2004 “Night of Jazz and Blues” brings crowd downtown

(2005 “Night of Jazz and Blues” set for Feb. 18, 2005)

Attendance at the Guild’s “5th Annual Night of Jazz and Blues” nearly doubled this year, virtually assuring that a 6th jazz event will be in the offing in 2005.

About 150 people showed up at PJ’s Bar and Restaurant on Feb. 20 to hear three groups from the mid-Michigan area: Dave Weatherwax and Koke McKesson; Pat and Phillip Ragland of Positive Energy with John White and Anthony Peyton; and Bigfoot Bob and the Toe Tappers with Bob Schultz, Wayne Morton, David Huber, Danny Hare and Geno Parker.

“Jazz Night was awesome,” said Joan Boldrey, co-chair of the event. “I had hoped for a good attendance and 150 people was at a level that I had not anticipated! My thanks to the community for their support and to the musicians who performed.”

During the course of the evening, the crowd heard a wide range of jazz styles, including traditional jazz from the 1920s and1930s, swing, R&B and modern jazz from the 1960s. Weatherwax and McKesson offered musical numbers such as “Down in Brazil,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Drink of Tanqueray,” and “Watch What Happens.” Performing next was Positive Energy with pieces such as “Party Tonight” and “What’s Going On?” Next, Schultz and his group brought many dancers to the floor with the likes of “Unchain My Heart,” “Georgia on My Mind,” “Blueswalk,” and “Somethin’ Ya Got.” In the final set, which ended at midnight, musicians from the first two groups joined Schultz on stage to perform “What You Gonna Do For Love,” “Take the A Train” and other numbers.

Door prizes, donated by committee members and local merchants, were given throughout the evening. Among the donors were: P. J. McDonald of P.J.s Bar, the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Tim DeLisle of the BLUEStage Club, Marino’s, Wendy’s, Domino’s, Joan Boldrey and Karen Maas.

The 5th Annual Night of Jazz & Blues was supported by the United Arts Council and is a program of the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Thanks to their help, the Guild has built up more than $3,300 in seed money to insure future jazz events.   

Members of this year’s jazz night committee included co-chairs Joan Boldrey and Karen Maas, Mary McVicker, Suzie Creech, Lesia Pikaart, Lorean Burton, Natalie Halsey, Joyce Phelps and Guild Treasurer Joan Cummings.

“It was exciting putting this evening together with a great group of ladies,” Maas said. “The actual Night of Jazz and Blues was the culminating event of lots of teamwork and fun.”

A committee for the “Sixth Annual Night of Jazz and Blues,” set for Feb. 18, 2005, will be forming soon. If you want to help with this event or have suggestions for a live jazz band or location, please contact Sue Rochester, Guild President, at 783-5709.