Opinions Editor
As the blazing Bakersfield sun turned to cool, clear evenings on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11, the 27th annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival boomed throughout both nights, filling the air with robust trumpets, rhythmical saxophones and the underlying treble of bass guitars. Sporting a lineup that included both local talents and critically-acclaimed bands, the festival was an electrifying event that impressed many audience members in attendance.
“This event has exceeded my expectations,” said Carlos Cañez, a junior communications major. “In every way – from the food to the shows to the side shows – this event has exceeded my expectations in every way.”
Friday’s opening performance featured CSUB alumna Robin Bramlett. Alternating between sentimental and festive pieces, Bramlett and her band strung together a fluid 45-minute performance that drew large rounds of applause from the audience. Succeeding her was the Billy Vera Big Band and the renowned vibraphonist Roy Ayers, groups whose intimate selections and dynamic solos respectively charmed the audience, encouraging spectators to dance throughout the night.
“I enjoyed the music; there was good food and it was good community,” said Brent Williams, a junior music major. “My favorite was definitely the Billy Vera Big Band. I’m a trumpet player, so they were my personal favorite.”
After her performance, Bramlett talked about the emotional significance of performing for her alma mater.
“It feels great to come back,” Bramlett said. “As a performer, it feels great to come back to the school I’ve graduated from.”
Williams also appreciated that a local talent came back to perform at CSUB.
“I think it’s fantastic,” he said. “It’s something that encourages local musicians and helps them meet the people backstage, and it’s an opportunity for us and for the people to hear the local acts.”
For people interested in more than the musical performances, various vendors were available for those inclined to wander throughout the festival’s grounds. For people trying to avoid the sun, shirts and sunglasses were available for purchase. Artists displayed paintings, carvings and photographs, and furniture vendors offered sitting areas for people looking to rest their feet. Hungry stomachs and thirsty mouths also had a multiplicity of options. The scents of barbecued chicken and ribs, grilled Greek food, Little Caesar’s pizza and kettle corn floated in the air. Dos Equis, Heineken, wine and champagne were offered in addition to strawberry lemonade, water and sodas.
Saturday’s performances continued the dynamic energy of the night before. Following the smooth-flowing rhythms of the preceding four acts (the Kern County Honor Jazz Band, Colorblind, Rob Hutchinson and Clayton Cameron & the Jass Explosion), Tizer’s mix of soulful and upbeat music drew a large applause from the audience. Avance’s frenetic salsa tunes drew a crowd of dancers and earned a similarly large applause. After a fireworks show the headlining Euge Groove, led by the virtuosity of saxophonist Steven Grove, concluded the night’s performances. At different times throughout the night, honors were awarded to CSUB professor Dr. Doug Davis – the founder of the annual Bakersfield Jazz Festival – and various students were honored, the former for his contributions to the music department and the latter for their acceptance of scholarships.
The end result for audience members was a festival that was both memorable and thoroughly enjoyable.
“It was awesome being out here, just listening to all of the musicians and all of the music,” said Ernesto Castillo, a junior sociology major.
“I came last year, and it was actually better this year than it was last year. There is a lot more people and I’ve seen a lot more bands, so it’s just awesome being out here,” Castillo added.
