Okay. I think I've officially lost track of what day it is. I'm just back from the Hard Rock Cafe and am unsure - is it Tuesday night? Wednesday morning? Does it really matter?
Day four of the festival was full of great music, some learning experiences and thankfully, with my stubborn "it's not going to rain" attitude, only about 17 seconds of rain.
So I don't know if you noticed, but it rained a bit yesterday. A fair bit. Happily, the inclement weather didn't dampen (ha!) our spirits - day three of the festival was chalk full of well-attended musical excitement.
To say that yesterday was an "eventful" day in Toronto is a bit of an understatement. Happily, though, we were unscathed at Nathan Phillips Square, and none of the music suffered. Here's a run-down:
Day one is done...and it was a great way to kick off the festival.
After ten months of preparation, hundreds of phone calls, countless emails, and logistics more complicated than early space vehicles, we're ready to go: tonight we launch the 24th edition of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival. I'm looking forward to ten outstanding days of jazz, and am excited to experience the festival for the first time as Artistic Director. I'll be keeping up with my blogging each day during the festival, recounting highlights, challenges, and all-round shenanigans.
Putting together a major jazz festival is a lot of work. As Artistic Director, it's my responsibility to listen to submissions; get out and hear live music; meet musicians; negotiate contracts; assemble lineups; and more, all while keeping the big picture in mind - balancing musical styles; balancing the local and Canadian talent with international artists; and ensuring that the festival will be accessible, interesting, and exciting for as many people as possible. And, along the way, a fair number of noses get out of joint. Why aren't more local artists booked?
Schmoozing is not my strong point. When not in front of a band with a microphone in hand (telling bad jokes, as my musician colleagues will suggest) I'm a bit of an introvert, so I'm not always the best at making small talk. It's been a pleasure, though, getting out and chatting to various people in the music business since I started as Artistic Director back in January. I've been reminded of one of the most important parts of being a member of the jazz community: the hang.
Over the past few months, I've used this blog to chat about the festival and its activities; my adjustment to the position of Artistic Director; and the music I'm enjoying, locally and on disc. The one thing I haven't done is have a good old-fashioned rant.
Well, a couple of things have stuck in my craw recently and it's time. Let's...get...contentious!
Item #1 - The G20 Summit
We've just announced two series of jam sessions - one verbal and one musical!