If you like jazz band music, Lisbon should be one of your destinations this winter.
On Friday, Jan. 19, the school will once again host Roarin’ Jazz Night, with performances starting at 7 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Lisbon music and art departments.
The school will also host the Lisbon Jazz Festival Thursday, Jan. 25.
The event will feature a variety of area middle school and high school bands performing at Lisbon Auditorium, with performances beginning at 8 a.m. Each band gets a 30-minute clinic with a local jazz educator in the band room following their performances in the auditorium.
Schools attending the festival include Mount Vernon Middle School and Mount Vernon Swingin’ Stangs, Central City, Maquoketa Valley Middle and High School, Anamosa High School, Union, Solon and Lisbon.
An awards ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. at Lisbon auditorium at the conclusion of the event.
“I am excited about offering a jazz competition on this side of the state,” said Joseph Arch, Lisbon band director. “Up to this point there has only ever been two jazz competitions on the east side of the state and they are back to back weekends. This allows bands to get an earlier understanding of what they need to work on and the time to make changes to their charts. Plus, it gives my kids another chance to perform.”
Attendance for the Lisbon Jazz Festival is $5, and is open to the public.
Arch said the event is hoping to run as much as possible with the assistance of Lisbon band students. The festival this year is also being supported by Mount Mercy University, but if any local busineses would like to join this year or in the future, Arch would appreciate the support.
There is no snow date currently scheduled for the event.
The Swingin’ Stangs perform “Kick it Up” Sunday, Dec. 17. The Swingin’ Stangs are among the bands performing at the Lisbon Jazz Festival Thursday, Jan. 25 at Lisbon schools.