~~~ONCE UPON A TIME.....
there was a man named Bob Gibbs and 25yrs ago he had a birthday party for his wife Maggie. At the party they played jazz records and had a sing-a-long and joke telling as well as karaoke before it was karaoke!
The second birthday party was more sophisticated and a family member accompanied Bob, on his piano, with a bass and banjo. It was after this that they decided to invite jazz musicians in the area to join in the birthday celebration at a "jam session" on the lake.

As the years went by, the party grew in the number of performing musicians, as well as, spectators. Thus, the party spilled over on the to neighbours' lawns and beaches, which encompassed the entire city block.
This continued for 16 years and went from a "potluck" lunch to a "bring your won picnic".

Problems occured when the weather was bad and that is when with the cooperation of the Thomas Edison Inn, thus, giving the party the advantage of being able to move inside in case of inclement weather.
By this time the Jazz On The Lake Committee was formed and along with the Blue Water Jazz Society this event is make possible.
All of the musicians attending do this voluntarily and the groups change about every hour until the "old pros" take the stage. These guys don't need any music stands or music. This happened in the evening and it just "blew my mind"!

Bob died a few years ago and his wife Maggie continues to attend for part of the day
There is a long-standing tradition with the jazz party ...free corn-on-the-cob which is roasted in its husks on the BBQ as well as other things like hot dogs, salads and drinks all at your own expense.

The event started at 2:00PM and went through to 10:00PM.
I arrived at 12:30 and met so many very nice people and got to chat with my new friends...

Here is Eunice and Pat, two women who have be attending this event for over 7yrs. Eunice is in her late 70's and Pat in her 80's and a real "nut" for the vibes.
They sure love their Jazz!
The woman sitting just behind Pat is Ellen and a fantastic drummer and she played several sets.

I was able to get a room at the Inn which faced the courtyard and the river. That is the International Bridge which spans the St. Clare River...
That Lake Freighter was on its way down the river....maybe even coming form Goderich...
Ok, cousin Mike get that map out once again....if the "oinking" isn't too distracting! LOL!

How's this for a cruise ship?

I couldn't pass a chance to do some "shopping" before heading home so the next day I did just that...what fun and the stuff I bought was new for a change!


Till next time...