All That Jazz

This weekend saw the first Naperville Jazz Festival. It was so nice of them to put it on for us, especially after all that fuss they went to with that parade recently.
The venue was Central Park. Not quite as nice as it's famous namesake, but central at least - right in the middle of downtown Naperville.
It was a lovely sunny evening, so we came prepared to soak up the evening sun whilst enjoying the music of jazz legend Ramsey Lewis.
Like any show these days, we first we treated to the delights of the support act. In this case, the Naperville Municipal Band. Now to be fair, they were better than I may have thought, much like everything in this town. They played big band music,which was very appropriate as they must have had a collective age of 1500. It was a bit like listening to a 1940s radio show. Not, I hasten to add, because of the style of music, but the announcements.
Before each piece, a somewhat mature lady (must have been sleeping with the second trombone, I guess) stood up to announce each piece. Then she sat down at the side as they started to play. However, before long, something more important took over.
We noticed in the distance the sky darkening. I hoped it was the approaching night sky, but alas no. Dark clouds began to roll in.
I should tell you at this point, that the event was organised largely by the YMCA. An announcement was made.
"Ladies and gentlemen. I would just like to give you some options. It looks like we may have a shower. I'm sure with some positive thinking we can stop this. Let's offer up our prayers and God will send the clouds by...and just in case you can take shelter in our building over there." Then he added that the concert would only be cancelled in the event of lightening. Very reassuring.
At first it was just a couple of drops.
"We're British, we can handle this," said Ross gamely. "It's so warm the rain will be refreshing."
For a minute or two he was right. We huddled together - that is until we saw people dashing to the sides. The band played gamely on. It was just like the last night on the Titanic only no one bothered to rearrange the deck chairs.
Suddenly there was a crash which obviously was not from a cymbal. There was a flash of lightening and the heavens opened. So much for sending positive thoughts to God. Everyone dashed for the nearest cover - which happened to be the awning over the front of the stage. At least we got a good view of the quite lovely waterfall effect over the band.
Luckily the rain did stop and we were able to go back to our seats. However, we were soaked and had to use towels to wipe the chairs off first. That'll teach them to play "Stormy Weather".