By Mary-Justine Lanyon
Editor
“Our mission is to bring music to the mountain,” Larry Zamora, the vice president of the Blue Jay Jazz Foundation told the Women’s Club of Lake Arrowhead at their May 20 meeting.
“Our focus is on jazz,” he added, “but our mission is broader. We promote young musicians who are on their way.”
He noted that Blue Jay Jazz has an instrument lending library which is available to the youngest musicians at no charge. “We introduce them to music and the feel of it,” he said. “And we provide opportunities for up-and-coming musicians to perform publicly.”
Zamora then introduced Brenden Watson and Jaden Martinez, both of whom are Future Generation Jazz scholars. The two seniors have been a vital part of the music program at Rim of the World High School, Brenden playing the alto saxophone and Jaden the baritone sax.
They performed “Misty” and “When the Saints Go Marching In” for the Women’s Club members and guests.
“We love to come to events like this,” Jaden said. “We want to tell everyone how much we love music.” He noted both he and Brenden are playing instruments rented from the school.
“Thank you from my friend and the other band members for allowing us to pursue our passion,” Jaden said.
Brenden added that they will both pursue music majors in college. Jaden will be studying jazz at Riverside Community College, Brenden classical music at Cal State Fullerton.
“Music has changed my life,” Brenden said. “I can’t imagine my life without it.”
The Blue Jazz Foundation will put on its festival at the end of August. On Thursday, Aug. 27, 6 Beats Apart will open for the Carl Verheyen Band. The Future Generation Jazz scholars will also perform. Then, on Friday, Aug. 28, the Ellis Hall Group and Tierra Legacy will take the stage. Both concerts will take place at Tavern Bay Beach Club.
On Saturday, Aug. 29 the festival moves to the San Moritz Lodge in Crestline. The Jazz Salon All Stars with vocalist Niki Haris will perform plus Digital Audio Projekt.
Tickets for the Blue Jay Jazz Festival went on sale on June 1 at bluejayjazz.org.
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