What the heck do we do now?
How do we follow a year of positive change like 2015? Last year street lights came back on. Building cranes could be seen where only hope lived before. Ideas started to be listened to and financing became available. Detroiters allowed themselves some time to enjoy the good things that have always been here. New shiny things have been added.
Pat Methany in his role as artist in residence played four gigs at the Detroit Jazz Festival last Labor day weekend. The crowds who are known for being the worlds most knowledgeable group of fans in jazz were remarkably civil as many listened at a distance. There was no complaining, there was only appreciation. That was the kind of year it was.
We could finally afford to appreciate what we have.
2016 A new challenge
Every once in a while we get a chance to start over. We get a fresh start, January 2016 seems like that moment.. We have a less wobbly base to set out from and more tools available to reach our goals, It is a good time not to be sitting on our hands while remembering to hold on to the good things that we already have. In this blog I am looking forward to having conversations about the coming year and the positive events as they happen. I hope to talk to and photograph those who will be helping make Detroit a better place to live.
In 2016 music will continue to show us the way in our recovery. A couple of years ago, Barry Harris said, after completing a remarkable set at the Detroit Jazz Festival, “Isn’t jazz beautiful?” and it was, So was our city. the festival and in particular the Detroiters who seemed to know that they were part of something special. That spirit will likely continue. There will be new challenges to be faced and new energy to be tapped. We will have new stories to tell about the upbeat happenings all around us.
BLOGGING INTO THE NEW YEAR
In 2016 there will be blogs about food. Chef André and Chef Eli will help us better understand their approach to preparing the special fare served at the Dirty Dog. They will share with us techniques, processes and recipes.
We will explore the reasons that musicians and fans make the claim that the Dirty Dog Jazz Café is the best jazz club in America.
The creative process in the arts and music will be discussed with other artists. We will also meet many of the staff and musicians that provide such a perfect environment for all that jazz. We will continue the search to find what makes it tick.
An important ongoing story will be the growth of jazz and the incredible programs and teachers in our schools. Each month we will feature one of these teachers..The folks at the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe will continue to do what they can to bring the story of jazz and its force to the communities. Jazz will be in good hands in 2016
Our community has passed through some systemic stress and we now sit at a crossroads. We have an opportunity to define our future. Jazz musicians have to have a sense of vision mixed with a solid foundation that comes from knowing your roots. I will ask Detroit artists what their vision is for Detroit and its music.
The Dirty Dog we will be celebrating the resurgence of live music with innovative programs and adventurous menus. The Dirty Dog will continue to be the place to unwind, to celebrate and to be reinvigorated.
STAY TUNED,
John Osler
The Dirty Dog gets off to a fast start this week with Dave Bennett at the wheel. Dave has guaranteed us that he will bring some heat and smiles to those coming in out of the cold.
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