Music

Jazz Fest Hits High Notes

UWEC’s high caliber music event returns

Katie Hoffman |

THEY COME TO JAZZ YOU UP. Jazz-stars Bobby Sanabria and Eric Marienthal are among the headliing acts at the 2011 Eau Claire Jazz Festival, kicking off on March 29, and running for the following two weeks.
 
THEY COME TO JAZZ YOU UP. Jazz-stars Bobby Sanabria (left) and Eric Marienthal are among the headliing acts at the 2011 Eau Claire Jazz Festival, kicking off on March 29, and running for the following two weeks.

The Eau Claire Jazz Festival is celebrating its 44th year, taking over local venues to feature more than 100 live Midwestern bands. Not to mention free interactive clinics and thousands of jazz-loving fans. Kicking off March 29, the festival is a two-week jazz takeover, ending with the four-day festival in Eau Claire and Menomonie from April 7-10.

The festival boasts a great lineup of award-winning talent, ranging from local high school and college ensembles to nationally touring acts.

The festival boasts a great lineup of award-winning talent, ranging from local high school and college ensembles to nationally touring acts. The weekend of entertainment begins April 7 with the United States Air Force Band of Mid America – Shades of Blue. Yes, the length of their name might be debatable, but the wide range of talent within the group is not.

Shades of Blue is a group of 18 professional enlisted musicians who can play anything from traditional big band jazz to modern jazz and swing. They’re sure to get you up out of your seat and dancing. The ensemble strives to support troop morale and preserve the nation’s heritage through world-class music.

Author and professional musician Eric Marienthal brings his radio success to the Chippewa Valley for Jazz Fest on April 8. Marienthal has recorded 11 solo albums and has had his music featured on TV shows and commercial jingles. Known for his contemporary take on jazz, Marienthal travels the world sharing his talents and love for music.

Bobby Sanabria takes the stage April 9 during the festival, bringing his Latin flair to the world of jazz in Eau Claire. Finding inspiration from fellow New York-born Puerto Ricans, Sanabria decided to make music his life. After graduating from Boston’s Berklee College of Music in 1979, Sanabria has become recognized as a leader in the jazz field for his drumming and percussion talents.

In 2008 Sanabria was nationally recognized with a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz recording. This year, he brings his big band show to the Jazz Festival to highlight the diversity among jazz musicians, adding Eau Claire to his international lineups.

The Hornheads will round out the weekend, performing in the finale concert, April 10 at 2pm, at Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts in Menomonie. This group of horn players has been around since 1991, playing with national and international artists including Prince and Chaka Kahn.

The younger generations might feel a connection to this jazzy group as well; they’ve played also with Mandy Moore and the Jonas Brothers. The Hornheads’ sound distinctively combines improvisation with ensemble work, resulting in a unique jazz and funk experience.

Many of the Jazz Festival events are free, and feature numerous educational and entertainment opportunities available for all ages. To take advantage of all the free happenings throughout the festival as well as get tickets to the headliners, check out the complete listing of events below or at EauClaireJazz.com.