A Night of Jazz!

Josh had the opportunity to perform three numbers with the All Northern Jazz Band in a combined evening of Jazz at the local performing arts theater! The show also included five pieces by the local University Jazz Ensemble, concluded with six movements by the University Jazz Orchestra.

Each of the three "big bands" were terrific themselves - but when combined with one of the country's foremost woodwind Grammy Award winning recording artist, author, professor, composer and performer Chris Vadala, it made for a magical evening of horn-wailing, toe-tapping music!

Chris accompanied and performed solos in many of the songs performed by each of the three bands. Many of the young musicians had the opportunity for individual "solo expression" - and some had the rare treat of playing side by side the virtuoso himself! Performances included arrangements from renowned jazz musicians such as Chuck Mangione, Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Strayhorn, and others.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to not only meet, but get to perform and rub shoulders with such a talented artist.

"When do we play next!!"

Although this video does not nearly do the performance justice, it will give you a taste of what it was like! (From "Children of the Sanchez" by Chuck Mangione.) *For additional video clips from the performance at Keri's 'blog just click on: http://simplykeri.blogspot.com/2008/04/my-jazz-boy.html