Arturo Sandoval

The problem with Jazz is not Jazz. In this case is the location. Miami and most of South Florida is a a fickle area.It has failed to catch up culturally to other large metropolitan cities and even some smaller cities. Sandoval's club was beautiful but the hotel was a disaster. No parking,(It took an hour to get the car from valet), rude people and dirty rooms. Another issue it didn't attract the young people. They couldn't afford it. Most clubs, like in NY, have a day that is geared for students to showcase their talent and get in to see Jazz at a discounted prize (Usually a Monday e.g. Sweet Rhythm). We have UM and New World that have talented Jazz students and rarely did you see them at the club. They went to the Globe in the Gables because they could here good Jazz,didn't have to pay a cover and ate much better and cheaply and guest what they kept quite. It was not an elitest attitude. Besides they caught greats like Ira Sullivan, Jim Gasior,Martin Bejerano,Doug Bickel etc. These artists are supporting the youth. The only way Jazz can be successful is to give the Jazz student and youth in general a place where they can get "hooked". Don't make it impossible.

Arturo had his opportunity as a young talented youth to showcase his talent. I Hope if he has something up his sleeve he can magically include the youth this time around in the "Magic City".