7th Annual "Jazzed for Valentine's Day" is Feb. 7 at Bridgeport Conference Center
By Julie Perine on January 15, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Tickets for the 7th annual “Jazzed for Valentine’s Day” are hot off the press and available for purchase. To be held Sat., Feb. 7 at Bridgeport Conference Center, the dinner/dance features the talent of the Bridgeport High School Jazz Band and serves as a primary fundraiser for the BHS Band Patrons.
For $40 per person, attendees receive dinner prepared by the conference center culinary team, opportunity to win a cash prize drawing/silent auction items and – the main attraction - an evening of festive jazz music for their listening and/or dancing pleasure.
As always, featured entertainment is by the Bridgeport High School Jazz Band.
“The music is just phenomenal,” said Dr. Mike Hess, BHS Band Patrons president. “We’re talking about a group of kids who have been the No. 1 or No. 2 jazz band in the state for the past few years.”
The set list, said Director Chris Hayslette, includes a variety of big band standards such as "In the Mood," "Satin Doll," "Misty," "My Funny Valentine" and "String of Pearls."
The community is always quite supportive of the event, with upwards of 150 attending and proceeds averaging $5,000 or $6,000 – a nice chunk of change to help meet the band’s $80,000 budget.
“Sponsorships are a big part of that and local businesses are great about donating items for the silent auction – be it a gift item from Country Peddler or an overnight stay with breakfast at Stonewall Resort, Hess said.
The BHS Jazz Band is working on its set list, which includes tunes of love, big band and 40s swing.
“I’m always just blown away when I hear them play,” Hess said. “These are just kids – young kids – playing the music of another generation - and doing it extremely well.”
Under the direction of Chris Hayslette, the Bridgeport High School Jazz Band specializes in traditional standards, Latin tunes, ballads and jazz-rock selections. The students maintain a busy performance schedule – typically playing 15 to 20 events during the school year encompassing school, community and corporate events throughout North Central West Virginia. The ensemble has consistently earned “Superior” ratings at the West Virginia Northern Regional Jazz Festival.
Jazzed for Valentine’s Day tickets can be purchased at Best Care Pharmacy on Main Street, Bridgeport, from any BHS Band member or by calling 304-629-6779 or emailing bhsbandpatrons@gmail.com.
Editor's Note: Photo taken during "Jazzed for Valentine's Day" 2014
