After dessert, Sandra and I take a little walk around the town. It's perfectly safe--and totally hopping!  We were hoping to catch some Brazilian music at a place one of Freddy Cole's musicians recommended, but when we got there the music had just ended for the evening. We continued to stroll and take in the sights and sounds of the French Riviera on a steamy summer night-- a total thrill in itself.

This is the part of the world that inspired George Benson to hop in a swimming pool at a private party and do a jam session---IN THE POOL, after all! It's just that kinda vibe; what can I say?  As to this particular Jazz A Juan festival, it was a favorite of MANY of your favorite musicians, which is why
I wanted to check it out so badly and explore its history.

Ray Charles came here A LOT. The last time, in 2001. Sidney Bechet is the festival's originator, as he was a huge fan of Antibes. (The full name of this town is Antibes/Juan-Les-Pins).  Sidney would come here and bring all the famous French musicians here to jam and create wonderful music like "In the Streets of Antibes" and "Little Flower".  Sidney got married here in Juan, and Picasso came to his wedding (and perhaps doodled on a napkin during the reception). After the wedding, Sidney felt it was time to create a real festival, so he held the first Jazz A Juan Festival in 1960.  It's thrived ever since, and is the second largest festival in Europe.

This year's lineup includes an 80th birthday celebration for BB King, with the man himself kicking off the festival with Lucille! Then--Ahmad Jamal, The Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band under the direction of Slide Hampton, Freddy Cole,  a pregnant Diana Krall-looking like a goddess in her gown under the stars, backed by Anthony Wilson, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton!  AMAZING!

On Sunday--a gospel morning with The Ladies of Alabama to really make sure you're awake and alive and grateful to be on the Riviera!    Tonight  it's Tracy Chapman...and tomorrow, Lizz Wright and Jamie Cullum.  The fest rounds out with Martial Solal's Trio, The Wayne Shorter Quartet, and Les Enfants Des Django.....and on the final night--Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette.  Are you salivating yet?  Me, too! If that's not enough, there are several other offsite performances, and in our own hotel one can catch the very tight trio of Jean-Michel Proust (sax), Fabien Mary (trumpet) and Michel Rosciglione (bass).  VERY nice soothing jazz to unwind with before hitting the sack.