Baseball & Latin Jazz

Happy August, everyone!

For me, my days are usually filled with completing at least two dozen different activities. Yesterday was Sunday, and this particular Sunday, I’ve only done two. It may sound as if I was a lazy bum (I really should have finished my yardwork), but if I was ever limited to doing only 2 things in a day, I wouldn’t choose any other tandem. The first half of the day, I took in a Reds game from the comfort of my companies’ posh clubroom suite (I’m still in shock with my luck over this). Then it was home for a brief intermission: eat, freshen up, etc… then back downtown to the Blue Wisp for the Play it Forward event. Play it Forward hosts events with various groups on the 3rd Sunday of every month. They're a non-profit organization with the mission of supporting local musicians and to help foster a strong music community in the Greater Cincinnati Area.

The Latin Jazz Group, Canela, started the evening off and I must say their energy was felt throughout the entire club. Canela is the subset group of members from Poco Loco, the very popular Cincinnati Latin Jazz Band. Led by Cesear Venegas & Liz Wu, Canela opened with the appropriate “Summertime”, and offered their own latin flavours of Afro Blue and Equinox. The tune that resonated with me was their closing performance of Santana’s “Oye Como Va” – talk about energy!

Cincinnati-Area Musicians and groups are graciously donating their time and effort to perform for a very good cause. I recommend we all follow their example and attend a PIF event to help all musicians in their time of need. Visit the Jazz Half Calendar or the Play it Forward website for upcoming dates and performances. Have a great week!

Cheers!

- jh