The Hanaway Theater erupted with music and applause Tuesday, April 3, as the annual All New England Jazz Festival took place. The presentation started off with Plymouth State’s very own Jazz Ensemble and was followed by two excellent high school acts.
The festival went on for much of the day; high school students from around New Hampshire attended and were instructed in a jazz workshop. Only two of the participating high schools, Dover High School and Laconia High School, were able to stay for the evening event open to the public and Plymouth State students at 7 P.M.
The Plymouth State Jazz Ensemble, directed by Scott Grant, opened up with a brilliant rendition of Miles Davis’ “A Night in Tunisia,” followed by The Beatles’ “Fool on the Bridge” and “Blackbird,” and ending on a very high note with Don Menza’s “Groovin’ Hard.” The ensemble was an exceptional act and a great kick off to the evening.
The Dover High School Jazz Band, directed by Michele Boulanger, did wonderful renditions of Kapler/Washington’s “On Green Dolphin Street” and Lennie Niehaus’ “Beantown Blues.”
Not to be outdone, the Laconia High School Jazz Band, directed by Debbi Gibson, jammed to “Body and Soul” by Hayman, Sour, Eyton and Green, and closed the night up with “Drummin’ Man” by Krupa/Parham.
The students really gave it their all and demonstrated that music isn’t dead in schools. In the future there is hope that the festival will grow much larger and display many more musicians’ talent.
The Plymouth State Jazz Ensemble will have a solo performance on April 17 at 7 P.M. Contact the box office in the Silver Center for the Arts for more information and tickets.