A spectrum of jazz wows a diverse audience

By KAREN MacINTYRE

BETHEL, NY — The crowd at Bethel Woods at last weekend’s jazz festival was just as varied as the styles of jazz performed throughout the afternoon and evening. Baby Boomers and seniors made up the majority of the audience, but there were also families with young children feasting on designer picnic baskets that could be purchased on site.

Pattie and John Capobianco, who were there on the second day of the festival, live in Yulan. They have already attended three events at the beautiful new venue. Pattie, who has photos from when she flew over the original Woodstock concert in 1969, and who attended many of the official and unofficial Woodstock reunion concerts, said she couldn’t be more thrilled with what has become of the site, saying, “We love the eclectic mix of music, and are looking forward to seeing Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.”

A woman from Jeffersonville said she questioned some of the musical choices on this summer’s schedule, and would like to be able to bring in her own picnic—but excepting those two minor concerns, she said, the whole experience at Bethel Woods was perfect. She said that she had never attended the reunion concerts, but was glad to see a performing arts center on the site. She sat with a friend visiting from Sag Harbor who was thoroughly enjoying her time in Sullivan County.

Another couple, from New York City, said they often visit their friends who have a second home in the area. They were glad to be at a festival in the county. Instead of attending both days of the festival, they had opted to enjoy a fine local dining experience at the Millbrook Inn on Saturday evening.

The diverse crowd was treated to diverse entertainment, from drummer Thurman Barker, who lives locally and performs internationally, to Cyro Baptista & Beat the Monkey, who entertained the audience with a crazy mix of wild percussion on newly invented instruments, to the classic torch songs performed by festival curator Dianne Reeves. Grammy award winner Wynton Marsalis closed the Sunday event with a mellow blend of classic and contemporary tunes, and was joined by other artists who had performed earlier in the afternoon.

Despite all their differences, members of the crowd appeared united in their appreciation of the music and the venue. Chances are most of them will be back for more.