The Chautauqua Institution may end its summer season at the end of August but many activities happen after the season is over. One of my favorite events is the Jazz weekend held at the Athenaeum Hotel. This event, in its 12th year, is sponsored by the Allegheny Jazz Society. 
photo credit: Sue Manus
My first experience of this event was when I was planning one of the Studebaker weekends held on the grounds of the Chautauqua Institution. I was spending the weekend at the Englewood Guest House while setting up reservations for the Studebaker club event. The group staying at the Englewood was heading down to the Athenaeum Hotel for the weekend of Jazz entertainment. I was invited to attend.
What I found most amazing about this weekend was the excitement in the music and between the musicians. Many see each other only on this weekend and it has an air of a reunion of friends. Many friendly competitions of music are held between the musicians and the quality of the music is astounding. Each song seems to top the song before.
The musicians play well into the night and the sound of their melodies float on the air and around the grounds of Chautauqua. Later during one of the evenings I will head down to the waterfront and watch the boats on the water and the reflections from building casting their light upon the water. The music adds to the atmosphere and magic created during this event. 
photo credit: Sue Manus
If you have the opportunity to attend the even starts Thursday, Sept. 17 with a Get Acquainted Day. There will be a Jazz Photography Exhibit at the Athenaeum Hotel lobby with photographs by Duncan P. Schiedt – Pittsboro, IN, on display. There will also be tables with records and sheet music available for viewing and purchase from 7:00 – 11:00 PM.
The event continues Saturday and will end on Sunday, Sept. 20. For a complete list of events and musicians you can download a schedule at Jazz at Chautauqua in PDF form.
For those who attend there are also many other activities in the surrounding towns of Mayville, Westfield, Chautauqua and Jamestown, NY.
I have attended the Jazz weekend for five years and I will also attend this year. The music impresses me more each year. I also have the chance to talk with friends I have meet over the years.
For further information visit Chautauqua Jazz weekend
