Monday, June 21, 2010

And All That Jazz...!

Every once in a while I get lucky, and today I got  really, really lucky. Oh, no, no, no -- I know what you're thinking. Not that lucky... but I did get lucky.

On Friday, June 25th, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival starts, and usually I am not able to get a ticket to anything I really want to hear.  Today my luck changed.  This weekend is my friend Lulu's birthday, and I had been planning to get tickets to George Benson, one of her favorite musicians -- and mine too -- featured at this year's jazz festival. Unfortunately, I dilly-dallied, and all the good tickets were sold out.

But wait ... today at noon Ticketmaster released some of the best seats in the house, and guess who managed to snag two of them just as they were released. Just guess.  When I told Lulu about the tickets, she was so thrilled, she offered to treat me to dinner beforehand.  Now I tell you, that's really lucky.

Vancouver's Jazz Festival has become a world-renowned event.  According to Vancouver Coastal Jazz, "The festival will feature over 1800 musicians from Canada and around the world performing at over 40 venues citywide. There will be approximately 150 free concerts including Gastown Jazz on opening weekend (June 26-27), Canada Day on Granville Island, and the Jazz at the Roundhouse; and the David Lam Park free concert extravaganza on closing weekend (July 3-4).".

Paul Barros of the Seattle Times says, "If this isn't the best jazz festival in the world, please send us tickets to a better one." Well, I don't know about that, but it is wonderful, and even more so this year because I have great tickets.

Here's George Benson playing my favorite -- "Affirmation" recorded live at the North Sea Jazz Festival two years ago. Be sure to turn the sound up -- way up.

21 comments:

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Good for you!! I hope you have a great time.

DJan said...

I listened to this and thought about you this weekend with Lulu having a great time! Wonderful news, and happy summer, Jo!

kenju said...

I am trying hard not to be jealous, but I'm losing the battle!! ENJOY!

heartinsanfrancisco said...

Good job! Sometimes luck smiles. I am anticipating a wonderful evening for you, and can't wait to hear about it! I like George Benson, too.

Meggie said...

Lucky you!
I did enjoy that, even though I am not really a jazz fan.(I know, wash my mouth out with soap!)
I am soo with you about the grubby beard look- ugh, it is quite revolting.
I wish I had had my father in my life... sigh.

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

Although I have never been to it, Cape Town hosts an international Jazz Festival every year as well. I just don't think they get the kind of names you do over there.

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

Once again this grey squirrel is green with envy but will grudgingly wish you to have a great time swinging to the hip sounds of jazz.

Russell said...

Saturday night. In Vancouver. Going out to eat. Going to see a famous Jazz musican. Being with a good friend.

Doesn't get any better than that!

That IS getting lucky!!

Katy said...

Awesome! Great jazz and great friends. That's the stuff a good life is made of.

Laurie said...

I love George Benson...have a great time!!

Donnetta said...

Have fun fun fun. We are jazz lovers, too. And we like Mr. Benson. D

The Bug said...

I love George Benson! We have his Breezin' CD, which has Affirmation on it. Hope you have a FABULOUS time!

Jennifer D said...

Have fun you Lucky Girl!

TC said...

ENJOY!! and congratulations!

Nancy said...

I love George Benson! Have a great time!

ivan said...

I must say that George Benson satisfies my craving for New Orleans jazz--the best. But each player is expected to play what he feels. What he feels today.
Oh, has jazz come a long way from the clubs and churces of New Orleans! Artistry overcomes!

Sam Liu said...

I am an eternal lover of jazz and oh how I would simply love to go to the Vancouver International Jazz Festival one day. How lucky you are! I'm really happy for you, if not a little jealous :D

Rosaria Williams said...

Lucky girls! Lovely.

Carl said...

Enjoy. It should be great!

Paula Slade said...

Jo, you are LUCKY! Great music. Have a marvelous time.

Kathryn said...

I hate to admit it, but the only George Benson i know is from the Sesame Street album, "A Friend for All Seasons."