 | | | Taylor Reynolds Photo Doug Kohen
| | | | | | Jazz is uniquely American, distinctively rhythmic and a stage for individual expression and instrumental play. Whether you like smooth jazz, bebop or a little swing, jazz lends itself to attentive ears, tapping feet and snapping fingers. From its origins in the hopping city of New Orleans, jazz now captures music lovers worldwide. In Lafayette from March 4th to March 7th, the community pays tribute to this original American art form. The Tenth Anniversary of the Lafayette Jazz Festival, presented by the Generations in Jazz Foundation, features well-known artists, aspiring young musicians and the Big Band of Rossmoor. Musicians young and old will share their passion with the community. The firm belief that draws them together is the power of music: its ability to foster learning, inspire creativity and bridge the gap between cultures and generations.
The Lafayette Jazz Festival will feature some of Contra Costa County's best youth musicians including Alec Michels (Trumpet) and Ben Zucker (Vibraphone). These high school juniors both recently became members of the Contra Costa County High School Honor Jazz Band. ... At a young age, Michels and Zucker fell in love with music. Growing up in Lafayette provided a very "healthy environment...the teachers are phenomenal and the programs are all very good. It is cool to be a musician here," Michels reflects. Zucker describes how he learned to play a variety of instruments. It began with piano lessons in elementary school. Soon he picked up the trumpet and eventually, in the Stanley Middle School Jazz Band, he discovered the vibraphone. "It just kind of snowballed and I kept picking up more and more instruments," says Zucker. "Vibes in particular just stuck with me. They're versatile; you can play chords and melodies easily." Both artists will perform in the March 7th "Honor that Jazz" program at the Veterans Memorial Building.
The enthusiasm Michels and Zucker exude is due largely to Lafayette's rich, musical community which has expanded over the past decade through the efforts of public school programs and organizations like the Generations in Jazz Foundation. A founding member of the foundation, and Music Director at Stanley Middle School, Bob Athayde has played a major role in the creation of these opportunities. Athayde recalls growing up in East Oakland where his public school teachers had an enormous effect on his own musical development. His teachers were "life changing" and at this point he says he is just "trying to keep up with them." His advice is simple, "Music is supposed to make your heart happy; so keep playing music and you'll have a happy heart."
Director of the Big Band of Rossmoor, Mo Levich, developed his passion for music growing up in Idaho, home of the enormously popular musical, the Music Man. He credits summer concerts and band shows for inspiring his love of music. The Big Band will be playing in the "Jazz for All Ages" program on Thursday, March 4th. As senior musicians in the community, the Big Band members work to "promote music and music education between the generations," says Levich. He is particularly excited about the upcoming Lafayette Jazz Festival. "Jazz is an original American art form where a live conversation takes place between the musicians," he explains.
This year those conversations should be interesting and diverse. Athayde is particularly looking forward to guest artist, Ellen Rowe, a member of the University of Michigan faculty. An avid advocate of jazz education, Rowe will be performing on Friday, March 5th. "She is an ideal mentor for all of us. Her talent blows me away," declares Athayde.
Jazz Festival Event Schedule
March 4th "Jazz for All Ages": private party for Rossmoor
residents and their guests will feature The Big Band Of
Rossmoor and student run Joe Barton Quintet.
March 5th "Future Jazz Greats": Ellen Rowe and Friends will be featured along with the Stanley Jazz Orchestra led by Bob Athayde.
March 6th ""A Tribute to Frank Martin": The great pianist/arranger/producer, Frank Martin, will be joined by
saxophonist Marc Russo along with Troy Lampkins on bass and Paul Van Wageningen on drums. Opening the evening will be the UC Jazz Combo directed by Ted Moore.
March 7th "Honor That Jazz": the seventh annual Contra Costa County Middle School Honor Jazz Band with Guest
Director Michael Galisatus, followed by the eighth annual
Contra Costa County High School Honor Jazz Band with Guest Director John Maltester will perform at the Veterans Memorial Building.
Tickets for the Tenth Annual Lafayette Jazz Festival are on sale now. Shows are $5 for Thursday and Sunday and $15 for
Friday and Saturday night. To purchase tickets, contact the Lafayette Chamber at (925) 284-7404 or visit their web site at www.lafayettechamber.org.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA