JEKAY BOSISTO SINGS ”FEELING GOOD” WITH CHS JAZZ BAND 2 DURING THE SIXTH ANNUAL SAUCY JAZZ MUSIC FUNDRAISER LAST SATURDAY. Gini Davis/The Creswell Chronicle
The Sixth Annual Saucy Jazz event, held Feb. 2 in the Creswell High School commons as a fundraiser for the Creswell Music Program, was an elegant, sold-out affair featuring the jazz stylings of Tonewood Trio and talented student musicians.
Guests seated around 31 linen-topped tables enjoyed a lasagna dinner catered by Mazzi’s Italian Ristorante. Student pianist Jackson Velarde welcomed guests, and Tonewood Trio, comprised of Nick Reiser on piano, Rob Lee on sax and flute, and vocalist Mal Lee – with a cameo by CHS jazz choir alumna Shilo Drago on ”Honeysuckle Rose” – entertained during dinner.
”It was an evening of amazing food, tremendous musicians and warm camaraderie,” said Creswell Music Boosters Secretary Sarah Lybarger.
Later, the Dessert Dash had tables competitively bidding for first choice from an assortment of delectable goodies donated by local bakers and businesses.
New this year was a Silent Auction featuring an Outdoor basket, Bulldog Spirit basket, Romance basket, and a framed photo print donated by a community member.
Other highlights included a spirited game of Heads or Tails, with proceeds funding music scholarships, and Paddle Raise donations targeting new instrument purchases.
The Creswell Middle School Jazz Band kicked off the evening’s featured entertainment with ”Sunnymoon for Two,” ”Bare Necessities” and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Soloists included Chris Culp, Elijah Lee, Hope Ukelov, Alec Jenkins, Angelo Latone and Gianna Ross.
CHS Jazz Band 2 performed ”Choo Choo Ch’Boogie;” ”Feeling Good,” with a vocal solo by Jekay Bosisto; and ”Big Noise from Winnetka.”
”Jekay gave an outstanding performance; there was a ‘chills’ moment you can’t teach during her performance,” Green said.
CHS Jazz Band 1 concluded the gala with ”Sister Sadie,” ”I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and ”Mudbug Strut.”
”This year’s Jazz 1 has one of the most musical concepts of style and charisma of any band I have worked with,” Green said. ”The whole band gave an outstanding performance, with so many Personal Best solos.”
CHS soloists included Destin Halvorson, Andrew Spriggs, Amy Meyers, Jackson Velarde, Josiah Lee, Josh Jenkins, Abby Mercer, Javier Fregoso and Izzy Ramirez.
Fundraising goals for Saucy Jazz were to keep student travel fees low and to purchase new, much-needed percussion equipment for the CMS music room. Both goals were met.
”Because of so many generous donations, the fee for students going to Disneyland with the Concert Band is extremely low,” Green said. ”No student willing to learn and participate in music class will be left behind on our adventures due to financial hardship.”
Green especially credited Music Boosters President Mandy Hoggard and the Booster Board for the evening’s success: ”Mandy deserves special thanks for her dedication to the music program and her outstanding skills in event design,” she said, ”and this would not have been possible without the talents and dedication of our music board, so much love and thanks to them.”
Sponsors were instrumental in boosting event coffers: Gold table sponsors for Saucy Jazz included Fidelis Pest Control, Fetters Construction, Creswell 76, Halvorson Contracting, Empire Concrete Cutting and South Lane Physical Therapy.
Silver table sponsors were Thomas Construction; AR Mechanical; Lonn Robertson, DMD; Oregon Insurance Company; Brothers Plumbing; and Boat Doc.
In-kind donors included Creswell Bakery, Patton’s Country Gardens, Alsco and the Youth Transition Program at CHS, which opened the Bulldog Café for the event.
”There are so many details that go into pulling an event of this magnitude off, and it was not done without absolutely unparalleled help from so many people,” Green said, noting that student volunteers served as catering staff, kitchen crew and stage crew, while emcee Matt Bell also DJ’d an energetic, post-event dance/cleanup party.
When all was said, sung and done, attendance and donations at the elegant event proved just how much the Creswell community values its high-achieving music program.
”What a beautiful night; the most successful music fundraiser we have had in my 16 years here, and a truly beautiful community event,” Green said. ”Thank you to everyone involved for the phenomenal success of this event that celebrates music in Creswell.”
