The Scenes (our Friday evening):

• Springfield Township Democratic Club Victory Party, 6:00PM-2:30AM, Federal Reserve Piano Lounge and Restaurant 101 West Fourth Street, Cincinnati.

• Rashied Ali Quintet at Friday Jazz at the Hyatt, 8-12 PM. Rashied Ali was the drummer for John Coltrane after Elvin Jones, and has been a leader for many years. This was his first time in Cincinnati. No-holds barred straight-ahead jazz. $30 cover; $15 Jazz Club Members. At the Sungarten Room, Hyatt Hotel Cincinnati, 151 West 5th Street, Downtown Cincinnati, OH 45202. Streamed live at www.jazzincincy.com (click on store); internet broadcast is $10. More info at www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Rashied_Ali.html.

The Background

The 2006 Election was a repudiation for the bush administration generally and the war in Iraq in particular. It remains to be seen whether the new congress can be effective in bringing reason and fairness back to the American conversation. In the meantime, I expect the sign to be less frequently seen. Time will tell.

Victory Party

We arrived around 8:30. The food was long-gone, but there were plenty of people and high spirits.

My camera wasn't up to the job.

At times, it got a little wild out in the building lobby/dancefloor.

Leah in all blue.

Jazz

We're members of the Jazz at the Hyatt group.

The music was outstanding!

Doc B is a cultural treasure, and fine jazz promoter.

There were art education freeloaders enjoying the show free from the balcony.

Fine wire/water sculpture, but a poor photo.

Some poor schlub in stocking feet getting busted outside the hotel.

Notice:
Today's event page is dedicated to thoughtful voters and jazz fans everywhere.

More later,

Ray

Written November 11, 2006