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Photo by Ray Pettengell Charlie Doggett of Eugene grooves on the congas as the Britt Jazz Institute Band performs to kick off Medford's 1999 Bear Creek Park Summer Concert Series. The band is composed of instructors in the weeklong jazz clinic for young musicians at Britt. 'And all that jazz' Summer concert opener swings to Latin beat By BILL KETTLER Overcast skies didn't prevent the crowd from enjoying an evening of Latin jazz at the first performance in the 1999 Bear Creek Park Summer Concert Series. More than 1,000 people settled into the park's natural amphitheater with blankets, lawn chairs and picnic suppers, to listen to the Britt Institute Jazz Band. Some came especially to hear their Latin jazz, but many came just to enjoy an evening outdoors with family and friends. "We come pretty much as much as we can," said Mark Drake, of Central Point, as he finished his picnic supper. "It doesn't really matter what kind of music," said his wife, Theresa, as their daughters, Amanda and Ashley, stretched out on a blanket. "We just enjoy being out here. "It's just a nice way for all of us to experience different kinds of music and do a family thing together," she said. "We're all kind of busy during the week." On Sunday they heard tunes such as Chick Corea's "Armando's Rumba," performed by the musicians who come to Southern Oregon each summer to teach students at the Britt Festivals. "The Britt Festivals are trying to get out in the community more," said Angela Warren, Britt's education director. "And this is one way we can do it." The size of the crowd surprised Medford recreation director Tom Hilton. He said the free concerts usually draw about 800 people, ``but I think we might be 1,200 tonight." Even with the large crowd, there was plenty of room for people to sprawl on the lawn. Jeanne Legrand, of Medford, and her parents, Richard and Blandine Legrand, of Santa Clara, Calif., finished their picnic supper just as the concert began. "We're here to celebrate our birthdays," said Jeanne Legrand, who was born on her mother's birthday, "and this is a perfect opportunity to listen to some live music." Hilton said he anticipates more large crowds this season because many of the performers have a regional reputation. During previous concert series, most of the performers were locals. The bands were booked by David Stehnike, who has also arranged a summer concert series for the city of Grants Pass. Six of the 13 Medford concerts will also be staged in Grants Pass on the Tuesday following their Sunday Medford performances. Stehnike said being able to offer the bands two bookings helps make the trip from Portland or Seattle more appealing. Next Sunday's show features California acoustic bluesman Doug MacLeod. Skies darkened as the show wound down, and the people had to scurry to their cars to dodge a shower that started as the band finished its last tune. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA