I had the chance to meet Brubeck and see him play and speak over 2-3 days last year. He did open Q/A sessions that were an absolute treasure - stories about playing in bands on the front in WWII, insisting on an integrated band (against the Army's wishes), studying composition with Darius Milhaud, the guys he played with over the years.
I had seen him play in the late 80s - at the time I'd never dreamed I would see him again 20 years later. I'll be happy to be able to identify a piano when I'm that age. Accuracy was not all there, but the RHYTHM was unbelievable.... good stuff. This event was at a university, and he played with the university Jazz band. What an opportunity for those kids to stand on stage with Dave Brubeck and play a few tunes. He was very gracious, warm, and genuine with his time and in working with the students.
All that said, I also wish I could have seen him play back in the day.....