Crazy for Jazz at 19th Annual Jazz Spotlight

CRESCO - The 19th Annual Jazz Spotlight was held at Crestwood High School April 1 and 2. It was a night of classics like “Little Brown Jug,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Tiger of San Pedro.”

The shows began with a mini-art show in the commons of the high school. There one could find various mediums of artwork on display by high school students. As guests made their way into the gym, which was transformed into an elegant jazz club with low lighting, meticulously decorated linen-adorned tables and students taking on a new role as professional servers. 

There was not a want not met and two-hours of jazz and symphonic music. Add in vocalists, theatrical speech performances and “Crestwood’s Got Talent,” and the night was a full-blown entertainment extravaganza.

Jazz Spotlight began with an introduction by Jason Dobbs, Band Director, followed by Kelly Dietzenbach and Emily Roberts sharing with the diners what the evening would entail. 

Performers included the CHS Jazz Ensemble, CJH Jazz Combo and the CHS Symphonic Band. The CHS Clarinet Choir, Brass Choir, Percussion and Sax Ensembles also performed, as well as solos by Megan Ferrie and Charlotte Stinson. Speech performers included John Ayers, Mitchell Leifeld, Rielynn Thompson and Justin Holt. Konner Tuchek served as sound technician.

The first set included: “Martian Square Dance” by Dean Sorensen, “Vine Street Ramble” by Benny Carter, “Prayer Meetin’” by Matt Harris and “Tiger of San Pedro” by John La Barbera. Megan Ferrie took to the guitar and vocals with “Teenager in Love” by Dion and the Belmonts.

Dobbs recognized gold and silver sponsors for their support as well as everyone who has encouraged band members or attended a concert. 

He also encouraged conversation by saying, “You can talk while we’re playing. It’s not like we’re in a museum,” to the somewhat quiet diners. Additionally, he brought recognition to U-2 BBQ & Catering, Calmar, for the wonderful meal, and shared that the band would be on tour, traveling to St. Louis and Nashville.

The second set of music included: “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by Ray Price, “Route 66” by Bobby Troupe, “Springs Awakening” by Dean Sorensen, “Chameleon” by Hancock, Jackson and “Mason & Maupin” and “Little Brown Jug” arr. by Paul Lavender. 

Charlotte Stinson, entertained the audience with “The Dead Sea” by The Lumineers, while playing the ukulele.

The evening culminated with the final three standing for the Crestwood’s Got Talent comedy portion with the sophomore, Eric Trautsch, taking the prize, followed by ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ senior recognition and Dobbs directing the CHS Symphonic Band with “Robin Hood” by Michael Kamen/arr. Bocook.