Femme StaffOn Saturday last week, my friends and I had what I would call the perfect Nairobi afternoon – sunny and perfect for colourful sundresses, sandals, and live jazz. The Bob Collymore Jazz (BC Jazz) event at Carnivore Gardens promised and delivered an afternoon of good music, great company, and a laid-back vibe. From the moment we arrived, we could feel the energy of the concert with groups and families in their full picnic vibes.
The setup was great with enough options of either being on picnic blankets inside the dome or on benches which were in plenty across the venue. Wherever one opted to sit, there was clear view of either the stage or huge screens to watch from. Carnivore grounds has more than enough space for fun seekers to move around and dance without feeling crowded and this made it the perfect venue for BC Jazz.
Food and drinks were readily available with just enough vendors, so that one did not have to queue for too long and the event did not have kitchens and smoke everywhere. The vendors were also in close enough vicinity that going for food did not mean missing performances.
Nairobi jazz lovers showed up in their thousands not just to enjoy the afternoon, but also to pay tribute to the late Bob Collymore whose passion for jazz was well-known and documented. This annual event continues to cement his legacy as the man who brought us some of the biggest jazz stars with the hugely successful Safaricom Jazz Festivals.
I particularly appreciated the security which was present and very efficient without being overbearing. The event felt safe, allowing families to relax while kids run around and played all over the venue. There was a general feeling of safety and this is something that many event organizers miss out on.
I can’t wait for the next one!
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for real-time updates.
