pal.
If you’re thinking about attending the festival proper, I’m here to offer up, in a few minutes, everything you need to know when attending this year’s Jubilee. Read on to discover common misconceptions, popular myths, tips on eating, parking, viewing, and finally a sample schedule that will enable you to enjoy one, two, or four days of some the best music our country has to offer. Continue reading “Sacramento Jazz Jubilee Primer: 2008”
The Sac Rag 