Yes, we came back again this year to enjoy food, fun, friends and music!
We started out Friday from New York and drove to Maryland. The actual festival is a 3 day event at the Merriweather Pavillion in Columbia, Maryland. We have been going for over 6 years now and it has never disappointed us regardless of the lineup.
Friday night's line up was none other than Frankie Beverly & Maze and India Arie. There are two stages that have non-stop music from two genres. Your admission gives you access to both.
The Pavillion Stage features contemporary jazz and adult contemporary artists, whereas the Symphony Woods stage showcases soul music artists from the old school and the new.
We arrived around 11:00 am on Saturday and there were many good spots available. Most people were pretty accommodating and allowed you to squeeze your group in. We came with a group of about 8-10 along with tents, coolers, chairs and tarp. There are plenty of jumbotrons through the park so you can see the show pretty well no matter where you sit. Some groups come with elaborate equipment and tables full of food. Yum!
The weather held up nicely and after settling down, we walked around to see what the vendors had to offer. There were a variety of vendors from jewelry, artwork, african garb, to "Thelma from Good Times taking pictures with patrons for $10." Still looking good Thelma.
The food vendors were out as well. Prices were a little more expensive than usual. After realizing this, we bought more food on Sunday with us rather than purchasing from vendors.
You can see this year's line up at the capital jazz website. I just want to say that everyone looked amazing, thousands of people walking around, eating, shopping, dancing and singing along to the music. Not one incident did I see happen all weekend and everyone was in a great mood.
The shows end around 10-11pm and the last show on the Pavillion stage is usually the best. However, this year's award (if I was giving one) would definitely go to Morris Day and the Tymes. He showed up and showed out.
