My Job for the Jazz Festival

I took on coordinating all the transportation for the performers. I didn't think it would be too demanding.

Boy, was I wrong.

Not only are we dealing with Panamanians with a Latin sense of time, but, for God's sake, musicians!

It is like trying to walk across quick sand with size 4 shoes. Or herd cats. Or push on a rope. Or win a political argument. Or figure out the opposite sex.

Just not possible.

There are about 30 performers who all need hotel rooms, across 8 hotels, and meals at about 12 different restaurants and private homes.

Plus there is the travel schedule. The musicians had to be picked up at the David bus station, an hour south of Boquete. All coming and going from 6 AM arrivals to 2 AM departures!

Now imagine all this changing constantly. I quit trying to set up rides more than a day in advance. Too many changes. Changes while I sleep, while I eat, while I move one group to another place.

Oh, I forgot to mention, the groups have to go to 2 different sound checks and 2 different performance times.

I have spread sheets galore. One for meals, one for rooms, one for transportation, one for sound check, one for performance times...oh, and the after parties that jazz musicians are famous for.

By the time I leave my house, they have changed. I get stupid questions like, did you get the newest and greatest spreadsheet?

No...NO...NNNNNOOOOOO!!!!!! I don't have a computer in my car, damn it! I've taken to stopping at Internet cafes to check in on the changes and I still can't keep up.

A lot of bitching, I know. I simply want some acknowledgement for this work.

I have about 6 drivers, who I will try to get canonized as Saints in the Catholic Church, even though they are heathens, but what the hell, it's a Catholic country after all.

The proof is in the pudding though.

The musicians LOVE it here. They feel so taken care of and supported. The venue is amazing! Their rooms are the best in town, they are eating at the best restaurants. And, dozens of volunteers are at their beck and call.

Plus, the level of mastery with their fellow artists is so gratifying for them. They rarely get to hang out with so many of their peers.

And, I get to hang out with them! I have spent many hours talking because most of them speak English.

Panamanians are great people. And the musicians are at the top of the heap as far as fun, and enthusiasm and joy.

Oh, did I mention, they can really play music too!

Even thought the task I took on is driving me nuts, the satisfaction is way more than the work.

We are only one third done...more to follow.