Part V

Memorial Day in the Cul-de-Sac ~

Today is the much anticipated Jazz Concert in the Cul-de-Sac.

Mitch, of red sports car fame, came early to start the bandstand set up.

Suzanne puts out saw horses with No Parking signs to allow people to walk up and settle in with their chairs.

Suzanne also got back from her Memorial Day ride just in time to join in with all the prep and festivities.

Peter set up his work station in the garage so he could work remotely while here. A pretty sweet remote work station!

The band gets here about an hour and a half early for lunch at the John’s Bed and Breakfast. The menu this year is pulled beef BBQ sandwiches with chips, salsa, grapes and fresh cut watermelon. All of the players enjoy this tradition!

Note the special shirts! They are pretty fun.

Lunch is served buffet style. You can sit in the kitchen, the dining room or outside under the oaks.

The kitchen was the most popular spot! Closer to the food I think.

Part of the crew~ Dave was in charge of patron assistance, relations as well as snack monitor.

I was bathroom monitor. It was a fun job talking with people. There was one very nice man who noticed that I had something in my mouth when I was directing him to the bathroom. I said, “It is chocolate.” He responded, “I love chocolate!” I asked. him if he would like a piece. He graciously responded that no, that was fine.

When he was leaving the house I asked him again if he would like a piece of chocolate. He still declined with a smile. I responded with, “Are you sure?” He looked at me and said, “Oh, OK that would be great. I love chocolate!”

This man and his pup were just walking by and were delighted to attend!

The concert started promptly at 1:00 and went until about 2:30.

The band set up in the driveway of the house at the end of the cul-de-sac; now occupied by the recently retired chief of police of Santa Maria. They are very gracious to host the concert every year.

There were about 150 in attendance, of all ages and all jazz lovers. Some of the attendees have come many years in a row!

Mitch singing Frank Sinatra…..’Come Fly with Me’. A very popular tune!

Dave offered help to people that appreciated a little assistance in carrying their chairs and picnic baskets.

Part of Dave’s job! One of the ladies brings cookies each year.

An easy job! Dave would tease people that they could tip the cookie person. Most people laughed. One very sweet older lady was going to tip him. Dave immediately said that he was definitely just kidding! She laughed along with the gag.

Mike was able to sit in his beautiful new front yard and enjoy the concert. Note no dirt, rock or grave piles in front of his house. His day off on his project!

Needless to say, everyone had a marvelous time and is waiting for next year!

And after the concert is over………. another wonderful Memorial Day concert in the books!