Summer Buzz – Southern Oregon, USA

June 2003 Update
The Southern Oregon Travel Guide

Ashland & Jacksonville, Oregon

Summer Buzz

There is a buzz around Ashland. The tingling that occurs in the proximity of change. Spring and summer struggle for precedence, and summer is quickly gaining the upper hand. Gray clouds slink away before warm breezes, and blue fills their void.

The excitement is due not only to the change of seasons, but from an anticipated change in lifestyle as well. The influx of visitors heralds the onset of the tourist season. Shops and restaurants stay open later, the sidewalks are bustling, and there is a line at the coffee shop. Across town, Southern Oregon University students, tightly wound, are prepared to dash into summer vacation and scatter to points unknown.

Some of them will not return. A diploma clutched in hand promises scholastic freedom for these fortunate students. The graduation ceremony takes place Saturday, June 14, at the Raider Stadium on the SOU campus. Much to the regret of many graduates and parents alike, the ceremony will not be held in Lithia Park as in years past, as the city deemed the increased traffic in the park unsafe.

A venue that shows no sign of moving is the Britt Festival. Jacksonville’s pride and joy, the Britt has occupied the same acoustically unique hillside every summer since its conception 41 years ago. The outdoor arena attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to enjoy the incredible selection of performers.

The 2003 season begins on June 6 with a performance by Marcia Ball and Elvin Bishop. Following this show is a line of musicians such as Joe Cocker, Lyle Lovett, Tracy Chapman and KD Lang, to name a handful. The Britt caters to a fairly wide spectrum of musical tastes, though it tends toward the conservative. Part of the reason for this is that the Festival must coexist with the surrounding community, many of whom can hear every chord from their front porch.

The gates open for seating at 5:45pm and, unless reserved, the seating is first-come-first-served. This free-for-all seating arrangement has created a unique and renowned aspect of Britt: waiting in line. As lines go this is a relatively pleasant one; a path gently zigzags up the hill, its lower portion beneath a cool deciduous canopy, the upper in dappled shade. People talk to their neighbors amid blankets and coolers, creating an impromptu feeling of community. Most people arrive one to two hours early, depending on the show.

Though requiring a bit more work than reserved seating, the price and freedom of grass seating are attractive to many people. It is also conducive to a picnic dinner! Just bring along a blanket and favorite beverage, wine and beer are allowed, and enjoy the show.

Tickets and schedule are available online at www.brittfest.org or by calling the box office at +1 (541) 773 6077 or (800) 882 7488.

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