With day two starting early, there are interviews set with Motema artists Rufus Reid and Roni-Ben Hur. Vocalist Holli Ross and I are trying to meet up for a chat. Nashville saxophonist Rahsaan Barber will be playing early this morning so that is ground zero for me.
The "Jen" Convention is set to bring anywhere from three to five thousand visitors to Louisville Kentucky and in a city that has economically flat lined long before the economy tanked, this is much needed revenue! Toss in the so called "Jazz is dead" factor and this is big news for a genre long since left for dead by many. The moral of the story here is never confuse your own career with the genre as a whole.
The logistical issues have all been ironed out with the hard work of some incredibly dedicated volunteers and not to forget the staff of the Galt House Hotel where the event is held. While Motema Records is bending over backwards to "hook me up" with some private time with their artists, the exhibit area alone is well worth the afternoon and may take that long to simply see everything!
Optimism for day two and hopefully a chance to see more friends!
