Chadron State jazz groups to play at Sidney Oktoberfest

The CSC Jazz Ensemble will feature Adam Lambert the college’s new director of bands and an outstanding trumpet player. Lambert will be the soloist on several selections including the opener, “Opus De Shuffle,” by Tom Kubis.

Lambert earned his doctorate in classical trumpet and jazz from the University of North Texas. Schaefer said Lambert is a wonderful addition to the Chadron State faculty.

“Since our college is small, it is important that we have a faculty member who is well versed in both classical music and jazz. Adam certainly fills the bill,” Schaefer noted.

Also featured will be Alesa Hebbert of Gering, who will be the alto saxophone soloist on the ballad, “Polka Dots and Moonbeams”

The Jazz Ensemble also will play big band standards such as “In The Mood,” made famous by Glenn Miller, and “Robin’s Nest”

Also performing will the CSC Jazz Birds, a 10-piece combo that is popular in the northern Panhandle because of its unique mixture of jazz standards, Motown and soul tunes.

The combo includes vocalist Jolana Milburn of Rushville, who also plays the saxophone. Other members include Hebbert on the alto sax; Alex Smith of Ashland, trumpet; Chris Van Dyke of Benkelman, trombone; Melissa Huber of Sturgis, S.D., vibes; Ashley Grey of Valentine, piano; Travis Norris of Hale, Mo., and Eric Mumm of Tryon, guitar, Conrad Ganche of Gering, bass; and Nate Beutler of Chadron, drums.

Schaefer, who also directs the Jazz Birds, said, “Jolana Milburn is an outstanding performer. I have played in many locations and Jolana is the best I have ever had in any of my bands.”

Hebbert will be featured on “Blue Rondo Ala Turk” made famous by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. Ganche will be featured on the bass with a tune called “The Chicken,” made famous by Jaco Pastorius.

The Mo’ Jazz group grew out of the Motown, funk, and soul selections performed by the CSC Jazz Birds. Schaefer, who arranges the music besides directing the band, said he is amazed at the reaction from the students in his African-American Popular Music course when he plays soul music from the 1960-70s.

“They know all the songs and some even sing along quietly. I thought there should be a band dedicated to keeping this music alive in the area,” he said. “That’s why I decided to put this group together.”

Mo’ Jazz features Milburn singing selections such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Respect,” “I Will Survive,” You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Superstition” and “At Last.”

Schaefer said, “I’m sure the Oktoberfest audience will enjoy the band and will absolutely love Jolana’s singing.”