On the second weekend in February the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Fresno was filled with the “Sounds of Mardi Gras.” All four venues are located under one roof at the lovely hotel and convention center. The buzz in the halls and on the surveys was, “This was the best festival ever!”
The new free (with 3-day badge) Thursday night kick-off dance filled the double dance floors until 11 pm. There were three traditional jazz bands (Bob Schultz Frisco Jazz, Grand Dominion, and Climax Jazz Band). The hotel was packed and the food in the restaurant was better than ever. The energy level was high, the dance floors were full but not overly crowded, and there were smiles everywhere.
The unofficial theme of the weekend was “Musical Chairs,” with performers popping up in unexpected places. On Thursday night David Kosmyna from Climax Jazz Band filled in for Grand Dominion’s cornet player, Clint Baker. Climax from Toronto is always a festival favorite with fun and laughter, and we got to enjoy three sets from David Kosmyna that night. The band worked out their arrangements on stage between Chris Daniels’ stories. Chris even introduced us to the over-100-year-old bass he has had since he was 17. It was a great way to start off the festival.
Sister Swing and the Pub Crawlers canceled due to an injury. Continuing with the musical chairs theme, bonus dance lessons were given in some
