Jazz fest entertains nearly 3,000 people

By Megan Finnerty
Features Editor

The cicadas were almost as loud as the bands Saturday night in Riehle Plaza as the rainy day gave way to a balmy, breezy evening — perfect for the Riverfront Jazz and Blues Festival.

The sixth annual fund-raising event featured seven area bands and drew nearly 3,000 people.

The festival raises money for the Hanna Community Center, the Greater Lafayette Volunteer Bureau and the Downtown Business Center, all of which are local non-profits that benefit the community.

Coordinator Harry Brown said the festival usually draws crowds of serious music fans.

"We get people who might not come to other downtown events, but they come here for the music," he said.

It was obvious that the crowds were at the festival for the music — almost every seat in front of both stages was full during every show. The tables in front of the nine restaurant booths were sparsely filled as fans preferred to grab their beers, ice cream cones and sandwiches and go.

Va'Linda McBride, who was manning the volunteer booth for the Hannah Community Center, said she was thrilled about the weather clearing, but she was more excited about the community's response to the night's two headlining bands, the Tony Zamora Jazz Ensemble and the Clayton Miller Blues Band.

"We have great regional bands this year," she said. "They're very talented; everybody recognizes them." Crowd-favorite Heptet, a jazz ensemble from Cleveland, played under the shadow of a black fire escape as the violinist played his electric violin with the swagger and punch of a rock guitarist.

Breastplate-vibrating bass echoed off downtown buildings and parking lot asphalt as the enthusiastic crowd applauded and whistled.

Throughout the night, many songs were familiar, but even classics were infused with new solos and creative impromptu jams.

Elaine and Ernie Todd, area residents, said they've come to every festival and are always excited to see the ensemble.

"Last year wasn't quite as good because there were more progressive bands and we're not really progressive fans," Elaine said. "But we keep coming back hoping to hear some more smooth jazz."

"And Tony can certainly play that," Ernie said.

Zamora and his band are the only ones that have played every year of the festival and Elaine said he's been her favorite over the years.

Suddenly, the area surrounding Zamora's stage was filled — neo hippies sprawled on the lawn, families picnicked near by.

Couples snuggled in the chairs as small children ran between the rows of seats, playing with blow up aliens much taller than they.

But when the ensemble let the first low, smooth note fill the air, all eyes turned to the turquoise-lit stage.

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Features editor:
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