John Coltrane Jazz & Blues Festival: It’s a Vibe

Oh Boy! God saw music transformed into what we love, sun-kissed foreheads and lawn chairs with a cool thing happening three hours into the noon day to evening with the night owls in a groove with their sweethearts. The grassy knoll at Oak Hollow Festival Park at dusk from the VIP tent knew the truth about jazz and blues, a melodic combination that brings consecration of the mind, body and soul. As a religion, the group just wanted a cool day of music.

The host shined as the radio announcer without the perils of occupational hazard as I haphazardly had the opportunity to see him in his element. The one time of year where he shines and he, like the rest of us, just digging music. His personal fave happened the day before with Grammy Award Winning Samara Joy. I, a novice, almost put my foot in mouth as he was as giddy as any of those that were there to enjoy.

Then, there is the foremost Joe Williams and Yvonne Anderson who were integral in showing a gal a good time. Complete professionals. The Entertainment Team with Chairs flawlessly brought together a great festival with all the fixings. A backstage pass shows the Pavilion. I just needed to plug in, but a faux grass meadow of wicker furniture and campers for an all-star group of entertainers. A Sunday arrival made for an easy four-hour listening party for the performance of the evening: 3-Time Grammy Award Winning Drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and Friends. We know her from The Arsenio Hall Show and Quincy Jones’s VIBE. And The Killa, Lisa Fischer’s How Do I Ease the Pain? as part of a Tribute to Women Performers and Composers. The set was rounded out by Michelle Coltrane herself.

Now the cream, a packed house of festival goers, vending, food and drinks. Of course, there is always food, but I HAD to get fried fish and shrimp and a Stella Artois. I peeped the art, clothing and bought some moderately weighed and priced sterling silver earrings. Score! And got a golf carted rescue back to the media tent. A party of one, but a goodie where friends were made solid. John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival, it’s a vibe.