Another great summer concert season is upon us, and one local organization is doing its best to bring some of the best jazz and blues acts to the island.
Dean Jacobsen and his non-profit the Lopez School Music Advocacy Foundation have a series of music events coming up. All of the proceeds support the music program at Lopez School and help bring musicians for in-school sessions with the students.
“The various programs that have been brought in with the help of Dean and his group have been very well received by students,” said Superintendent Bill Evans. “They’ve been very excited to hear jazz and blues groups. And they are actually learning from those presentations. We noticed from the beginning of the year to the end of the year that there was a marked change in the sophistication of the students’ questions (to the musicians) both at the elementary and older levels. We’re looking forward to more opportunities in the future. A lot of musicians have offered to give free lessons, not only in the summer but also during the school year. That’s pretty impressive, especially with the caliber of musicians coming.”
Pearl Django, who is performing again this summer, gave a complete in-school presentation this past winter and have committed to returning in the fall for another school workshop. “All the local kids here are familiar with them. And all the performers in Pearl Django have done lessons and worked with kids before,” said Jacobsen. Pearl Django holds a summer camp in Seattle and the group members are experienced instructors.
“The Lopez School Music Advocacy Foundation is instrumental in bringing those groups to the school. Parents and the community should support it. Their support this summer with the concert series helps us in the future. It’s not only great musuc, but it helps the students,” continued Evans.
First in the line-up is the Overton Berry Trio, performing on Thursday, July 3, 2 p.m. at the Lopez Center Outdoor Pavilion (inside in case of inclement weather). Tickets are $15 for adults and youth get in free. The concert will be a tribute to jazz great Art Foxall. Special guests include Bernie Jacobs, who recently did a dinner show and an in-school concert, and local musician Hawk Arps. The band is willing to work with students while they are here; anyone who is interested can call Jacobsen. “This is true for all of the upcoming concerts. Pretty much all of the musicians are instructors too. That is what I have tried to do: find musicians who are compatible to teaching with kids,” Jacobsen commented.
Pearl Django will present its “Gypsy Jazz” style of music on Saturday, August 9, 2 p.m. at the Lopez Center Pavilion. Tickets are $15 for adults and youth get in free.
James “Curly” Cooke and the Annette Taborn Duo will perform “Roots Blues” on Friday, August 22 in the Galley Lounge. The next day, Saturday, August 23, from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m., check out “The Rock Rocks,” a mini blues festival with multiple award-winners Becki Sue and her Big Rockin’ Daddies, the James “Curly” Cooke Quartet, and Paul Green with his quartet Straight Shot.
To buy tickets for these events, go to www.lopezcenter.com, www.livemusiconlopez.com, or Paper Scissors on the Rock, Blossom Organic Grocery, Islehaven Books, or the Islandale Southender (Overton Berry tickets are the only ones currently available at the business locations).
