From The 29th Annual Arizona Classic Jazz Festival

The 29th Annual Arizona Classic Jazz Festival, held in Chandler, Arizona, was an outstanding event. The perfect early November weather allowed for easy wandering between the four venues on site at the San Marcos Hotel. Musicians we often see in the French Quarter included Kris Tokarski (p) and Hal Smith (dr). Bands from Boston to San Francisco were well represented during the three-plus day event which hosted attendees from Washington to Florida. It is so much fun to see some of the same music lovers and dancers each year. Many of them attend more than one festival during the season and there is such an essence of camaraderie and joyfulness, it is irresistible. Helen Daley (Festival Director Extraordinaire) and her husband Bill are always on the run, making sure any behind-the-scene glitches stay right there. Helen recruits her entire family and all her friends to participate, attend, volunteer. and generally involve themselves in this meticuously organized annual event. We also enjoy introducing our friends to these weekend wonders filled with good music, good food, good friends, and lots of smiles. For us it is only a 90 minute trip up the highway and this year we had 18 guests including a half dozen festival goers who were not consistent attendees—they loved it and plan to go again. These festivals give musicians a chance to perform in other styles of music featur