Idaho State University jazz band to headline gala event

The Idaho State University jazz band will headline the Great Gatsby-themed New Year’s Eve Gala at the Stephens Performing Arts Center on Dec. 31.

The band will begin performing at 9:45 p.m. in the Barbara J. Marshall Rotunda and will play until midnight. Guests can experience the culture of the 1920s and give to a good cause.

“All the funds that we raise are going to be used to encourage young artists, and we can use more of that in Southeast Idaho,” said J. Pat Brooks, ISU music professor and band director.

Apart from earning much-needed scholarship money, students will also be gaining valuable experience.

“Especially if you’re getting a degree in music, you are going to have to perform at some point and you need to practice doing that,” said ISU senior Blake French.

Swing dancers will perform with the jazz band near midnight.

“We are very excited,” said senior Sean Tripp, one of the swing dancers. “Dancing to live music is always a blast! We don’t often have a chance to choreograph routines to pieces of music done by a live band.”
Dancing will not be restricted to performers. Guests will be able to join in throughout the evening.

“What’s cool about the jazz band is that now in 2013 there is nowhere in Pocatello or Idaho Falls or Boise for that matter, where you can go and dance to an 18-member band,” Brooks said. “Our goal is to have 80 to 90 minutes of danceable music and we’re on track to do that. There are not a lot of big parties in Pocatello and this is going to be the biggest event of the year. It’s a good thing for Pocatello and for Southeast Idaho.”
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