Jazz orchestra concert to benefit United Way

Names such as Count Basie and Duke Ellington might be unfamiliar to today’s youth, but the United Way of Monroe County is looking to turn those names into magic.  
 
The United Way will sponsor a benefit concert titled “An Afternoon of Magical Music” to support the foundation’s Community Action Fund and partner agencies.

The concert will feature jazz and big-band music by Janiece Jaffe and the Stardusters Jazz Orchestra.

Lori Garraghty, United Way of Monroe County resource development director, said she hopes it will expose youth to both genres.

According to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater’s Web site, a section of the theater will be reserved for area youth, some of which are a part of the United Way’s programs.

“We’re giving 150 free tickets to youth and chaperones,” Garraghty said. “Big-band music was really very popular ... and I don’t think youth has been exposed to that.”

Jerry Jerome, musical director for the Stardusters Jazz Orchestra, agreed and said the younger generation are missing out on these genres.

“They don’t get it,” Jerome said. “It will be an education in American musical history.”

Featured vocalist Jaffe believes songs such as “A-tisket A-tasket” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” will be accessible to the entire audience.    

“They are really fun songs,” Jaffe said. “I wanted it to be available for everyone who shows up, from eight to 80.”

After the concert, the band will invite the youth to ask questions about their instruments and big-band music. Jaffe said all members of the band are educators and know music can influence youth.

“It’s exciting music,” Jaffe said. “It’s important there’s another thing out there to get excited about.”

An Afternoon
of Magical Music
WHEN 4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE Buskirk-Chumley Theater
MORE INFO Admission is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event.