With just about all of the 2020 festivals and jazz parties scheduled since March going virtual or being postponed until late 2021 or 2022, the longtime ACJF director held the line on her early November dates and was able to present the 31st annual Arizona Classic Jazz Festival at the Crowne Plaza Phoenix-Chandler Golf Resort to the enjoyment of some 300+ fans and musicians.
Even with all the safety measures in place, attendance was down to roughly one-third from previous years. Ample masks and hand sanitizers were available along with disposable gloves which dancers changed after each set. Seating in the four venues was appropriately spaced. There was a 20-minute break between sets instead of 15 minutes so only one band was on the bandstand at any time. Disinfectant wipes were on all the stages for bands to use on any sound equipment. The daily schedule ended at 10 pm instead of midnight, which was well received.
Two of the originally scheduled bands opted not to make the trip to Arizona early in the process, and suitable replacements were booked. But it was the last-minute cancellations that put Helen to the test. Drummer Danny Coots along with pianist Brian Holland and guitarist Andy Reiss were exposed to the virus and had to bow out just days before they were due to board a plane in Nashville for Phoenix. (Fortunately all three tested negative.)
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