January and all that Jazz

Carson City will become jazz city in January as the Carson High Jazz Band and Mile High Jazz Band cool the atmosphere around town.

Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Mile High Jazz Band creates "Cool Jazz in January," a big-band event with vocalist Sheryl Adams. The swinging happens at Comma Coffee, from 8-10 p.m.

Comma Coffee is located at 312 S. Carson St., across the street from the state legislature building in Carson City. General admission is $5 at the door; $4 for members of the Mile High Jazz Band Association; and free for ages 18 and under.

Come early for swing dance instruction, 6-7:30 p.m., for an additional $5.

Friday, Jan. 16 it's triple the jazz as the Carson High Jazz Band links up with the Mile High Jazz Band and guest vocalist Jakki Ford for the "Mile High " Carson High Jazz Extravaganza." The triple treat begins at 8 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, and includes combo performances and a grand finale combining the forces of both big bands.

The concert is a benefit for the Carson High Jazz Band's fifth trip to the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival in Moscow, Idaho, in February.

"I am pleased that the MHJB has been asked to support the high school jazz band again and help them go to the jazz festival," said David Bugli, MHJB leader and pianist. "The high school musical ensembles are very goal-oriented, and they deserve the community's help and encouragement. Even more, I'm looking forward to another round of intergenerational musical swing."

Ticket prices are $12 general admission, $10 students and seniors, and $5 for children age 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Brewery Arts Center administrative office, 883-1976, from Carson High Band members, online at breweryarts.org, and at the door.

The Carson High Jazz Band, directed by Jarod Sorum, attended the Lionel Hampton Festival for the first time four years ago. They also performed at Gov. Kenny Guinn's first inauguration, Greenhouse Garden Center music series, and "Winter Wine and All That Jazz," and they participate in the Reno Jazz Festival each April.

The band class at Carson High School, which meets before regular classes, is designed to teach students about the music that has affected America in so many ways. Students also are encouraged to learn and use improvisation. Placement in the band is determined by audition and director's approval.

The 19-member Mile High Jazz Band performs music in the spirit of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, and more contemporary jazz styles from their repertoire of more than 100 charts. Performances are funded, in part, by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

The professional band plays regularly in Northern Nevada, including monthly performances at Comma Coffee. MHJB appearances are funded, in part, by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.

For information about "Cool Jazz in January" and other live music at Comma Coffee, call June Joplin at 883-2662.

For information about the Mile High Jazz Band, call 883-4154, or see milehighjazz.com.