You may have heard by now that KCSM will again not be holding our annual Jazz On The Hill festival this year. We realize this is tremendously disappointing to many of you, as it is to us, however the campus at College of San Mateo has begun a number of construction projects, one of which is a new science building located smack in the middle of the North Stage.
In 2002, San Mateo County voters passed Measure C, which provided bond funds for much needed improvements to College of San Mateo, Canada College and Skyline College. After extensive planning, several projects on the College of San Mateo campus have begun and the resulting disarray has made it necessary for us to cancel Jazz On The Hill.
This new science building, which promises to be a signature structure at College of San Mateo, is an exciting and much needed addition to our campus facilities. The science building will feature up to date labs and equipment for students and will greatly enhance their science education.
Other construction projects underway involve earthquake retrofitting and infrastructure improvements that will make our campus even lovelier than it already is. However, we're in the middle of the "messy part" and the combination of the new science building and other projects makes for an environment that is not conducive to a jazz festival.
Our annual festival is a lovely way to spend a weekend as it brings nearly 15,000 people together to enjoy great music, great food and great weather on the Peninsula. Most importantly, it's our way of saying "thanks" to our listeners and members for their ongoing support.
Although construction will not be completed by next year, we are confident that we will be able to reconfigure our festival layout and bring back this local music tradition. In the meantime, there are a number of other jazz festivals happening this summer - so keep an eye on our Jazz Datebook, or on JazzTV, our digital 43.3 television channel.
We hope to be back - after the dust has settled somewhat - for our 12th annual Jazz On The Hill Festival! We are looking forward to it as much as you are! :)