Photos Doug Kohen

Both the Stanley Jazz Messengers and the Tom Scott Quartet rocked the Acalanes Performing Arts Center on Friday evening. The fresh-faced young teens from Stanley and the more mature professional musicians lead by Grammy winner Tom Scott seamlessly entertained the crowd with a collection of soulful and swinging tunes. Friday's show was part of the Lafayette Jazz Festival - all featuring young talented performers. The Festival is sponsored by the Generations in Jazz Foundation, which seeks to preserve jazz education and pass along the many life lessons music offers, along with Diablo Foods and other local merchants.

Stanley's Music Director Bob Athayde thanked Tom Scott for graciously spending time with the band students; he told the audience that Scott, "inspired us in so many ways." Scott said it's all about intention and focus - skills necessary to play music or in a job interview. He advised the kids that you can't be scared.

No fear was apparent among the Jazz Messengers as all the kids got a chance to solo on the big stage. Athayde calls the band, "The ultimate democracy - every single person counts all the time."

Songs included the captivating piece "True North," featuring a poignant Tom Scott solo on saxophone. Who couldn't love the upbeat Ray Charles song "What I'd Say" to wrap up the evening - it brought the house down. Sharing the stage with professional musicians of this caliber was clearly an inspiration to the younger players and a windfall for the audience.