From left to right: drummer Corey Fonville, saxophonist Alex Han, John Topping, bassist Rakim Yarbrough, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Linda Gonzalez, and myself; kneeling are bassist Earl Travis, Jr. and drummer Charlie Foldesh

The local media captures a rehearsal for the Alex Han Quintet at the nearby restaurant

Drummer Charlie Foldesh, bassist Earl Travis, Jr., saxophonist Alex Han, trumpeter Steven Forse (left shoulder shown), and myself rehearse for the performance Thursday night

On the main stage of the 2006 Festival de Jazz de Lapataia, Uruguay

On the main stage with Corey and Rakim in the 2006 Festival de Jazz de Lapataia, Uruguay

On the main stage with the Alex Han Quartet in Uruguay

The encore performance with Earl Travis, Jr., Corey Fonville, and Alex Han

Corey “Chris Dave” Fonville and Alex “Kenny Garrett” Han show the Uruguayans how to play some funk and neo soul

Alex decides to breathe while I hit some notes on the encore performance

Corey gets the spotlight during his solo on Styles (original comp.) during the encore performance

Members of the Alex Han Quintet and Phoebe Stubblefield Quartet soak up the applause before soakin up some Dulce de Leche 

Alex, Corey, and myself meet Antonio Sanchez (performing with the Edward Simon Trio) after his performance

Corey, Alex, Earl and I grab a quick photo with Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis after their rehearsal

Corey, Alex, Rakim, Earl, Steve, Charlie, and I chill (and eat Dulce de Leche) with Lewis Nash, Greg Bandy, and David Williams in the early hours of the morning

Earl Travis, Jr. wonders why there isn’t any more Dulce de Leche left

Pianist Barney McAll and Greg Bandy strike a classic pose

Gary Bartz smiles for the paparazzi alongside Lewis Nash, Greg Bandy, and Barney McAll

Charlie reminds us what Steve looks like

Corey and I pose in front of the Festival de Jazz de Lapataia sign

From left to right: Francisco Yobino, Jr., myself, Poncho Yobino, Francase(sp) Yobino, Corey, Alex, and Steve; in front are Rakim, Earl, and Charlie