Rainbow Person

With a day of unbelievable jazz talent and literally hundreds of stage shots, close-ups and people photos, I had to post this one.

Today we were entertained by Naomi Shelton & the Gospel Queens, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Band (unbelievable), Delbert McClinton Band, Billy Childs Quartet & the Kronos Quartet, Dianne Reeves (Queen of jazz), and the Chick Corea Freedom band which included: Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride, and Roy Haynes (masters of jazz). Quite a show. Sunday is even more amazing!

This guy is one of the "Rainbow People," which has included participants that have come for 50 plus years. The idea is sort of like New Orleans Mardi-Gras; everyone dresses up in costume and dances, sings, plays tambourines and other small instruments while making a colorful human caterpillar throughout the concert and the crowd. They are known by many. Some are quite elderly.

This year, this guy was the only one that showed. When I asked him where everyone else was, he just said "It's the economy, man." I think he was expecting to see at least a few others, but no one else showed up. Sort of sad, but maybe they'll get it together again for next year.

Usually, there are very few if any tickets for the main arena. The organizers actually ask for another address and name for your seat tickets in the case you want to give them to another member of your family. This year, there were plenty of seats open and lots for sale at the box office.

Still, great jazz, wonderful people, great food and fun things to do. Monterey is tops and if you ever get a chance to go, I highly recommend it.

Cheers!