DownBeat March 1995 [antikvár]

TIC BEAT MARCH 1995 Jazz Fests: Big Draws For 1995 by Dan Oueilette If 1994 is any indication of how festivals will fare this year, expect bigger crowds, greater prestige within the community, and more adventurous programming (check out our 1995 Summer Jazz Festival Guide, starting on page 29). Whether the events are open-air weekend bashes or sit-down affairs stretching over the course of several days, the consensus among their producers is that jazz festivals are, for the moment at least, healthy and fit. "From my reading, business has never been better." says George Wein, whose New York-based Festival Productions is involved with programming more than 30 different events worldwide each year. "Jazz makes for a good image, so cities are more willing lo support and even subsidize festivals. Plus, people realize they're an entertainment bargain. At Newport (Rhode Island], a full day's worth of music costs less than one rock concert." Randall Kline, whose 12th-annual San Francisco Jazz Festival enjoyed substantial commercial success last fall, agrees. "Jazz has always gone through its ebbs and flows in popularity. Today, jazz definitely talks, especially with the younger generation looking to experience a passionate music." Kline's nearly thrcc-wcck-long jazz party takes place on a nightly basis primarily in clubs and concert halls. "1 find the best way to appreciate the music is in a controlled environment. We like presenting one-of-a-kind shows and premieres." Tim Jackson, general manager of the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival, also points to the impact of crcalivc programming. "Jazz festivals crcatc a big s|)lash because that's where artists are being given the chance to do something new and different. Customers really do sit u|) and lake notice." llial was true in Mimtreal last stinuner when record-breaking crowds altended the city's ambitious 11-day festival. Co-i(»un(ler and vice president Andre Menard attributes that to good weather and a pri)veti track record of l.") years' worth of DOWNBEAT Events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival are expected to draw Increasingly large crowds in 1995. original programming. "Credibility takes time. We've found that our free outdoor shows have educated people about the music and encouraged them to take more risks in attending ticketed concerts." Menard also calls attention to the "festi-valization of culture" phenomenon. "Like it or not. people these days are more interested in events, which is why festivals have so much more clout than a single concert. There's increased media interest and sponsor dollars as a result." However, financing these grand celebrations of jazz is no easy task. Kiyoshi Koyama, former editor of Swing Journal and radio commentator for Japan's NHK radio network, reports that Japanese festivals are doing quite well despite the country's economic downswing. "Festivals have become firmly established as part of our cultural lifestyle. But sponsors aren't as (forthcoming]. Last summer, the Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival didn't announce its lineup because it didn't have sponsorship until the last minute." Tlie drying up of public funds also plays a critical role. City budget cuts took its toll on the free Chicago Jazz Festival, which during the '8()s saw its jazz showcase shrink frotn seven days to three. 'Hiis year, thanks in part to a grant from the MacArthur I'oundation. the festival returns to four days. "We're expanding instead of standing still." siiys Penny Tyler, chair of the festival and past president of the Jiizz Institute of Chicago, which pro gnuns the event, "lixcept for basic city services, we're running the festival eiUirely on corporate sponsorship. Financing remains an enortnous problem, but we've shown nur backers that j;u;z draws." DB DOWi\ BEAT March 1995 Volume 62-Nümber 3 PuailtHCH A»OCI*TK PUBklSHin: EOITORIAL OIHECTOK: MaNAOINQ EoITOR: Associate Eoitoh: Desion Production Manaoe r: ClRCULATIOM MANAOER: Circulation Assistant: Kevfn Maher Frank Alkyer Frank Alkyer John Ephland Ed Enright Betsy Bowron/Komerska Becky Williams Elaine Rizleris Ginger Giese President: Jack t^aher • • • Contributors Austin—Michael Poini Boston—Fred Bouchard. Prank-John Hadley Chicago—John Booz. Aaron Cohen, John Corbell. Jim OeJortg. Ron Heard. Dave Heilarxl Art Lange John Lilwoiler, John McOonough. Paul Natkin. Howard Reidi Detroit—Michael Nastos Los Angeles—Fred Shuster. Zan Stewart, Josef Woodard Miami—Jack Sohmer: New York—Robert Baranello. Larry Birnbaum. Ten Bloom. Larry Blumenfeid. Michael Bourne, Enid Färber. Eugene Holley Jr., Jim Macnie, Howard Mandel. Mitchell Seid^, Kevin While-head Ohio—Elaine Guregian New Orleans—Biii Milkowski North Carolina—Owen Cordle Philadeiphia— Jon Andrews. John Oihbeno. Russell Woessrter Portland-Kevin Ellsworth San Francisco—Stuart Brima Mchaei Handler. Dan Oueilette, Robm Tolleson Washington, D.C— GeoKrey Himes, Willard Jenkins. James T Jones IV. Bin Shoemaker Germany-Hyou Viel2 Oreat Britain—Bnar^ Prieslley, Chris Sheridan India—Vinod Advani. Niranjan Jhaveri Italy—Ruggero Stiassi Japan—Shoichi Yul Netherlands—Jaap Ludeke Norway—Randi Hulnn South Africa—Dor. Albert South America-Ma« Seligmann Sweden—I ars Lvstedt. • • • editch).:: , aoministratioh k atrvcrtisino orrices 102 N Haven Rd. Elmhurst, IL 60126-3379 (708) 941-2030 Fax: (708) 941-3210 AovERTistNo Sales Kevin Maher (708)941-2030 East Coast Advertisino Sales Bob Olesen 720 Greenwich St, New York. NY 10014 (212) 243-4786