Hot Java, Cool Jazz, High School
Hot Java Cool Jazz at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle turns 16 this year. It is one of the great nights of performance by jazz musicians.
Did I mention these musicians are in high school? Pay no attention to that! Do you like to listen to the big band music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie or Benny Goodman? These students could have played in those bands, seriously.
The innocence of youth combined with extreme musical talent all comes together on stage on this night. Years ago, I was managing the Starbucks University Village store where many Garfield and Roosevelt High School parents had their coffee. The question I was asked most often: had I heard them perform? Did I know they went to New York and competed in the Ellington Festival and won, year after year! I did not.
Without dwelling on the history of this event let’s fast forward to what it is today. This show has evolved into a night people talk about all year. The first time I invited some folks to come with me I could see the whole “high school” notion come to mind. It’s a hard one to comprehend. I think they came to humor me, but I know they left believers. Last year’s show sold out the Paramount. It seats almost 3,000.
The show has an amazing vibe. Five schools play about four songs each with several minutes between bands. An intermission is included. The pace is perfect. The crowd is there for the whole show, not just to see their school but all the schools. The band directors and students in formal attire play so well and take such amazing solos you cannot leave your seat. These kids are at the top of their game. This is the essence of jazz and what I love about the show. That teenager with that saxophone is playing at a level he or she might never be at again. Or next year they might be blowing your mind on stage playing professionally at some international festival. You never know.
Every show I’ve been to I hear people seated around me lean over and say, “I had no idea, I just had no idea!” Did I mention this show sold out last year? If you’ve been, you’re probably going. If not – you need to!
Last year this show raised $35,000 for the music programs. So needed in these times, funding for the arts in schools is almost nonexistent. Perhaps you can find a way to make this work in your town. The talent is right there in a nearby high school.
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I think it is very important to have events like this to display the young talent that is out there and to support them along the way of their musical journey. music is very important in a young person's life.it teaches them to appreciate life a lot more. i also like to convey how it is important to recoginize the past jazz musicians,like, miles davis, john coltrane, ella fitzgerald, and many more to keep the tradition alive.
Just wanted to comment the Barrington, Illinois Starbucks has supported the Jazz Band at our high school for about 8 years raising approximately $10,000 for our music programs by providing coffee for our Java and Jazz concert every April. We appreciate their support and service so much. Thanks.
SueHS52 - Thanks for sharing. It's nice to hear there's more support of these music programs.