Jazz Players Make Notable Impression

If playing jazz is like learning a new language, then the Golden West College students performing Tuesday at a campus festival have learned their lessons.

And based on the response by the audience at the student center, the musicians earned A’s.

The college’s music department is hosting a four-day jazz show for the fourth year in the hope of entertaining and informing students and the public about the different forms of jazz.

“Jazz is not popular but we are seeing a resurgence, and these jazz presentations are important to introducing the music to a new generation,” said Gerry Schroeder, the college’s commercial music director.

“I hope that people appreciate what we give them because our students have been working hard.”

Tuesday’s events showcased two classes, playing various styles.

Today’s main attraction is a visit to the school by comedian, political commentator and musician Steve Allen.

“Allen is a prolific songwriter,” said Tom Kubis, a Golden West College instructor and jazz musician who arranges many of Allen’s works.

“This will be an exciting show where Allen will play some of the 6,000 songs he’s written.”

Allen will play with a 16-piece band displaying a variety of big band sounds and later talk with students during a class.

The jazz festival opened Monday with a Dixieland and swing day.

Thursday will feature bebop sounds.

Events both days begin at 11:30 a.m. and are free.