My friend J.D. Pleasant, the documentary producer, videographer and community activist, had a brilliant inspiration after this morning's Council on Aging candidates' forum: a St. Augustine Jazz/Music Festival. Why not?
Newport, Rhode Island, Jacksonville, Florida and other cities already have Jazz Festivals.
It has been reported that St. Augustine has more retired jazz musicians per capita than any other place in America.
St. Augustine needs its own St. Augustine Jazz Festival (perhaps also featuring some stages for classical, reggae and country music for those who might prefer a change of pace -- variety is the spice of life, whether jazz, bluegrass, Charpentier or Mozart).
To show our City's appreciation for working people -- and to underline our desire to protect worker rights and help working people live where they work -- why not make our St. Augustine Jazz Festival correspond with Labor Day Weekend, targeting the first St, Augustine Jazz Festival for Labor Day 2007?
Proceeds from advertising would help make St. Augustine more liveable for everyone, perhaps benefitting the Habitat for Humanity.
We could have multiple venues across town, from the Amphitheatre to the Plaza de la Constitucion (a/k/a Slave Market Square). We could have a big revival-style tent on top of the new parking garage and another stage at the Special Events Field. Flagler College could volunteer its auditorium. Restaurants and bars could join in the fun, hosting jazz musicians to play in their indoor and outdoor venues.
Our City can build on its strengths, build community and grow a national reputation as a force for good and a fun place to visit for music.
Our City Manager, WILLIAM B. HARRISS, gave our City a black eye by working to eject the musicians, artists and entertainers from St. George Street. What better way to empower this vibrant community than by commencing a jazz festival and doing it every Labor Day Weekend.
Let freedom ring.
Let's do it.
What do you think?
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