14th annual Boardman High School Jazz Fest
The 14th annual BHS Jazz Fest will take place March 25 at 7 p.m. in the Boardman Performing Arts Center. The event will feature BHS Jazz Ensembles 1, 2 and 3 along with special guest group The John Reese Project featuring Janet Opritza-Davis.
The evening begins with a performance by BHS Jazz Ensemble 3. Jazz 3 will perform “Put It Where You Want It,” “Second Line” and “The Madison Time.”
BHS Jazz Ensemble 2 will take the stage with its blend of jazz and blues with some vocals mixed in. The band’s selections will include “What’d I Say” by Ray Charles, Steve Miller Band’s “Fly Like an Eagle” and “The Swingin’ Shepherd Blues.” The group will also perform its rendition of “Dani California” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The guest group this year will be local jazz artists, The John Reese Project. Besides Thomas Ruggieri, Director of Bands, being the group’s drummer, trombonist/vocalist John Reese and saxophonist Tim Harker have been past guest soloists with Jazz Ensemble 1. Pianist Jim Gerlach appeared with JRP for the last performance, but this will be bassist Wilbur Krebbs’ first appearance on the BPAC stage. Joining JRP will be vocalist Janet Opritza-Davis. The group has been a featured performer at both the YSU Festival of the Arts and the Youngstown Jazz Fest.
The headliner of the concert is the BHS Jazz Ensemble 1. Selections will include Count Basie’s “Corner Pocket,” Ray Charles’ “Let the Good Times Roll,” Bob Mintzer’s “Slo-Funk,” “Fanfare for the Common Man” as played by the Woody Herman Orchestra and more. Members of the John Reese Project will join Jazz Ensemble 1 to perform solos. Opritza Davis will also be featured with the big band on Ella Fitzgerald’s version of “Time After Time” and on “Almost Like Being In Love.”
Tickets are available at the door and are $3 for adults and $2 for students. Senior citizens and children will be admitted free of charge. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, including upcoming events, visit www.boardmanband.org.