Jazz Birds to play Friday night
The Chadron State College Jazz Birds normally take the summer off, but this year the musicians who are directed by Dr. Sandy Schaefer are still performing. They will be in action on the patio at the Sinister Grin in the 100 block of Main Street in Chadron at 8 p.m. Friday, June 17. There’s no admission charge.
Schaefer said the Jazz Birds “have tweaked their repertoire to include more Motown, Funk and Lite Jazz.”
The group features Jolana Milburn (sax/vocal), Joe Lowry (keyboard), Alex Smith (guitar), Nate Buetler (drums), Eric Mumm (bass) and Dr. Schaefer (vibes).
Schaefer said that he believes Motown music is still popular and will resonate with a multi-generational audience. "When I play Motown music in my course on African-American Popular Music everyone knows the songs and there are always a few who sing along. People usually wave as they go by the classroom, but when I play Motown they dance by the doorway."
Schaefer has been arranging songs for the Jazz Birds since classes ended in May. Some of the new arrangements include; "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" and "You Can't Hurry Love" by the Supremes and 'Lady Marmalade" by Patti LaBelle.
"We also have added some new lite jazz standards like, "Breezin'" by George Benson and "Morning Dance" by Spyra Gryo," said Schaefer.
Category: Campus News