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Back row, left to right: Christina Kuhuot,Linda Eaton, Gabe Bagno, Ryan Becker, Kassie Saari, Sarah Johnston, Isaac Sussman. Front row, left to right: Sam Hegarty, Clare Wiswell, Jessie Spicher, Emilia Lewis, Sierra Fairchild, Brandi Larson and Randall Gonzalez. – Photo courtesy of Peninsula College.
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Peninsula College jazz band drummer. – Photo by Ivan Sitohang
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Kevin McCartney swings his sax at Jazz in the PUB. – Photo by Ivan Sitohang
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The Peninsula College jazz band performed in the PUB on Tuesday, Nov. 24. – Photo by Ivan Sitohang
By Naomi Gish
Peninsula College’s vocal jazz ensemble, directed by Elaine Gardner-Morales, will be performing their Jingle Jazz Concert on December 9 in the Little Theater. The evening of jazz-a-licious fun will begin with a dessert reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 7:30 p.m.
This year’s featured soloist Greta Matassa will be featured at the Peninsula College Foundation fundraiser. The funds received will go towards the foundation that seeks to give financial aid to students on need-based scholarships. A portion of the proceedings will also be given to the vocal jazz ensemble for allowing them the ability to attend competitions in other states. Matassa, who has been recognized for her musical contributions by Earshot Jazz, will be sharing from her holiday CD “And to All a Good Night.”
The well-known vocal musician has sung with Peninsula College in the past. “After our successful summer workshop with Greta, the students have been so excited to learn more about jazz and singing solo,” Matassa said.
The concert will feature holiday classics in varying jazz styles creating an exciting lineup.
Director of the Peninsula College Foundation Getta Rogers said, “This has become an enormously popular event and a real joy for the Foundation.”
“It’s the perfect time of year to celebrate the Foundation’s many successes while featuring incredibly talented performers. What a treat it will be to have Greta Matassa and these fine musicians on stage with our students!”
The students are excited to be learning to solo and will be experimenting with many jazz styles such as harmonization and modern arrangements.
Along with accapella selections, an instumental ensemble will be collaborating with the students. The musicians are members of the Peninsula College Jazz band, who played a holiday concert on Dec. 1 at the Maier Performance Hall.
The event was created when they realized a desire to give back to their school by putting on a holiday concert, and now, three years later, the benefit is a highlight of the Peninsula College’s events.
With the populary of the event, coordinators are anticipating a sold out event, though tickets will be sold at the door.
The concert will be broadcast live by KONP AM 1450 and 101.7 FM radio.
