The move from the zoo to Ah-Nab-Awen Park gets some mixed reviews but mostly a thumbs up from fans who applauded the picturesque spot and sets from the West Ottawa High School Jazz Band. (Photo gallery)
Downtown Jazz: Fans had plenty of elbow room for the first Jazz in the Park show at Ah-Nab-Awen Park on Monday. (Photo/Taylor Mansen)
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Getting jazzy on the Grand River rather than next to John Ball Zoo could be an adjustment this summer for some longtime fans, but most folks checking out the first Jazz in the Park show Monday at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids seemed pleased with the change in scenery.
Guest Star: Max Colley III joined the West Ottawa High School Jazz Band. (Photo/Taylor Mansen)
“It’s more spread out, so you don’t have the cohesive clapping during the applauses,” said Joanne McElwee. “(But) I love being on the river… and it’s ultimately more convenient for parking.”
“The zoo was all right. It felt like we were in a little cove there,” noted attendee Jack Meulenberg. “Here it feels like we’re in Grand Rapids.”
Indeed, with the downtown skyline offering a picture-perfect backdrop, a fairly large crowd for the West Michigan Jazz Society’s first Jazz in the Park series show of the summer applauded the West Ottawa High School Jazz Band as it played two 50-minute sets – with a guest appearance by noted trumpeter Max Colley III – before being cut a song short by wind that kicked up and impending rain.
The night of music started under gorgeous skies with the West Ottawa band (which recently returned from a trip to New York) showing off a variety of jazz stylings as well as the talent of numerous soloists. Duke Ellington’s music took center stage, with the band performing several pieces from the jazz legend’s songbook, including “Portrait of Louis Armstrong” from the Grammy-winning, “New Orleans Suite.”
After 14 years as Jazz in the Zoo at John Ball Park, the venue change certainly might keep some regulars from attending. Katherine O’Connor Kuhn commented on Facebook that Monday’s show had “a terrible turnout compared to the 2,000-3,000 who came to John Ball Park. Bad venue for older people.”
The Backdrop: The evening started amid beautiful weather. (Photo/Jordan McNaughton)
But veteran jazz pianist Robin Connell noted it “always takes a while for people to get used to change,” adding that jazz society members can get a free pass to park nearby.
The general consensus among attendees seemed to be that the change is for the better, with the new locale benefiting from spacious seating and a picturesque setting.
John and Betsy Westman found a perch atop the hill in front of the Gerald R. Ford Museum and far right of the stage. “We can’t hear quite as well over here, but I think it is great. But we can definitely see better from up here.”
“I like it a lot, but I think it’s a bit of a challenge for some folks,” said Doris Robey, referring to an audience member who fell going down the hill.
Jazz in the Park continues at 6:30 p.m. Monday next week with hot jazz, swing and jump blues band Planet D Nonet from Detroit. Get more information about the series move and the complete summer schedule in this Local Spins story.
JAZZ IN THE PARK (6/8/15): Photo gallery by Taylor Mansen
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Nice article, Jordan. It should be noted too, that WMJS members receive FREE handicap accessible parking for the entire summer concert series. I am excited for the Jazz in the Park summer concert series. I can see the crowds increasing every time too.