CLEARWATER - Measured by the quality of the entertainers, the variety of musical styles and the attendance, last weekend's Clearwater Jazz Holiday was a success for both the city and the event's organizer, the Jazz Force.

The Jazz Holiday set a new record for Thursday night attendance, with over 18,000 crowding Coachman Park. Informed of the gate during the closing minutes of the Clearwater City Council meeting, Mayor Frank Hibbard said, "It helps to start out with Kenny G for free."

According to Clearwater Police Sargeant Greg Stewart, Attendance was 7,000 on Friday, 9,000 on Saturday and 4,000 on Sunday. The crowds were well-behaved according to Stewart; "All in all, a really good event, like Jazz Holiday always is."

Kenny G's Thursday night performance was the biggest draw of the weekend. He explained and demonstrated how he carries very long notes - by inhaling through his nose while playing. Don't underestimate the difficulty of his technique.

St. Petersburg native Mindi Abair jams with her band's guitarist, Matthew Hager, on Friday night.

Saxophonist Richard Elliot, joined by Mindi Abair, closed Friday night with a performance of Sly and the Family Stone's I Want To Take You Higher.

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