University Jazz Band Performs in Sonoma
The University Jazz Band #2 made quite an impression when they performed for the 19th Annual “Dinner Under the Stars” fundraiser for Becoming Independent, a service organization serving people with developmental disabilities, on June 19, at the Imagery Estate Winery in Glen Ellen, California.
The band's performance ended an afternoon and evening that included a silent auction, wine tasting, and other entertainment. After several hours of festivities, the dance floor in front of the band's stage was full of attendees ready to dance, and, from its first notes, the band received an enthusiastic reception that only grew stronger as they played. The audience initially refused to let the band stop at the end of their set, despite an announcement that a strict noise curfew prevented an encore. The audience eventually relented, as they had no choice.
"UJB 2 really rose to the occasion; in addition to playing nearly flawlessly, they also did a great job of responding and encouraging the energy offered from the dancers and the rest of the audience, creating one of those positive feedback loops that are part of a great performance," said Paul Rinzler, Cal Poly's director of jazz studies.
The volunteer coordinator for Becoming Independent, Jacqui Salyer, said that she heard from others that the band's performance was "the best ever" in the history of the event, and that she was still hearing how great the band was a month later.