Annual Borla jazz camp, shows at NCC
Janice Borla and Jack Mouse make beautiful music together. The two Naperville jazz lovers are married to their work - and to each other.
The couple are the founders and backbone of North Central College's annual Janice Borla Vocal Jazz Camp and "Hot Jazz - 6 Cool Nites" concert series, which are marking their 20th anniversary this month. The camp's namesake says the yearly event is about more than entertainment; it's a cultural affair.
This summer, the concert series runs Friday through Thursday. Shows are at 8 p.m. daily, except for Sunday night, at North Central College's Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St.
Borla calls the series of performances a "showcase for some of the finest vocal jazz talent in the country." Others have called it "the best-kept secret" in Naperville, she added.
Borla and Mouse, her husband and drummer, have lived in Naperville for about 20 years. Mouse serves as North Central College's director of jazz studies while Borla is its head of vocal jazz.
But the camp fulfills another need for the jazz duo. Since its inception in 1989, it has drawn 500 students from 34 states and nine countries, according to Borla.
"We feel like we're touching people's lives," Mouse said.
At this year's 20th anniversary concert series, which is open to the public, visitors can expect every kind of jazz from traditional to avant-garde jazz. Featured crooners and recording artists include Jay Clayton, Judy Niemack and Borla.
But "it's not all just for vocalists," Borla said. "Every musician who plays here has some kind of following. All eight of the artists are monsters on their instruments."
Joining the trio of vocalists will be trumpeter Art Davis, guitarist Jeanfrancois Prins, pianist Dan Haerle, bassist Bob Bowman and drummer Mouse.
In addition, this year's finale will offer a retrospective medley. Typically, the series' last show is a tribute to a particularly well-known, accomplished jazz artist. This year, though, it will be a reunion of sorts.
The songs performed will span a large spectrum and will be "artist's choice."
"We're kind of celebrating 20 years of tenacity," Mouse said.
Jazz journalist Neil Tesser, vice chairman of the Grammy Awards Recording Academy, will serve as master of ceremonies.
The location is a new, slightly larger - yet still intimate - venue for the concerts.
"We've been spending some time there this week, figuring out how the building works and acclimating ourselves," Mouse said.
Tickets cost $17 for adults and $14 for both students and senior citizens. A five-night pass runs $68 for adults or $56 for either students or seniors.
If you go
What: "Hot Jazz - 6 Cool Nites" concert series featuring performers teaching at the Janice Borla Vocal Jazz Camp
When: 8 p.m. Friday through Thursday, except Sunday
Where: North Central College's Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville
Cost: $17 for adults, $14 for students and seniors; five-night passes are $68 for adults, $56 for students and seniors
Info: (630) 637-5620 or janiceborlavocaljazzcamp.org