The Big Spider Back Jazz Festival?!

“Mommy, the Bix Beiderbecke jazz festival is coming up soon. . . can we go, please?” I pleaded with my fingers crossed. I had heard about this event for over a year, and it had particularly intrigued me because of my great interest in Bix Beiderbecke’s music and hometown. So, when July of 2023 rolled in, I grew antsy. The desperation increased as I got updated that my favorite musicians were coming too, and never in my life had I heard live traditional jazz before. “Big Spider Back Jazz Festival?” Mum responded in perplexion. “Oh, yes! And it is held in Davenport, Iowa, by the way.” “When is it?” “August 3, 4, 5!” I rejoiced with hope, so I began listing all the little museums and activities around the Quad Cities in case one of our future “crew member” prospect might not be so enthused in three days of hot jazz. However, a long series of days dragged by, and Mum and I never seriously conversed about this. It was only until July began inching towards the bottom of the calendar when Mum asked: “Okay, so the Big Spider Back Jazz Festival is soon in early August? Did you get the information on ticketing?” “Yes, I did. I also phoned the Bix Society and emailed some questions on the festival info.” I confirmed. “Okay, let’s leave—tomorrow, I guess. Go ask your siblings if they want to go.” I raced through our house and began knocking every