Every year my City has its annual Jazz Festival with hundreds of artists and Headliners every night. I was lucky enough to tag along with a fellow member and friend we will call "BUD" for purposes of this entry. I will break this event down by day/artist and then add what we all want to see pictures at the end ! Although I already wrote about David Byrne here goes.

Saturday started off with the Legendary Willie Nelson. The hunt began early in the am as we quickly were alerted to his hotel and bus. While we were waiting for Mr. Nelson to go through his morning pre concert routine we were asked to leave the parking lot by hotel security. Not looking good and the impending rain. We quickly decided to wait across the street and then pounce at our first cha nce at Willie. In the meantime In took a risk and sped down the street to have a shot at Gold Medal winners Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe of the USWNT Soccer Squad. Rapinoe was nice and signed the one Ball I had. Hope was weary of photos and only did one. Not bad for 20 min of work. Scooted back to Willie and met up with "BUD" got us kicked out of parking lot again (my bad). Bud wanted to go to venue but my instincts said to wait it out. Waited saw Willie and sped across the parking lot. Bud got a little happy and almost ran the man over. Willie signed about 6 items each and Jazz Fest was under way. Never one to miss a opportunity I went to the record store and picked up 4 more albums for sound check. Willie showed up at 8:00 for a 8:00pm show.  Willie smiled and and waved and his guy mentioned he wont be signing especially for ebayers. A nice couple offered me a free 4th row vip pass as there son could not make the show ! Willie played a nice hour and a half set and after the show walked to the stage to greet fans ! Was the first one up and he signed away for a good 20-30 minutes. Was able to get my 4 albums and Vip Pass signed. What a great start to the week.

Willie Nelson 9 Albums 1 Vip Pass  Hope Solo 1 8x10 Megan Rapinoe 1 Mini Ball 

Tuesday was the next Headlining act David Byrne and St. Vincent

Bud and I were able to catch up with David before his show at the hotel. David signed for the 5 collectors there. Became a bit agitated with a couple who were getting multiples of the same item. Was able to score a guitar for Bud and my Talking heads album. After the show a reocurring theme began of Rochesters famous rain. They did have nice signed Byrne St Vincent albums at he merch booth so was able to score 1 of those. Anyone going to there tour should really pick one up. Also David was reluctant to sign guitars untill we insisted on personalizations.

Wednesday brought Supertramp Legend Roger Hodgson to town. We never saw him coming in so it was off to the venue for sound check. Being the only two collectors there Roger was nice enough o sign a nice guitar for me and a SuperTramp album before being rushed in by his women handler. She also commented that we smell like "SELLERS". hAH whatever. We waited after the show and out comes Roger looking to sign. His handler shoos him on the bus and says he sure isnt going to sign with all these people here. There was maybe 10 fans 4 looking for autographs. So ended night with 1 Guitar and 1 Album. Chased him back to hotel but was to late.

Thursday was David Sanborn and Bob James decided to take a night off.

Friday headliners was Peter Frampton Guitar circus featuring special Guest Don Felder of the Eagles and Robert Cray. Again unable to locate at the hotel. Went for them at the venue but the rain was still pouring down and never saw them coming in. Got in to see the last hour or so of the show and then the wait was on. Don Felder came out first and signed 1 per for everyone insisting on personalizing and refusing guitars. Next up Peter Frampton. He lined everyone up and did 1 per to. Some were able to double dip him. I only got 1 as I went on a little bit off a detour and was late to the party. Never saw Robert Cray. Don Felder one album.  Peter Frampton 1 album. 

Saturday brought Trombone Shorty to town to close out with a free street concert. Was able to score a few signed photos as he is always accomadating near the stage. Took a little day trip to see my old pal and local hero Lou Gramm of Foreigner. Forgot the Wallet and was unable to purchase his new book. With some convincing of his grumpy manager was able to get two records signed to add to the Lou Gramm vault. Found some people in line to get me a couple more. Went home got drunk and watched the Shorty show with my girl. A long productive week with my Pal Bud ! 

most of my photos can be seen here ! 

http://s42.photobucket.com/user/ROCKCITY24/library/?sort=3&page=1