Uptown Jazz & Blues Festival

Festivals.

I must confess that, as much as I absolutely love people and their stories and just generally being around friends, I am a true introvert. I also hate imposing things on others, like asking them to go somewhere with me they might not be interested in going. The latter issue placed me this past Saturday in a particularly problematic situation as an introvert.

Going alone to a festival.

In my endeavor to try out new things and truly experience Lafayette, I decided weeks ago that I would attend the Uptown Jazz and Blues Festival in Lafayette. But when the night came to wander off from my apartment alone to downtown with my camera, I was more than a little timorous. I almost convinced myself that I did not have to go, despite the fact that I love jazz music and had made this commitment.

Still, I went. It was a breathtaking evening for a walk. The sky was a mixture of pinks and purples and blazing gold. The fresh warm air renewed my resolve. And soon enough I could hear the music emanating from Fifth Street.

It cost me $20 and a bit of courage to get in, but it was worth it.

The space blocked off from Main to Columbia was lit up with colorful lights that, instead of seeming artificial and forced, added to the magic of an already lovely night.

There were many excellent performers that evening, but two in particular stayed with me. I am no music critic, but Condition Blue engaged me with their fast pace and energy. It was easy to see the joy that playing gave them. One of the group’s co-leaders, Randy Salman, is pictured below on saxophone as is Jeff Helgesen on trumpet.

Melvin Taylor & the Taylor Made Band were striking with the passion behind their sound, led, not surprisingly, by Melvin Taylor on guitar and vocals. The crowd was absolutely enthralled by this particular group. It took some effort to get near the stage.

As exceptional as the music was, it was the people that truly made the evening. I have only lived in Indiana for a couple of years, but its residents do not strike me in general as the type of people who dance often. But no one could sit still once the festival got underway. Some couples did swing dancing (which I was jealous of) while others just moved freely in groups off to the side of the stages. Even the people sitting down were moving. And I guess so was I.

Some wandered around with cameras, like me, or with friends or just enjoyed the music on their own. I was by no means uncomfortable or out of place.

I suppose this means that I do enjoy Lafayette festivals and that two Saturdays from now I will be attending either Global Fest or Mosey Down Main Street. If anyone wants to join me, all you have to do is ask!