Nothing but jazz Saturday at Rolling Meadows High School
The Rolling Meadows High School Music Boosters present the 28th annual Jazz in the Meadows Jazz Festival, on Saturday, Feb. 23.
More than 115 jazz bands representing 68 schools from five states will participate in what has become one of the largest and most highly regarded jazz gatherings in the Midwest.
While an educational event, the general public is welcome to take in performances throughout the day and evening, hearing some of the top jazz bands and combos from Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa and Missouri.
In addition to the highest scoring bands, the Grand Finale Concert will include a performance by the Bob Lark Alumni Big Band, directed by Bob Lark — a virtual who’s who of Chicago area jazz musicians and educators.
There is also a Noontime Concert featuring a local guest artist — the Nia Quintet, led by Scott Anderson.
The competitive portion of the day will feature performances in four classes for high schools based on school size; a high school combo competition; a single class for junior high bands and a class specifically for “second bands” for high schools that support two levels.
Each band will perform a 15-minute set followed by a period of evaluation and instruction from a trio of jazz professionals and educators. Jazz in the Meadows draws on many colleges and universities in the Midwest to provide experienced educators.
Jazz in the Meadows will kick off at 8 a.m. with performances every half-hour throughout the day in various locations in the school.
Breakfast, lunch and snack items will be available throughout the day at several locations in the building.
For information, call (847) 718-5752 or visit rmhsmusicboosters.com.
The following high schools will participate: Antioch; Ashwaubenon; Batavia; Belvidere; Bloom Township; Bolingbrook; Buffalo Grove; Carmel Catholic; Chaminade College Prep; Champaign Central; Conant; Concord; Decatur MacArthur; Deerfield; Delavan-Darien; Dunlap; Elk Grove; Fremd; Hononegah; Illinois Valley Central; Iowa City; Jersey Community; John Hersey; Lake Forest; Lake Zurich; Limestone Community; Lincoln-Way Central; Lincoln-Way East; Lincoln-Way North; Lindbergh; Marmion Rosary; Metamora Township; Monticello; Mundelein; Naperville North; Pattonville; Paxton-Buckley-Loda; Penn; Rolling Meadows; Sacred Heart; St. Patrick; St. Viator; Schaumburg; Shawano; Warren Township; Webster Groves; West Aurora; Wheaton North; and Wheeling High School — last year’s grand champions.
Junior highs are Carl Sandburg, Cooper Middle, Emerson Middle, Gemini, Grayslake Middle, Holmes, Lincoln Middle, Memorial Park Middle, Mossville, Paxton-Buckley-Loda, River Trails Middle, Sperreng-Truman Middle and Thomas Middle.
If you go
What: 28th annual Jazz in the Meadows
When: 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23; noontime concert, noon; Grand Finale Concert, 4:45 p.m.
Where: Rolling Meadows High School, 2901 W. Central Road
Cost: At the door. All access passes, $7-$10; Finale concert only, $5-$7. Special $25 rate for families of four.