Times staff
Sunday, October 17, 2010
ABOVE: Paul Reinig of Belleair Bluffs dances to the music of Mark Barrios on Sunday.
The stars — or rather, the sun minus clouds — aligned over Clearwater this weekend, bringing perfect weather and a crowd estimated at 52,000 for Clearwater's Jazz Holiday in Coachman Park.
It was quite a change from last year, when rainy and chilly weather kept attendance to near 40,000 people.
"You can't ask for better weather for a city's signature event," said Gary Hallas, a jazz holiday consultant. "Strong community support is what we have."
The free jazz fest marked its 31st anniversary with this event, which stretched over four days and ended Sunday night.