battle royal

It's only March, but it's not too soon to start planning summer trips. If you haven't yet been to the Iowa City Jazz Festival (Iowa City, IA) I urge you to make a note to attend! This year the festival will be on July 1-3.

This is one of the best jazz festivals around. First of all, it's free. Second, top names in today's jazz scene are featured--in the past few years headliners have included Christian McBride, the Yellowjackets, Patricia Barber, John Pizzarelli, Roy Haynes, Joey DeFrancesco, Joe Levano, Greg Osby, Charlie Hunter, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and many other fabulous musicians. (You can see them all for free.) Third, it's held outside on the streets of downtown Iowa City, a wonderful combination of independent shops, bars, and restaurants mixed with a casual college vibe (Univ. of Iowa). Did I mention it's free?

The lineup this year looks good, as always. Kenny Garrett will be the headliner Saturday night and Conrad Herwig takes the stage on Sunday. Lots of other great performers will be featured throughout the weekend. Check out the schedule for more info.

Until next time....