A Night in Treme came to San Francisco

Music from the acclaimed HBO series Treme raised the roof of Davies Symphony Hall this past Friday night as part of SFJazz. The beloved Rebirth Brass Band, trumpeter Kermit Ruffins, clarinetist Dr. Michael White, Alto saxophone star Donald Harrison Jr. and trombonist Big Sam Williams brought the sell-out crown to their feet and kept them moving for several hours.

Everyone felt the infectious beat. Jazz-lovers were swinging their arms and dancing in the aisles. Sixty or so guests clamored on stage to shake their booties in rythym to the music. A number of fancy, sparkly umbrellas were raised and a Second Line formed. When it was over, people were wasted but happy and energized.

It was so much fun! A perfect example of pure physical activity, which got me thinking. Why do people generally associate physical activity with that dreaded word, exercise? Why do parents drive their children to school, then rush off to the gym? We walk our dogs but wheel our toddlers in strollers. And we wonder why there is a prevalence of childhood obesity.

I was talking about how to promote physical activity the other day with an educator who works with preschoolers. She said that she had asked dozens of children how they knew that their Mommys and Daddys loved them. The answer in every single case was the same. "I know my Mommy and my Daddy love me because they play with me."

We need to focus more on having fun playing with our children and worry less about running on the treadmill.
It's advice I'm going to take myself.

~ Paula