Although the focus is primarily on jazz music, The Monterey Jazz Festival is also one of the greatest contributors to jazz education programs for the youth. Nearly half a million dollars is invested every year for programs like the Traveling Clinicians program, Summer Jazz Camp, The Latin Jazz Program, and the Monterey Jazz Festival High School Honor Band. With sponsors like MCI, Starbucks, See's Candies, Down Beat, Tower Records and more, this is a festival that will always have world class music and really make a musical difference in the future of our children.

Well, you would think that after being at the jazz festival all day long, that everyone would go back to their hotels, motels, bed and breakfast places or wherever they go to lay their heads down and rest up for tomorrows adventures. NOT A CHANCE!

The Hyatt Hotel in Monterey has a tradition of holding late night jam sessions where many of the major acts from the festival mix with the general jazz public for impromptu musical collaborations, drinks, conversation, and a damn good time. You never know who will get up and blow their horn! One of the things that really make the hang at the Hyatt special is that it is a time when musicians, who are so busy with their tour schedules, get a chance to hang out with players and old friends that they may have not seen in years. It is also a time when young and upcoming players new to the game, get a chance to meet and possibly play a tune or two with some of their musical inspirations. It is the jazz A-list party and everyone is invited!

I have been in attendance for several years now and I have always come away with a pleasurable musical experience and a few surprises as well. I would also like to give much love to the staff at Monterey. Paul Fingerote, Tim Jackson, Shawn, Jan, Zorina and everyone that works in the office does such a superb job to make sure that you indulge in quality music and have a safe and pleasurable experience. If you missed it this time, I'm sure that next year's festival will be of an even higher caliber!

One quick note for those of you who live in the Monterey area,

LeRoy Downs, "The Jazzcat", will be a special guest host on your favorite local jazz station

KRML 1410am
Saturday September 25, 2004 at 1:30pm!!!!!

Mike Jacoby of KRML has invited me on to talk about jazz music and of course, "Raising the Standards", and you know that we have to do that!

Hope you can tune in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LeRoy Downs
Click here for lots of great photos