Hired Jazzhands
Briefly

Jazz festivals are known for their potential for chaos, especially when local musicians join visiting ensembles. These side musicians, like Jason Lewis, take pride in adapting to various situations. At events like the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, trusted local talent fills in for professional acts. Despite the excitement, many professionals refuse to perform for free to avoid devaluing their skills. There's a prevailing belief that exposure does not pay the bills, emphasizing the importance of financial compensation for musicians.
The potential for chaos at jazz festivals often stems from the unique situations created when local musicians augment visiting ensembles, demonstrating skill and adaptability.
Experienced musicians like Jason Lewis emphasize the importance of being a side musician, adapting to various performance situations, which adds to the thrill of improvisation.
Though local musicians might enjoy performing with headline acts, many professionals insist on getting paid, valuing their craft and reputation over exposure opportunities.
The experienced trumpeter Niel Levonius highlights the importance of hiring trusted local talent for events, insisting on professionalism to maintain the integrity of the music scene.
Read at Metro Silicon Valley | Silicon Valley's Leading Weekly
[
|
]