Our Wild Weekend at the Winter Park Jazz Festival
Hey faithful readers! Buckle up (or, more fittingly, park your van) because I’ve got a story to share about our weekend jazz concert adventure. The Winter Park Jazz Festival—an annual trip that is always thrilling, and as unpredictable as a jazz improv session.
Planning the Perfect Weekend
It all began with the kind of anticipation that makes your heart do a little happy dance: a weekend brimming with a concert, featuring smooth jazz, delectable food, and a much-needed escape from the chaos of everyday life. The planning was almost as thrilling as the festival itself. We were practically bouncing off the walls for six weeks after discovering the lineup: Anthony Hamilton, SUCH, The Average White Band, and the one and only Boney James!
https://www.google.com/search?q=2024+winter+park+jazz+festival
Our trusty companion for this annual adventure? “The Diva”—our beloved, converted van that’s not just a vehicle but a mobile palace of comfort and road-trip royalty. Every year, The Diva gracefully navigates the 70-mile scenic route from our cozy Denver digs to the festival grounds, twisting through the majestic Rocky Mountains like she’s showing off her dance moves. Seriously, this drive never gets old. It’s as if Mother Nature herself is setting the stage for a weekend of musical magic. Nothing beats the combination of world-class jazz, mouthwatering bites, and a road trip that’s practically a celebration in itself!
This year, we had added a extra special touch—we arranged for our granddaughter to house-sit and take care of our cat Marley. Usually we have to hire someone to the tune of three figures. You know how it is: finding someone who can handle your furry friend and keep your house in one piece is like hitting the jackpot. Even though it was just a weekend our 17-year-old granddaughter was thrilled to take on the role, so we headed off with peace of mind, the van packed, and our hearts full of excitement.
The Phone Fiasco
I will never put my phone in my back pocket again!
Now, I’ve got to confess something. We always try to get to the festival early. We like to scope out our parking spot, set up our party space. We like to do our grocery shopping all before the crowds get in. This time was no exception. We arrived the day before, got all set up and we were pretty proud of ourselves. But, as fate would have it, I made a rookie mistake. Normally, I keep my phone in a secure place, but on this particular day, I decided to slip it into my back pocket. Yep, big mistake.
As I sauntered over to the port-a-potty to use the bathroom (don’t you just love the glamorous festival amenities?). I must have been excited about the upcoming performances. Or maybe it was that I wanted to scope out the venue, before it got too dark, but I forgot that my phone was in my back pocket. And you guessed it—as I hovered the throne, my phone dived right into the toilet. There was a split second of utter disbelief as I hurried to finish my business. I gathered myself, stood up, and felt my back pocket for my phone. There was nothing there. I stared into the black hole with the blue liquid in it. I did not see my device and contemplated my next move.
I stood there, mouth agape, uttering a chorus of “Oh no, oh no, oh no!” like a broken record. The sound of the phone hitting the bottom of the commode was so shocking, it was like a slap in the face. My mind was racing, and all I could see were dollar signs. How on earth was I going to replace this thing? And more importantly, would it ever work again? My poor husband, who had been happily waiting for me to come out so he could go in, was about to experience a new level of heroism. I opened the door to the commode and yelled “Honey I dropped my phone in the toilet!!” I could see it in his eyes—he knew he had to save the day. With a mix of trepidation and determination, he hovered over the toilet looked in and with eyes closed ventured into the port-a-potty, fishing out my phone. I felt like the worst partner in the world, and the poor guy was elbow-deep in… well, you get the picture.
He managed to retrieve the phone, and we scurried back to “The Diva”, hoping for a miracle. Thank heavens we got there early! The toilet hadn’t been used yet, except by me, and my phone was encased in a protective plastic cover that kept it safe from the blue sanitizer. We wiped it down, did a thorough disinfection dance, and I was relieved to find that the phone still worked—though it was a bit squeaky clean.
The Music Magic
With that little adventure behind us, we settled in for the rest of our weekend. And boy, was it worth it! The first day was a delight, with Anthony Hamilton delivering a performance that had the whole crowd swaying and singing along. He’s got a way of making you feel like you’re back in the day where, when music was playing it meant dancing, singing along and making friends. Later in the day we met up with my sister, and niece who met us at the fabulous local Fontenot’s restaurant for my once-a-year Shrimp Etouffee. Yum!
On the second day, we were treated to a musical feast. Boney James was the headliner and blew us away with his smooth sax skills, and Lelah Hathaway whose voice was so soulful it could make a rock cry. Every performance each day was special and a full-out treat.
Wrapping It Up
As we rolled into the evening of the second day, I couldn’t help but reflect on how these annual trips are more than just a getaway. They’re a celebration of great music, beautiful landscapes, and the kind of memories that make you laugh and smile when you look back on them. Even with a phone disaster that could have turned into a full-blown crisis, it all added to the charm of the weekend.
So, if you’re thinking of joining the fun next year, consider this your official invitation! The Winter Park Jazz Festival is a gem, with its spectacular lineups, the stunning mountain backdrop, and that unbeatable mountain air. (Just a heads-up: the altitude is no joke), so remember to stay hydrated and take it easy on the first day.
And while you’re there, let’s keep the mountains beautiful. Whether you’re camping, boon-docking, or just enjoying the local spots, let’s leave the land better than we found it. Pick up your trash, respect nature, and let’s keep this paradise pristine for generations to come.
See you on the road, fellow adventurers! Keep rocking and rolling and remember—sometimes the best stories come from the most unexpected moments. Keep your family and friends close and your phone safe!
In Him
Kathryn
