Jazz Brunch - Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale

One of my favorite events in South Florida is the SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch. It's one of those rare events that you don't have to wait a whole year for. This one runs the first Sunday of each month and has been running  for as long as I can remember. I've been going off and on for many years and I know the ropes. I have gone with plenty friends over the years and don't mind sharing my experience to help them get the most enjoyment out of the day. I thought today I would share with my readers.

I have gone every month of the year but I can tell you in August it is HOT! I went last Sunday and the temperature was Florida style perfect. There were two little rain events but nothing a South Floridian can't handle or just plain ignore. No one packed up and left, that was for sure, but those of us with umbrellas made a few new friends. Hard to believe there was any bad weather at all with the blue skies in these pictures.


OK - so you are interested. What should you bring. As you can see, the event is across the street from the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Discovery and Science.  They just had a major expansion which means I need to find a kid and check it out. Another day. The Jazz Brunch is in the empty park near the New River.

The first thing you need is $12.00 to park your car. Someone should talk to them about that. After that, it's free. You will need chairs, hat, snacks, booze, sun glasses, your pet, a beach umbrella or the increasingly popular four poster pop up canopy, and lots of sunscreen. Don't worry about plopping down right in front of someone and putting up your umbrella or canopy. Everyone does it. No one minds. This is more of a social event. If you are worrying about seeing the band, come about an hour early and set up in the front row.

This past weekend not only had near perfect weather but also featured the Bobby Rodriguez Orchestra. Not the typical  four piece band but a full orchestra playing an upbeat mix of jazz and oldies. By the size of the crowd, the word was out. There were people everywhere, some so far away they could barely hear the band. Better to talk with your big group of friends, have a glass of wine, kick back, and enjoy a picnic lunch -  with a Jazz backdrop.

I had a great time but you don't have to take my word for it. The little dog next to me could hardly take his eyes off the band. Or maybe the pink poodle two umbrellas down. I'll admit I gave that one a second look too. Normally I would head down to Riverwalk after and have a meal but Riverwalk is more or less dying. Still plenty of fine eateries on 2nd near the tracks. Even more choices on Las Olas if you like a long walk along the river or a short drive. Once I plunk down $12.00 bucks for parking, my car is set for the day.