«It's just so nice to be downtown for the kids. They stay at the hotels downtown and are central to things the kids can do besides the competition. They learn something, hear great groups, go to clinics and jam sessions... the whole ball of wax.»

«We have groups auditioning from 13 states this year. Last year we only had six. It's really becoming a national event. Now we just need to do it with colleges. Jazz education doesn't end in high school. I see a real value to get these great groups together and be adjudicated by some of our judges, who are the best ever.»

«We did that last year. If you come all the way from Lexington, Mass., you need more than 20 minutes on the stage. I said, 'Let's have another place where they can play for fun. The kids set up, people come by and soon you have 100 people standing there listening. This year it will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. straight through. The poor guys working the stage will be exhausted. If it's bad weather, we will move it to Monterey Live. Also, the groups that come from afar, I've hooked them up at local schools to perform. It's kind of an exchange and good for everybody.»