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Naperville Jazz Fest mixes local, international talent

The Joel Moore Quartet last appeared in Naperville in 2008 when it opened for the Yellowjackets at Naperville Jazz Fest.

The quartet will be back this year as part of the lineup at the 2012 fest taking place from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at the Community Concert Center in downtown's Central Park.

"It's a great environment and a great venue," Joel Moore said. "I think it's important that live jazz is promoted and supported. It's hard to find."

The celebration of jazz, sponsored by Calamos Investments, raises money for Project HELP, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Naperville Exchange Club that provides parent education and mentor services to families in DuPage County.

Proceeds are used for operating costs for the organization and partly to pay for staff members. Although the program is volunteer-based, a number of staff members work part-time as family support specialists, working with five to eight families.

Proceeds also are used to provide training materials for volunteers.

"Every year we work with new volunteers," said Regina Rogers, executive director for Project HELP. "We make sure volunteers have the materials to work with families."

Vicki Coletta, Project HELP board president and volunteer parent mentor, said the jazz festival is unique simply because of its rarity.

"I think the reason we do it is because it's not typical of what you see in festivals around the area," she said. "It offers something that's not readily available to them. This isn't something that every town has."

The fest was created in the early 2000s, then disappeared for a while before re-emerging three years ago.

In its first year back in the spotlight, the celebration attracted about 750 people. Last year, that number was 1,100.

"It's definitely been growing every year," Coletta said.

Fans come from as far away as Iowa, Indiana and Michigan to hear the music, Coletta said.

"There are people that just follow bands," she said.

This year, organizers hope to sell between 1,200 and 1,400 tickets. Tickets are $25 on the festival's website, napervillejazzfest.com, and are $30 at the gate.

Five acts are scheduled to perform this year with Mindi Abair and Friends, featuring Jeff Golub and David Pack, headlining.

Abair is one of the most recognizable female saxophonists in the world. Her funky jazz/pop hits combine with the pop music of Grammy-winning guitarist/singer-songwriter Pack from the group Ambrosia and Golub's soulful blues guitar to create a unique jazz experience.

"Listening to her music and watching her perform, she's electrifying," Coletta said.

The opening act will be the Deep Blue Organ Trio, and supporting acts include the 12-piece band ZZAJÉ, which showcases a cross-section of soul, funk, jazz, hip-hop, rock and classical music; the contemporary Joel Moore Quartet featuring Kimberly Wilson; and Naperville North High School's Van Dril Quintet.

"You get something for everyone," Coletta said. "We try to bring in different types of jazz."

But an interest in jazz is not necessarily essential to enjoy the show, Coletta said.

"You don't have to be a jazz lover to enjoy this," she said.

The members of the Joel Moore Quartet were friends for more than 20 years before they formed their group seven years ago.

The group's music is fairly eclectic, Moore said, but members hope to perform classic jazz, soul tunes and even some original pieces.

Moore said the group recognizes its efforts are helping raise money for something larger than the music itself.

"Most musicians are generous souls," Moore said. "They like to see money go toward worthy causes rather than corporations."

Project HELP works to prevent child abuse, neglect in DuPage County

If you go

What: Naperville Jazz Fest

When: 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 16

Where: Community Concert Center in downtown Naperville's Central Park, 104 E. Benton Ave.

Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at gate

Info: napervillejazzfest.org

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