Music in the Air … with Mark ‘Fenny’ Fenichel – A special musical treat for mom on Mother’s Day … and for dads too

Published in the May 2 – 15, 2018 Issue of Gilroy Life

The Live Oak Jazz Band perform jazz holiday songs at a celebration at Guglielmo Winery in December 2018. Photo by Marty Cheek

When I suggested to Kathy Munk that her daughter Elizabeth, a junior at Live Oak High School and saxophonist in the Jazz 1 Band, write something for me about the upcoming jazz show at The Granada Theater, she didn’t hesitate to send this to me:

“Basie. Sinatra. Ellington. Though some of the traditions are almost a century old, the vibrant language of jazz is continued in the lives of Live Oak music students.

“For the students in the music program, making music is not just a class to them. The band room is consistently occupied at lunch, whether it be to practice with friends or listen. Music plays a huge part in the students’ lives through multiple programs at the school, like marching band, winter guard, and winter percussion. One key program of the Live Oak Music Department is the jazz program. There are two jazz bands that both focus on learning the style of jazz, listening to historical jazz legends and playing with their peers. Jazz II is novice-intermediate jazz band and Jazz I is an audition only band that is taught during the school day. Both bands participate in music festivals for jazz across the Bay Area. At each festival, bands are judged on a rating system, superior being the highest. So far, Jazz I has been awarded numerous unanimous superior ratings and have been selected to perform as showcase performers at several festivals.”

“Jason Locsin, music director and Live Oak alum, said the music programs develop essential life skills in the areas of teamwork, leadership and an appreciation of music.

“’The Jazz It Up Event gives the community a unique opportunity to see the jazz students perform in the vintage ambiance of the Granada,’ Locsin said.

“His leadership has been integral to the success of the jazz education program at Live Oak High School.”

This special performance will be hosted at the Granada Theater May 11. A night of dining, raffles, dancing, silent auctions, and live jazz music, this will certainly be an event you do not want to miss. Tickets are available at www.emeraldregime.org.

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On another note, The South Valley Symphony’s Mother’s Day concert is always a treat, and I suggest you get your tickets early for this month’s big musical salute to the classical composers. Usually, the concert is held at the San Juan Bautista Mission, but because of renovation at the church the venue will be moved to Guglielmo Winery. It starts 3 p.m. Sunday, May 13, and promises to be a fun concert.

Maestro Anthony Quartuccio completes the SVS’s 44th season with a grand finale including Aaron Copland’s “Quiet City,” Wagner’s operatic “Prelude to Die Meistersinger,” Brahms “Haydn Variations,” and Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture.” In addition, there will be a special surprise piece.

The wine and appetizer reception where you can mingle with the talented musicians is included in the ticket price of $40. And please remember that children and students with appropriate ID can enjoy the concert free of charge. This event is a wonderful opportunity to give mothers a special treat. Be sure to get your tickets early because this concert usually sells out. Buy tickets online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3192852. You can also get your tickets at BookSmart in Morgan Hill and First Street Coffee and Porcella’s Music store in Gilroy.

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And more for Mom … Satori Cellars will open their doors to all moms on Mother’s Day with a live free music concert provided by The Cook’NFenny Combo 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.  But dads should not feel left because mom can reciprocate and bring dad out on Father’s Day June 17 to enjoy The Cook’NFenny combo as they are the featured Father’s Day musicians at the beautiful Clos LaChance Vineyards.

Got a music tip? Send it to [email protected].