The Arizona Classic Jazz Society held its 32nd annual festival the first weekend in November at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Phoenix-Chandler Golf Resort (the San Marcos) with excellent weather and accommodations for all four of the venues on site. In addition to the main ballroom, there are two smaller rooms utilized at the same time while the smaller outside patio is enjoyed during the late morning or afternoon sessions. It is always a treat to stay at the host hotels for these festivals so we are right in the middle of all the “action” and can enjoy occasional chats with the musicians throughout the day and evening performances on site.
Last year’s festival had only a few complete bands and it was fun to have the musicians subbing for each other on different sets. However this year, all the musicians (except two) were able to attend and were enthusiastically greeted by all of the attendees. The Lindy Exchange also took place in the ballroom and two of the other venues so dance teachers Dabney and Karen Hopkins were busy with instructions and multiple contests for their participants. It is always entertaining to watch the dozens of dancers moving to the tempos of our favorite tunes. They seem to really enjoy their involvement with the festival.
Thursday evening kicked off with a Ragtime group (Something Doin’) which consisted of past and current members of the Queen City Jaz
