1st Place: UWEC Jazz I
2nd Place: Sue Orfiield Band
3rd Place: The Jumanji

Contrary to what non-Midwesterners may think, Eau Claire is a hoppin’ spot for jazz music. From fusion to be-bop, the city is brimming with talented musicians playing everything from original compositions to standards. To anyone in the area, it may come as no surprise that first place goes to the nationally renowned UWEC Jazz I Ensemble. The group has recorded 12 CDs and has received the Down Beat Award for Best College Big Band five times. Second place belongs to the Sue Orfield Band, fronted by (as one would expect) Seattle native Sue Orfield. Having played tenor sax for nearly 30 years, it’s no wonder Orfield has been voted “best horn” by the Washington Blues Society for four consecutive years from 2001-2004. She brings her talent to a multitude of bands around the area, most notably fronting the group bearing her name. Third place band Jumanji is comprised of some very gifted musicians from Memorial High School. The sextet plays standards as well as originals, proving that even the young can swing.  – Kyle Shaffer