July 4th was my prediction. Back in March, around the time the World Heath Organization first declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic, I courageously, and foolishly, told everyone that we would be okay by July 4th. I did not know that the virus would impact Americans so severely. I thought that Independence Day 2020 would include Freedom from COVID-19. I was wrong.

The toll of lost American-based music festivals — including Berks Jazz Fest, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, SFJazz’s events and Monterey Jazz Festival — continues to mount as well. You see hints of optimism here and there. There is even a 20-plus-year jazz cruise company planning big shows in Las Vegas in late February and early March of 2021. That would be us!

Folks have asked us if we have a crystal ball or are we spitballing. As we have shared, we are very hopeful that we can present those programs, but we will do so if, and only if, it can be done safely and filled with great music. There will be no half measures.

Right now, our music plays on through streaming on Facebook Live, YouTube and other similar means. Most of these presentations have been very well done, very entertaining and a welcomed diversion. I remain certain, however, that everyone reading this note right now is sad and hungry to be back as part of an audience, standing on a bandstand or producing a show. For most of us, not doing these activities is unnatural to the point of being frightening.

We spend a great deal of time interacting with the various jazz festivals, organizations and clubs. We share notes about current musicians, trends in the genre and, of course, help each other with marketing opportunities. If you are a regular reader of this column, you will note that we tout many shows, both live on online, recording releases, festivals and almost any event in the world of jazz in The Weekender. We do not charge for that service and we welcome almost everyone with a story to tell. Our only filter is whether the music being lauded is within the four corners of jazz and of a quality commensurate with our other programming. In fact, if you know of an event, show or presentation seeking exposure, give us a call (euphemism for email) and we will seriously consider it for publication.

Have you guessed, as yet, what is the direction of this piece? I am testing you for your level of patience! Sadly, there is not a lot going on in our world of jazz right now, certainly nothing that grabbed my attention this week, so this is a good time to judge whether you can “keep a good attitude while waiting” for me to say something worthwhile. Some will argue that vigil began many editions ago. I accept that, and, if you are still reading my notes, then you must have a “good attitude while waiting!”

Actually, and honestly, the passing of July 4th has tested whether I have any patience at all. I know what we are supposed to be doing. I am following every guideline and restriction. We are planning for jazz programs on land in Las Vegas in 2021 and back to cruising in 2022. Somewhere between “knowing it will be okay” to “hoping it will be okay” is where I am right now. Watching the constant stream of reservations for our Las Vegas shows proves to me that whether jazz fans know or hope that better times are around the corner, they certainly are betting on it!

I would promise that this will be my last attempt at “Vegas” humor, but the cards are stacked against that. Deal with it.

Our Take is written by Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise and Blue Note at Sea. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@ecpcruises.com.

For all of the details, including the special shows, event packages and our Health and Safety Plan, check out the newly launched website for your desired event:
 

• www.thejazzcruise.com/vegas
   
• www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com/vegas
   

Honoring the legacy of Nelson Mandela, tonight’s musical journey will feature songs from Jonathan’s start as a child star in South Africa right up to the present. Jonathan will also reflect on his meetings with “Madiba” and how what he learned can help us improve the world today.

Jonathan and Alonzo are fixtures on all of our smooth jazz programs, and we can’t wait to see them together tonight. The next time you can see these two stars together (in person!) will be February 28 – March 5, 2021, when The Smooth Jazz Cruise “docks’ in Las Vegas for 5-Days and 5-Nights of fun.

We hope you join Jonathan and Alonzo tonight, in Vegas in 2021 and back at sea in 2022!

Blue Note Streaming Live​ will launch with trumpeter Maurice “Mobetta” Brown as part of a six-piece band for a jazz set produced live from the Blue Note New York stage and streamed to audiences worldwide on July 24 at 8:00 p.m. ET. The all-star band will include Chelsea Baratz, James Francies, Joe Blaxx, Parker McAllister, and Nir Felder.

The series will be accessible at ​www.bluenotelive.com​ and tickets will be $10 each. Ticket holders will receive a personal stream link in their purchase confirmation, where they can access the stream at the time and date of the show.

The festival is donating 100 percent of the proceeds from the streamed events to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and to the jazz artists featured at the virtual festival. The featured artists and performances will be announced beginning on Tuesday, July 21.