Welcome to the fifth annual Anacortes Jazz Festival. It is my honor to be asked to chair this year’s event. I have, of course‚ been left with big shoes to fill as Festival founder Bill Berry has recently stepped down. Bill had the original vision for this event and it has grown in popularity each year. As the new guy, I will do my best not to drop the ball–and rest assured‚ a ball is what we plan to have. Last year‚ more people than even came to Anacortes to enjoy a world–class lineup of talent‚ with the beautiful Guemes Channel as backdrop. Moving the Festival to Labor Day weekend and scheduling a full three days of music was clearly popular and this year we’ll do our best to kick it up yet another notch.

We continue to enhance our festival‚ with an eclectic mix of jazz formats and styles–there is truly something for every taste. For returnees‚ you may have noticed that the stage orientation has changed. The move to the northwest corner of the Wharf affords more room for seating and better sightlines. We also made the conscious decision to maintain our ticket pricing at 2007 levels in the face of rising fuel costs–you pay the same price for this year’s festival as was paid last year.

In addition to three days of stellar music on two stages‚ we’ll give you an opportunity to get your dancing shoes on with a free swing concert Saturday night. For those of you‚ myself included‚ who may need a few tips‚ swing dance lessons will be provided during the show. Also‚ don’t miss the popular Jazz Walk‚ where one joint cover will get you into several venues each night. The Walk has been expanded this year to include Sunday night for folks staying over for Monday’s show at the Wharf.

Please join us for this always anticipated event. Nowhere else in the Northwest can you enjoy an outstanding lineup of top performers while enjoying fine wine and locally brewed beer‚ dining on dockside cuisine and taking in an unsurpassed view.

A heartfelt "Thank You" to our many volunteers and sponsors. Without your active involvement‚ we couldn’t make this happen.

We look forward to seeing you at the Gala on August 29 and at the Festival August 30 – September 1. Become one the many jazz fans who return to our beautiful corner of the state year after year. And remember: the Jazz Festival is only one of the many attractions offered in Anacortes throughout the year. Check it all out at www.anacortes.org!

Rick Star
Jazz Festival Committee Chairman
Rockfish Grill