It was a great opportunity and honor to visit and perform with many colleagues, some for the first time and some for the hundredth time - James Genus, Earl Klugh, Russell Malone, Terri Lyne Carrington, Chris Potter, Russell Malone, and the fantastic Dee Dee Bridgewater, who traded ad libs with the indefatigable Clark Terry. Also nice to spend some quality time with John Pizzarelli. I played many sessions in the '70s with his father, Bucky. What a talented family!

The guest of honor for the evening was George Benson, with whom I've collaborated often over a very long time. We featured him on a special version of "On Broadway" that rocked the house! George is in a class by himself.

The quality of the competitors was impressive. The winner, Lage Lund, is an amazing player with a great future. Keep an ear out too for second place winner, Miles Okazaki, who challenged the house band with his daring arrangements, and impressed me with his creative ideas and dazzling technique.

Thanks to Denise Waichunas for the photos and to Michelle Day for all the arrangements. Special thanks to Tom Carter for the invitation. Next year, the piano will be the featured instrument. Uh Oh!!