Strong Idyllwild showing for Casey’s homecoming party
ByReading Time: 3 minutes
Video highlights the day by John Drake and Rebecca Frazier.
Casey Abrams’ expression says it all as he performs during his Idyllwild homecoming celebration on Sunday, Sept. 25, at which about 1,000 residents and visitors flocked to a stage set up mid-street in front of Café Aroma on North Circle Drive. Photos by Cid Castillo
The crowd was estimated at “almost 1,000,” however locals interviewed simply said that all their neighbors and friends, including many friends from off the Hill, attended the Casey Abrams homecoming celebration. Local restaurants set up food tents and businesses sold their wares. Following tradition established during summer concerts, locals brought folding chairs and enjoyed the music in a festive atmosphere.
Café Aroma Manager Frank Ferro welcomes Idyllwild residents and visitors to the Casey Abrams homecoming in which coordinators simply set up a stage in the middle of the street for Casey and his jazz friends to play. Moments before appearing on stage, Abrams listens to the crowds and reflects on his homecoming. The crowd Attendees to the Casey homecoming were treated to jazz in its most innovative form as Abrams and his mentor, Marshall Hawkins, scatted during one of the many songs at the jazz jam and block party. As part of the 2009 and 2010 Aroma Jazz Fests, the “Cigar Jazz Lounge” was held at Idyllwild Heating & Cooling. Abrams performed both years at this venue. Since then, he has played at Idyllwild Heating on several occasions, and owner Steve Holldber thought it was appropriate to name this small patch of soil the “Casey Abrams Park.” Casey unveiled the hand-carved sign late Sunday night after his homecoming party. The preparation Casey Abrams takes photos of the crowd with his phone.
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The Rustic Theatre presents Kathy Garver at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, in a staged reading of Truman Capote’s classic short story “A Christmas Memory.” Garver will then do a question-and-answer period with a meet-and-greet book signing with wine and cheese after the reading. This is the 55th anniversary of “Family Affair” in which Garner…
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Dr. Marshall Hawkins, founder of the Idyllwild Arts Jazz Department, and Dr. Daniel Bassin, Idyllwild Arts director of orchestras, are giving a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Lowman Concert Hall in honor of Black History Month. The concert features an 18-piece guest jazz orchestra along with jazz and classical music students,…
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The Rustic Theatre presents Kathy Garver at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, in a staged reading of Truman Capote’s classic short story “A Christmas Memory.” Garver will then do a question-and-answer period with a meet-and-greet book signing with wine and cheese after the reading. This is the 55th anniversary of “Family Affair” in which Garner…
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Dr. Marshall Hawkins, founder of the Idyllwild Arts Jazz Department, and Dr. Daniel Bassin, Idyllwild Arts director of orchestras, are giving a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in the Lowman Concert Hall in honor of Black History Month. The concert features an 18-piece guest jazz orchestra along with jazz and classical music students,…
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5 Comments
I got a few good photos of the crowd and Casey on my facebook page. Tag yourself in them if you see them or even if you are just in the crowd. I have a pretty good video of Casey singing Nature Boy. The sound is great but I had a hard time holding the camera steady over my head because of the people in front of me.
Thank you Kevin. If you'll send the link to your video, we can post it online.
Here's another video of Casey singing Nature Boy. Maybe Kevin or someone can cut the videos from two angles together: < ;http://youtu.be/SKuqx6Mmlc4>
I got a few good photos of the crowd and Casey on my facebook page. Tag yourself in them if you see them or even if you are just in the crowd. I have a pretty good video of Casey singing Nature Boy. The sound is great but I had a hard time holding the camera steady over my head because of the people in front of me.
Thank you Kevin. If you'll send the link to your video, we can post it online.
Here's another video of Casey singing Nature Boy. Maybe Kevin or someone can cut the videos from two angles together: < ;http://youtu.be/SKuqx6Mmlc4>
Sorry: Hope this link works: < http://youtu.be/SKuqx6Mmlc4 >.
Thank you for sharing Karen.