Awaken the holiday spirit within and put some jazz in your jingle this year while helping a great cause, at the fourth annual Jingle Jazz concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, in Peninsula College’s Little Theater, presented by The Olympus Group of DA Davidson and the Peninsula College Foundation.
Pearl Django, one of the most highly regarded Hot Club style groups working today, is this year’s featured guest, joining the Peninsula College Vocal Jazz Ensemble for a night of swinging music and lively holiday cheer.
A no-host dessert and wine reception, with fresh pressed cider from Lazy J Tree Farm, will allow concertgoers to indulge in the sweetness of the season beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the PC Pirate Union Building.
The concert will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. as it broadcasts live on 1450 AM and101.7 FM KONP Radio.
This year’s Jingle Jazz includes students from East Jefferson County who are part of the new Vocal Jazz class at the Peninsula College campus in Port Townsend.
“It is very exciting to bring both Port Townsend and Port Angeles groups together to present this program,” Elaine Gardner-Morales, PC Vocal Jazz Ensemble director said. “As our college reaches out to the Port Townsend area, I am pleased to have so many talented students. This year we are using a very talented student drummer for part of our program, Forrest Brennan.”
The program features the Peninsula College Vocal Jazz Ensemble and offers tunes for audiences of all ages and will feature jazz standards like “Just the Way You Look Tonight” along with traditional holiday fare such as “Christmas Time Is Here.” As in years past, the show will include a variety of jazz styles, cutting edge harmonization and modern arrangements of classic jazz literature. Look for a great mix of instrumental, ensemble and solo performances, with opportunities for many of the performers to shine.
Peninsula College Foundation Executive Director Getta Rogers, notes that the foundation and college have a “hit” with Jingle Jazz. “This event began with students wishing to give back to the foundation and it continues in that spirit. Proceeds from the event benefit not only the Vocal Jazz program, but many other students and college programs as well.”
The Vocal Jazz ensemble is planning an exchange trip next year to several universities in Ireland who have music schools.
“We want to support these students in this effort and Jingle Jazz is the way in which we can do this,” Rogers said.
Gardner-Morales is excited about offering this opportunity to her students. “Each year our group continues to grow to a better and better sound. I am so pleased to be a part of Peninsula College and the community.”
Vocal Jazz Ensemble members are Ash Graham, Al Thompson and Dylan Hensel from Port Townsend; Dana Marklund from Port Hadlock; Forrest Brennan from Chimacum; Brandi Larson, Rob Napiontek and Jean McDonald from Port Angeles; Sam Hegarty from Sequim and Robbin Eaves from Joyce.
”This has become an enormously popular event and a real joy for the foundation,” said Rogers. “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 these fine musicians on stage with our students!”
General admission tickets can be purchased online for $15 at www.brownpapertickets.com. If available, tickets also may be purchased for $15 at the door. Proceeds benefit PC’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble and PC students and programs.
For more information, contact Getta Rogers at grogers@pencol.edu or 417-6400.
