JSO Clubscene

The Portland Jazz Festival, 2007
A View from the Life of a PJF Volunteer

I just completed a weekend of volunteering for the Portland Jazz Festival. It is another reality that I love. Being oriented downtown, having personal contact with amazing musicians, and feeling like I'm part of the jazz community, seeing old friends, being helpful, it is all great. I took Thursday and Friday off work, so Thursday is when it started for me. I dedicated that day to helping drive musicians from the airport.

THURSDAY (Feb. 15th)

I got to the Residence Inn (by the waterfront downtown) by 8:30 am. I then went with Jon Taylor and Brad Nelson (this year and last year's heads of ground transportation), to pick up rental vehicles to use for transporting musicians and others coming for the jazz festival. We made two trips. Both times I drove Ford 15 passenger vans, my first time! It was fun, I was happy to be able to do it.

Then we went back to the Residence Inn where I met up with my friend Diana. Our planned schedule changed a lot because of troubles with flights. Apparently Delta cancelled some flights related to their reorganization. And weather caused other big problems. Poor Jon had lots of headaches about changed plans. One musician we were going to drive, Maurice Brown, couldn't get to Portland but got to Seattle instead, and a friend drove him down. Also, we were supposed to give rides to a couple who won a prize of a trip here for the jazz festival. They were stuck in Denver but were able to arrive later.

The first job we had was to pick up two jazz writers, coming in 40 minutes apart. It was decided that Diana would ride to the airport with a guy named Jeff. She would find the first one, Josef Woodard, and send him on his way with Jeff. I would come a little later. She would find the second one, Neil Tesser, and get him to my vehicle and ride back with us. It was stressful for her, because she found Mr. Woodard, but his luggage was really, really slow coming out. She went to find Mr. Tesser, and the boards said his flight arrived on time. But there was no one at the carousel where the luggage came out, so she thought she missed him, and was distressed about that. She got Mr. Woodard on his way with Jeff. Then she discovered Mr. Tesser's flight actually came in late, and she found him. With just a little comic scrambling, they found my vehicle and we were all set to head back. He was just delightful, talking with us all the way to his hotel.

That whole thing, especially thinking we lost a jazz writer, was a little stressful so we were glad to have a break, hanging out at the Residence Inn. Then later in the afternoon we headed to the airport in a sedan to pick up the vibraphonist, Gary Burton. His flight was coming in at 4:45. Taking back roads to avoid rush hour traffic, we got to the airport just a little after that. I dropped off Diana and she ran into him almost immediately. They had to wait for his luggage, which included his vibraphone set. I was surprised he travels with it, it is very bulky and heavy. There was still rush hour traffic, so it took awhile to get to his hotel. I started feeling like a real taxi driver, at times smoothly weaving through traffic to get where we needed to go. He was on the Berklee faculty for 33 years, so I told him about my son going to school there. He was really, really, really nice, just like we had heard.

After the stress of rush hour driving, Diana and I were ready for another break. We had dinner at Stanfords. It felt so good to be in a quiet place after all the hubbub. Then we had fun talking to people in the ground transportation room at the Residence Inn, especially a young man named Laurent who was helping with the driving. He is from Belgium and has a charming accent. He is only 28, and is getting married in April. He got online to check responses to their wedding invitation. He said he has a weakness for shoes, that he has 20 pairs. Then we found out that several of those are part of his Marine uniform. He is in the reserves. All these facts thrown together make for quite an unusual person, I thought. We had fun hearing about his shoes.

Diana and I were having so much fun anticipating pick up the Norwegians - i.e. Trygve Seim and his 10 person ensemble. We were all ready with the lists of which ones were going in which vans, and which hotels they were headed to. They were supposed to come in at 7:03, then 8:00, then 9:00. Then 10:15. So Jon, without asking us, made arrangements for other people to do the pick up because he thought we had put in enough time already for today. I had mixed feelings about that. He was right, it would have been very late before I'd get home. But we really wanted to meet them. I'm still sorry we didn't get to pick them up. But at the same time I was glad to get home. It was probably a good call Jon made, it is not good to have tired drivers on the road.

FRIDAY (Feb. 16th)

I slept at home Thursday night and then headed downtown Friday morning. I started out at the pdxjazz office, then went to the tent at Pioneer Courthouse Square where my information table was to be set up for the whole weekend. It was a very drizzly morning and the bricks under our feet were wet. One volunteer said her pants got wet up to the knee, from water wicking up from the ground. But it was a minor detail for me (my pants didn't get wet). My friend Roger came and was really helpful with setting up the Information Table as well as the rest of the tent, with setting up chairs and doing anything else that looked like it needed to be done. He had a Starbucks card and got us both treat-coffee.

The music was provided with various high school combos assigned by Ben and Michelle Medler, leaders of the Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra. The first one was lead by a trombonist, Ben Tabbal, who goes to Geroge Fox College, that I had seen at LV's last time I was there. He was a very nice kid and very good player. The music was really impressive. I knew other of the kids in the group, so it was fun for me to see them play. While volunteers were on duty I got checked into my room at the Residence Inn.

My pastor and his wife were the next volunteers. They arrived not long after the music stopped, and there wasn't much at all going on during their shift. I headed over to PSU to get in on a little of one of the "jazz dialogues". My sister Pam Jones was responsible for volunteers related to the Education Events for the jazz festival. It was really interesting to learn more about ECM records. They provide support for musicians to really develop in creative directions, NOT focused on marketability or marketing. The marketing is done by jazz writers and fans and word of mouth. The next event there was an interview with Trygve Seim, the leader of his own group. (the famous Norwegians). He is an ECM artist, definitely heading in uncharted territory with unusual instruments and compositions. Pam was sitting by me when Bill Royston came up and said "Trygve is wandering the halls of the building." Implying he was unattended and lost. Pam jumped up and went to find him. She was successful. I stayed long enough to hear a few words, and then headed back to my tent.

I was quite amused that my pastor, bored inside the tent, had taken festival schedules and was passing them out on the square enthusiastically pushing the festival to passers by. He had pastor-conviction in his voice, and that made me smile.

After they left, my friends Ani and Nancy showed up. At that point we were told to take down the Information Table to make way for the VIP private event (for festival sponsors). This was a surprise, I thought the information table was staying up for the event. But it turned out fine. We whisked our materials into boxes and stashed them under the banquet table. Folded up the table and moved it back to storage. Ani and Brenda got different jobs - watching the entrances to the tent to keep people out, and at the same time passed out schedules and told people about the festival. They got to eat the good food, too. All the guests were given "credentials", sort of like ID cards on cords to hang around their necks. There were blue cord and red cords, which was random. Nancy was very amused at them trying to figure out what the rational was behind who got the blue ones and who got the red ones.

I got a bite to eat at the "commissary" in the basement of the church where some music events were being held. They set that up for musicians and volunteers. Then I headed to the Chick Corea/Gary Burton concert. I helped direct traffic coming in the door beforehand. I felt joyous looking at all the people all dressed up and excited about seeing this very special occasion. Then I took a seat with a generous friend who had an extra ticket. It was amazing. I was so impressed especially with Gary Burton on vibes. This was for his technical expertise as well as his complex jazz ideas that were beautiful and interesting. The two of them got together originally 35 years ago by accident. They were the only two to show up for a jam at a festival in Munich. The ECM founder was there and suggested they record. A piano-vibes duo is a very unlikely idea, but they have played together ever since. (not exclusively, but continually). Lovely, soothing music even if you don't follow the jazz ideas.

The next thing I needed to do was stop in at a performance by the fantastic PDXV, at the Paramount, give the leader of the group a check, and bring back a signed W-9 form. That was very easy. I ran into friends and chatted with them for a few minutes. As another event let out people poured into the Paramount, for more good energy. After that I went to the Residence Inn and killed a little time until it was time to head to the airport to pick up Dave Douglas.

I picked up Margaret Slovak who was going to be my runner. She knew Dave Douglas from the time that she lived in New York and working as a guitarist heading her own jazz combo. Then we attempted to connect with Jon, the head of transportation. I knocked on his door, and called his cell phone and could hear it ring in his room, but no answer. The poor guy was in a dead sleep because of being up half the night picking up the Norwegians and other late arrivals. What we needed was the keys to a vehicle, and any materials that we were to give to Dave Douglas. I was also hoping to get better flight information, because what I had was a non-existent airport he was coming from (SFX) and non-existent flight number. I waited until the last minute before giving up. I decided it was probably SFO (San Francisco) and based on the time, made a guess about the correct flight number. We drove in my little Ford Focus.

Because of the uncertainties, instead of doing the runner technique, we parked in short term parking and went in together. We stood at the bottom of the escalator, watching everyone come down. It had been 10 years since Margaret had seen Dave, so we were looking at everyone to see if they were carrying a trumpet case just in case she didn't immediately recognize him.

Margaret and Dave recognized each other right away, and he asked "What are you doing here?" We explained that we were there to give him a ride. And that I requested it because my son Nick Sweet had played with him recently at Berklee. I was so glad he said enthusiastically "He's a good player". He and Margaret talked about a lot of people and places and music, history that they share. She gave him carrot cake. Then he asked me how old Nick is. I told him, and he said "Wow", as if he realized that Nick is young to be as good as he is. I told him about Nick being inspired by him when he performed here, and Dave remarked how you might make a difference to someone and then not know it until years later. Dave wants Nick to go to his 3 week summer program in Banff.

All in all it was a warm, wonderful experience. (felt like a little love fest) I was exhausted before heading to pick him up, but energized afterwards. We dropped him off about 1:00 am, and I didn't get to sleep until close to 2:00 am. I set my alarm for 6:00 am for the 7:00 am meeting.

SATURDAY (Feb. 17th)

At the 7:00 am meeting we reviewed how everything went the first day. We discussed problems and also shared our happy experiences. From there I went home to feed my cat, and get band aids for the blister on my toe from walking downtown in shoes not designed for a lot of walking. Then I went back downtown to the tent at Pioneer Courthouse Square where my Information Table was. I met up with a band mom, Carol, who volunteered to work there that morning. We had lots to talk about, so that was fun. I ran out and got my box lunch (from the church where the pdx jazz commissary was). There were two different student bands playing, and I knew some of the kids, and enjoyed the music. Many people came up and said "I can't believe they are high school kids!".

After Carol, my volunteers were my friend Susan and her friend Joyce who I took a volkswalk with once. The sun was shining, the tent was packed to overflowing, and everyone loved the students' music. I got Susan and Joyce oriented and then I left the tent for the day. That was nice. I went back to my room and got a 15 minute nap which made all the difference. I managed to go to 3 concerts that day and evening!

First - Trygve Seim's ensemble. Ani and I sat together. We got in with our volunteer badges but got terrific seats. This was my favorite concert of the jazz festival. The music was so interesting. It created moods. At one point I felt very emotional - I looked over and Ani had tears in her eyes. When we talked afterwards we found that we had a lot of the same reactions to the music, and we appreciated that we shared it. It occurred to both of us that we were glad we could watch it, because if we were listening to a CD we would not have been able to identify the musical instruments. There was a bass saxophone, a tuba, trombone, trumpet, saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet, bassoon and a bigger bassoon, cello, drums, accordion. Many of them did a lot of circular breathing, that is breathing in at the same time they were blowing out music. So they could hold a note on and on and on and on. And on. The trumpet player could play very soft notes, and high sweet notes. We both noticed him unselfconsciously moving to the music during one particular part where he was not playing. It added to our feeling about the flow of the music. We both also really liked the drummer, he played drums sometimes in a really soft way that was unusual. This was held in the church, and we both thought that it was appropriate because it seemed very spiritual.

I got a bite to eat in the commissary and had a chance to chat with some of the Norwegian musicians. They all spoke very good English and were very friendly. The bassoon player said that practicing circular breathing is very boring. But my impression is the results are powerful.

From there I went to the Don Byron concert. It was such an opposite mood. He plays many different styles, but this concert was funky music. They got everyone clapping to the music and even standing and dancing in place. It was fun. There was an excellent drummer, Will Calhoun. He was really going at it, and a piece of his drumstick flew off into the air. He kept playing and the crowd went wild.

From there I went to the Dave Douglas concert. I sat with Susan and Joyce, just happened to run into them in line for volunteer tickets. Dave Douglas is known for being an avant garde jazz musician. But as Bill Royston said, after the previous two concerts he seemed very normal. His music is quite sophisticated. Something that REALLY touched me - his second song was an invocation to somehow end the war in Iraq. He made a little statement about it, not saying how it should be ended, but just being very sorrowful for all the bloodshed and wanting it to end. That was really moving. I particularly appreciated it, because sometimes I feel it doesn't seem right for us to go about our lives as if we are not at war. It just seemed very appropriate to bring up a reminder about it, then an invocation, and then go on with the music. He is an exceptional person.

After that I went back to the Residence Inn. I got into my wonderful bed there, and wanted to stay awake and savor the moment of my last night there, with one more day of jazz to come. I knew it would be over soon. Sigh.

SUNDAY (Feb. 18th)

I got up, like the day before, for the 7:00 am meeting. That was a meeting of basking in how well everything was going. No huge problems. Jenn mentioned that Trygve Seim asked where he could buy a suitcase to bring home books that he had bought at Powells. She talked with him about the possibility of getting them shipped. It occurred to me immediately that I had an extra suitcase that might not ever get used again by me. So I offered it, and after a phone call at a more appropriate hour, Trygve said he would be very appreciative.

From there I went home to feed the cat and pick up the suitcase. I wrote a note with it expressing appreciation for the music. I left the suitcase and note at the Benson Hotel. It made me feel SO good to give something to this amazing musician.

Then I went to the Residence Inn to gather up my things and check out. I put everything in the trunk and parked my car on the street. On Sundays it is free to park on the street in downtown Portland. I walked to the tent and met up with my friends Aase and Linda. It was fun to talk with them. Once again the musical group included kids that I know and some of their parents were there. I enjoyed seeing them. I didn't really have anywhere else I needed to be, so I hung out there quite a while. I got acquainted with the young woman named Tina who was taking care of the pdx jazz merchandise table. I found out that she has lived in Portland for just a few months, moving from Sacramento. She likes the rain here. She is doing lots of volunteer work to get plugged into the community. She said that is paying off because she got a temporary job offer with the library foundation. She had a stylish look, and maybe that is why I was surprised to find out that she back packed through India by herself for 4 months. She said she enjoyed the food there. I asked her more about that and she said she tried food from street vendors and low priced restaurants as well as higher priced restaurants and found it was just as good from the low priced places as the higher priced ones. That amazes me she was so adventurous. I felt sorry that she signed up to work so many hours that she didn't get to any concerts. I talked with her about the various venues in town to hear music.

My next shift of volunteers was Tami Gebhardt (Berklee graduate - pianist and vocalist) and Amy Milstead (mother of the ACMA saxophone player they call "Big Daddy"). Their shift didn't last too long because the music was over a half hour into their shift, and the tent got really cold because they ran out of propane for the heater. At the point I told them to feel free to go, I headed to the Marriott on Front Ave for a concert. Tami said she would stay and keep Tina company for a bit. Tami told me that Tina was shivering, she hadn't brought a coat, so Tami went and got her some warm food. I love my volunteers – they were all wonderful.

I arrived at the Marriott thinking the concert would be half over, but they hadn't let the volunteers in yet because of a mix up on some duplicate tickets that were sold. My sister Pam was standing there with her friend Gail from the JSO board. It was so nice to stand and warm up and talk with them. Gail is very warm and easy to talk to. My timing was good because I missed hearing the man who was angry about the ticket mix up. Brad Nelson was as cool as can be about handling and fixing the problems. We got into the concert within 10 minutes of my arrival. Something fun for me, Devin Phillips' cousin Abraham talked with us during the break. I also I ran into my friends Chris and Katie for the third time that weekend. There were down from where they live in Anacortes. We got hugs from Al Harris. It feels like we're really in a jazz community.

From there, Pam drove Abraham, Gail and me to the Hilton for the next concert. That was so nice to have a ride. This concert was Devin Phillips and the New Orleans Straight Ahead group. I wasn't sure I would go, because this is one I would need to buy a ticket for. And I've seen that group a lot. But since Pam and other friends were going, I got more in the mood for it, so I bought my ticket. I'm SO GLAD I did. We got great seats in the front row. Other friends joined us. Abraham sat with us and I enjoyed talking with him about Devin and his family. Before the concert started Pam and I each got a glass of wine. It felt so good to both of us to be done with our big responsibilities, so we were ready to celebrate. Bill Royston saw us with our glasses of wine and nodded that it was time to celebrate.

I missed seeing Maurice Brown at Jimmy Mak's and Goodfoot, so I was thrilled to see that he was going to play with Devin's group. Earlier I thought that Trygve Seim was my favorite concert, but this one turned out to be right up there at that favorite level. The musicianship was fantastic. Andrew Oliver, the pianist, is so young and just bowls me over with his expertise and musical inspiration. Devin introduced him as one of the best piano players in the country, and that is not an exaggeration. And Maurice. Oh my gosh. There was one point where he played, using circular breathing, one note going on and on and on, getting softer softer softer softer, he kept holding it, longer, still soft, and then he blasted out with new loud, exciting musical phrases without taking a breath. The audience was screaming with appreciation.

My favorite KMHD dj is Deborah who is from New Orleans, and she is Devin's manager. She had a video produced of them playing "Wade in the Water" which has a lot of meaning because of Katrina. The arrangement is in a minor key, which communicates a sadness about it. At the end the video shows each of the musicians with text on their connection to New Orleans. Also a quote from each on the meaning of that song to them. It was very touching. We found out that this video is available on Devin's CD, and you can see it if you play it on your computer. After the video was a rousing set that left everyone happy.

Afterwards we chatted with various friends as we slowly wandered out, reluctant for the weekend to be over. I walked out with Heather, the wonder girl who cheerfully drove things around town and did a lot of heavy lifting for long hours all weekend. Always positive. Her answer is 'yes' before she even knows the question. She was moving a hand truck with four ice chests which was one of two loads which would be her last for the day. Jenn said she was going to be referred to as "Little Hercules". She was a trooper, a champion, an inspiration to us all.

Walked back to my car, came home, slept, and have reentered my other life again. I'm consoled by the fact I can look forward to pdx jazz 2008.

Sydney Kennedy, guest writer