WESTFIELD – Three Westfield High School jazz band members will perform at the “Youth Jazz Connection at EB’s” Thursday from 6– 7 p.m. at EB’s Restaurant on 385 Walnut Street in Agawam. Trumpet player Dan Hickson, alto saxophonist Alec Best and bassist John Kiefer will play several numbers alongside West Springfield native and master jazz guitarist Jay Messer.
“The idea for a youth jazz workshop is something I’ve been thinking about for some time,” Messer said. “I’ve been a professional jazz musician (guitarist) for almost 40 years and it saddens me that as years go by, there’s less and less interest in what I’ve spent my whole life studying and performing, especially among young people. Jazz is one of the only art forms truly born in America. I’m hoping this project, to which I’m donating my time, can spark some excitement in area high school jazz band students and their friends.”
Messer has performed Thursday nights for the past eight years at EB’s. He approached Ed Borgatti, owner of the family-friendly restaurant, to propose the project.
“Eddie has always been a big sponsor of ‘givebacks’ and community programs, especially for youth,” Mr. Messer said. “We thought this was a great way to boost awareness and interest, while teaching students and providing performance opportunities they wouldn’t ordinarily have.”
The “Youth Jazz Connection at EB’s” is open to all local high schools which currently have any type of jazz element as part of their music curriculum. Participating school music directors will select two or three students, who’ll be taught by and play together with Messer. Schools will be invited back on a regular, rotating basis, providing the young adult musicians maximum education, experience and exposure.
“The students will learn more about the genre, interpreting melody and improvisation,” Messer said. “They’ll also get a taste of what it’s like to play in front of a small, intimate gathering, which jazz often is. I hope it not only instills in them the desire to continue forward with jazz, but persuade others to join them.”
Area high school music directors are encouraged to contact Messer through his website, www.jaymesser.com, or via email at [email protected] for information on booking Connection sessions.
