Awesome April Event!

The weekend is here - FINALLY!

I'm about a week late, but last Friday (April 18th), I was on hand for the Jazz Half Event of the Month. As you all know, the event was the XU Jazz Ensemble's 25th Anniversary Reunion weekend. Thanks to everyone who knew about the event, the word got around and the result was a HUGE turnout - with at least 50 people there! Another very pleasing observation was the number of Ensemble alum who showed up to either participate or watch the show. Yours truly took the stage with the Alumni Ensemble for a performance of Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke". Between sets, Director John DeFoor took the stage to offer a little history on how the Jazz Studies program started, and made mention of the people who helped make it all possible 25 years ago. Members on the board of the Music Department approached the stage to lend some very nice words recognizing John's hard work and dedication to the program. In fact, one of the members of the Music Dept. board made the announcment that for the next academic year and for the first time, Jazz Studies will be offered as a MAJOR - this is HUGE for the University! Once again, congratulations to John DeFoor, Sue Brown, and the entire Jazz Ensemble for 25 GREAT years of the XU Jazz Studies Program!!!

This was an absolutely BIG night for the ensemble, which topped of the evening with a large cake (pics to be posted soon!).

Enjoy your weekend, and get out there and see a show, they're all over the city!

- jh

A Jazz Half "Pre-Event" of the Month???

Hey Everyone!

First of all, welcome to April. Spring is here, and that means the emergence of many things: The grass, the budding tree leaves, the tulips, and jazz events throughout the city. As I'm sure you know, the Jazz Half Event of the Month is the Xavier University Jazz Ensemble's 25th Anniversary Reunion Celebration (on the weekend of April 18th). Last night was what I would consider a "Surprise Warmup" to this event.

I TRULY apologize for not airing the Showcase Spotlight on WCJS last night. But I attended a surprise event given by the Jazz Ensemble's Manager, Sue Brown, honouring Director John DeFoor for his 25 years of hard work and guidance. The event included appetizers and beverages, and a marvelous performance by The XU Faculty Jazztet, consisting of Steve Barone on Guitar, Eugene Marquis on Alto/Bari/Clarinet, Jim Anderson on Bass, and Larry C. Brown on Drums.

Between some of the numbers, several people approached the stage to share words about the impact John has had on their Collegiate and Professional lives - very touching indeed. The Jazztet performed... wait - what am I doing??? To hear more about the Jazztet event, YOU will need to stay tuned for the upcoming review - soon to be seen on thejazzhalf.com!

And don't forget to tell all your friends and family about the 25th Anniversary Reunion! For details, visit thejazzhalf.com. Cheers!

- jh