In late June, my husband, Jeff, and I attended the 28th America’s Classic Jazz Festival in Lacey, Washington. We went there as part of our big road trip to Montana. This is the second time we have been to this festival; the last time was in 2016.
Lacey was on hiatus last year after the University where the festival is held rented their venue to another organization on the festival weekend. But that got straightened out and this year it was back as strong as ever. Charlotte Dickison, who is 94 years old this year, has been involved in it for 28 years and has been running it for 25. This was her last year as Festival Director. She is handing the reins over to Karla West, who has graciously agreed to take on the task. Karla hails from Kalispell, Montana, and used to run a festival there. We met her on both of the jazz jam cruises we have been on.
The festival venue sports four locations. One is a large gymnasium which also houses the bar, the food venues, and the festival vendors. Our friend Maurice, from Glass Slipper, was there, he is looking forward to attending Jubilee again this fall. This room boasts two large dance floors that were well used. This hall can probably seat at least a lot of people, including the permanent bleachers in the back of it.
There is a conference room in the same building as the gymnasium. The third room is in the Student Union, which is very intimate.
