Do you think Jazz is dead? I have to admit that as a commercial product, jazz is having its ups and downs, but as an art form it continues at a remarkable pace. As proof to my statement, I offer, from personal observations – my recent attendance at: Stivers School for the Arts fundraiser to go to the New York Jazz Festival, the Beavercreek High School Weekend of Jazz Festival and the recent Fairborn High School Jazz Band spring fundraiser concert. These events by young players really committed to jazz were all very well attended.
Speaking of remarkable, tonight’s (Wednesday, June 20) concert at the Stubbs Park Amphitheater in Centerville by the Miami Valley Jazz Camp All Stars and the Dayton Jazz Orchestra is more evidence of “Youth in Jazz” in our area. This is part of the 19th annual Miami Valley Jazz Camp with this year’s faculty being: Hal Melia, Dan Nicora, Bill Burns, Dr. Scott Belck, Alyssa Mehnert, Sammy Kestenholtz, Jim Leslie, Jim Smith, Phil DeGreg, Brian Cashwell and Chris Berg. They appear again on Friday, June 22nd for a public concert at Kettering Fairmont Theater with this year’s Student Big Band & Combo and again on Wednesday, June 27th at the Fraze Pavilion when the Dayton Jazz Orchestra w/Miami Valley Jazz Camp All Stars & Carillon Park Concert Band provides the entertainment. These events are free and open to the public. Check out the Dayton Jazz Orchestra website for more details.
A few more near-term jazz events you may find of interest: Thursday, June 21st the Generations Big Band is at Jazz Central and on Sunday, June 24th will be the 30th annual Women in Jazz Festival in downtown Dayton at Dave Hall Plaza from 1:00 to 9:00 pm with the official after party at Jazz Central from 9:00pm to 1:00am. Check out Jazz Central’s website for the After Party information.
Some weekly jazz happenings: The Trio at the Brio every Monday features the John Taylor on drums, Brian Cashwell on keyboard and Chris Berg on bass. Dave Greer’s Classic Jazz Stompers is at Neil’s Heritage House every Wednesday. Ron Hartwell does a Swing, Latin & Ballroom Dance at the Dayton Event Connection every Wednesday. Catch the Shawn Stanley Trio Carvers Steaks & Chops in Centerville every Friday. And don’t forget there is a real Jazz Jam every Sunday night at Jazz Central. You can go to the Jazz Advocate website to get the times and location information on these events as well some 900 other jazz events in our area, or check out the DMM Event Calendar!
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