The American art form that is jazz music remains as addictive to its fans and those who play it as the junk shot into the arms of some of its forefathers.
If ever there was a genre of music that remains truly American, it’s jazz. Its birth and evolution happened right here in the United States. Since its inception and without the benefit of having been shoved down our throats via pop culture (save for some awful episodes of “The Cosby Show”), it is a beloved art form whose heavy hitters deserve Rolling Stone cover shots as much if not more than the questionable acts who regularly appear there. Congress even passed a 1987 resolution declaring it an “American National Treasure.”
Adult students of jazz will showcase their talent Saturday evening, taking the stage at the Smiley Building in a benefit for Grace Preparatory Academy. “WinterPalooza: Swingin’ at the Smiley” will feature music by Durango Jazz and 7 Sharp 11. The former is a combo of Fort Lewis College music students, while 7 Sharp 11 is an adult jazz band that studies and performs as part of the Stillwater Foundation. The event also will feature dance lessons, a silent auction, dinner and dessert.
Performing in 7 Sharp 11 are Lisa Shaw on vocals, Stillwater teacher Jeroen van Tyn on violin, Jean Gresh on alto sax, John Rothchild on trombone, Chris Beller on guitar, Tracy Korb on bass and Mike Owens on drums.
Durango Jazz is a sextet featuring all FLC music students. Though a relatively new band, the musicians have played together in various other groups. The sextet includes Sam Kelly on alto sax, T.J. Highland on drums, Spencer Church on bass, Mark Shriver on piano, Brian Stoneback on tenor sax and John Patton on trumpet.
While it’s obvious that a college band still is learning music, it may not be well known that Stillwater is not just a music school for kids. 7 Sharp 11 is one of three adult bands that practice and perform for the school made up of players who may have learned an instrument in the past but now are attempting to learn a genre. In this case, it’s jazz.
“It’s really focusing on how to play, learning to play arrangements and listening,” van Tyn said last week from the Stillwater studios. “It’s about learning how to play a good solo and how to improvise and how to get a good group sound.”
The highlight, at least for the adult curriculum, is playing live.
“Performing is one of the hallmarks of Stillwater,” van Tyn said. “We don’t hire a hall and have two concerts a year, and all the bands perform and everybody comes. We take the music to the people. That’s an attractive thing for the adults. You’re an adult, and you play. That’s what we do. The adults really like it. They like performing in public.”
Liggett_b@fortlewis.edu. Bryant Liggett is a freelance writer and KDUR station manager.
Bryant’s Best
Friday-Sunday: Durango Celtic Festival at the Henry Strater Theatre and Irish Embassy. Day passes $10/$15, weekend passes $35, 375-7160.
Saturday: Durango Jazz and 7 Sharp 11 of the Stillwater Foundation play jazz, 4 p.m., $10, Smiley Building, 1309 East Third Ave., 385-7544.
