What’s Going On?

The Fillmore Jazz Festival is one of the most entertaining festivals in San Francisco. For many years, the festival is enjoyed by many and 2009 has been no different in terms of popularity. The diversity in types of jazz gives attenders so much freedom in selecting a particular style of jazz to listen to. Jazz encompasses a wide variety that I feel no one would be disappointed attending.

The Fillmore Jazz Festival located on Fillmore between Jackson Street and Eddy Street receives thousands of visitors from all over the Bay Area, States, and the world. The 12 block festival provided a wide array of things to do. Activities at the festival included eating of diverse ethnic foods, a farmers market (Saturday only), various informational booths, shoes and clothes shopping, Michael Jackson memorabilia, 4th of July trinkets, art (paintings and photography), carnival rides, a small animal farm, horse and mule roundabout, a swing dance floor, hip hop DJs, and three jazz grandstands. Other surrounding merchants also allowed visitors to shop in their stores, restaurants, and bars for a fun weekend with friends and family.

One band that returns every year that I cannot help, but to enjoy is Groove8 (formerly known as Audioform) from North Carolina. This year like every year in the past they have performed in front of the Marcus Bookstore and crowds gather by the truck load. Bringing a cool funk groove, Groove8 has captured me 100%. With now 8 members, Groove8 has a great horn line (sax, trombone, trumpet), keys, drums, congas, bass guitar, and electric guitar. One thing that I love about this band is that every time I hear them, I get reminiscent of years past when Kool and the Gang, the Doobie Brothers, and Chicago were on the radio. My hopes is that in future years they will be large and in charge taking upon the grandstand. Currently, most of the bands that play on the grandstands are local groups and are booked almost every year as well. Next year, I hope that thousands would hear this group and bring a funk revival back to the States.

Following a day at the Fillmore Jazz Festival, I got to see a great display of fireworks at San Francisco’s northern waterfront. There were two fireworks display areas located at Pier 39 and at Aquatic Park. Thousands of people lined the streets and public spaces of the surrounding area. This year I decided to change up the location of where I saw the fireworks. I found parking on the western end of the area and so I ended up finding a great secluded spot between Aquatic Park and Fort Mason.

As I set up my camera, I met a couple of people who kept me company while I waited about an hour before the show started. Later on a friend of mine brought her entourage of friends and we all enjoyed the wonderful spectacular show. With red, white, and blue filling the night sky, the fireworks brought out the child in me. I love fireworks and I don’t know what it is about them, but they seem to keep me in this hypnotic state of being.

I enjoy fireworks almost every time there is a show, but the only times that I hate the shows are when the fog rolls into the bay and just hides them. It makes going down to the wharf a nightmare and definitely not worth the trip. Traffic jams are not my thing and having to walk miles back to your car or other destination is just not what I have in mind for a good time. Catching the bus or a cab is practically impossible. If you do happen to catch a cab or a bus, don’t forget to bring a lot of patience with you. Sitting in a cab in traffic could easily run up the tab. Hopping on a bus could easily be like sitting in a humid oven. In fact, the fastest mode of transportation would be to either walk or ride a bike.

Nevertheless, as the 4th of July has come and gone I have a great respect for what this country has done for my liberties. Yes, there are times when I take things for granted, but when I look back at things I always am thankful and grateful for what people do to give us the freedoms that we can enjoy everyday. As for next year’s celebration, get to the area early if you want to get a good spot. Bring some food and drink, games, and friends for a great celebration. And if the fog rolls in be sure to bring something warm to wrap yourselves in. God Bless America.