Music Union : Live Your Music

Mariana Knabben, Journalist, Brazilian

One year ago I published my first article on this website about the jazz festival at the Hollywood-Highland Center. It was hopeful that people would read it and like it, and ask me to keep going. It was also full of feelings that were inside of me all this time just waiting to be released. Well, for a first review I think I did a very decent job. My point is that I came back to the same jazz festival named “Wine, Jazz & Moonlight” this year to see what has changed there and, on me. The evening was magical and we still did our part to support Project Angel Food by purchasing a $10 box of cheese, crackers, and grapes, and two glasses of wine. We combined our wish to help with our wish to have fun.

I remember writing about my father and how much he likes this type of music, but he’s not the only one. My sister, Fernanda, also likes it very much. When I went there, I had her special company, whom I’ve last seen in January in Brazil. I felt like our family was together again. She was here visiting me for a week, and since I know that she likes jazz, I invited her to go with me on a Tuesday. We couldn’t have chosen better Tuesday! Moreover, we couldn’t be happier!

The band playing that night was “Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band”. A latin jazz band that put everybody in a terrific mood. The center courtyard, where the performances are held, was totally packed. No single space available! Even more, people standing in all levels of the mall. From children to seniors, all ages seemed to be overjoyed by the music and the night. I can tell that there’s a major difference when you go by yourself and when you go with somebody else, mainly if that person is family. For me, it was like my father was there with us watching the concert. I am sure he’d be amazed to be there and to have his daughters appreciating the same taste in music as his.

Their songs were very joyful and upbeat, one better than another. In the middle of a public of adults, there was a little girl dancing, which turned that moment to be the cutest moment of the night. People were so ecstatic to the point of getting up from their seats and dancing. The crowd only stopped because a man named Roberto “stole” the scene. He danced all around amongst rows by himself. It was the best moment of the night! He had quite a performance, and we, certainly, had a blast that evening. Even my sister began to dance after having had those two glasses of wine.

Last year’s performance was great and so important because it was the one which began everything else. This year’s, though, has a special meaning because I had the chance to share the moment with my sister. Coming back one year later, made me realize the long path I’ve been walking and how I progressed. That, nobody can feel but me. It is something indescribable. Better feeling than this, doesn’t exist!