Imagine a night in which you indulge in free food and drinks, hear classic jazz, and view ambient bright lights and colorful musicians. You won’t have to imagine that if you take a trip to Pentucket high school this Friday! The 24th anniversary of Cafe Jazz will take place in the Pentucket dining commons on May 10th from 7:00 to 9:00pm. The dining commons will be transformed into an “intimate jazz club,” as jazz band teacher David Schumacher would say. Along with free food and jazz, Grammy nominated saxophonist Mike Tucker will be joining the Jazz Combo as a guest artist! He’s toured in over 30 countries and has performed extensively both as a leader and sideman of many jazz groups. He has appeared on many recordings with the acclaimed trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Mike Tucker is also an educator and clinician, and will be providing a clinic to members of the Jazz Combo and Big Band the day before Cafe Jazz.

Both ensembles will be performing iconic jazz tunes from different eras of the genre. The Jazz Combo will feature the classic tunes from Sonny Rollins, and more modern jazz from Roy Hargrove and Julian Lage. The Big Band will play quintessential pieces from Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus.

I interviewed 4 senior jazz students about what they thought was special about Cafe Jazz. 

Ronan Culbert, senior trumpeter and member of the Big Band, said Cafe Jazz  has “a very peaceful atmosphere around all the loud music, strong sense of belonging and community.”

He continued by saying the “song selections and performances never disappoint. I always hear positive feedback from the audience.”

Trombone player Zac Attwood, who has been performing in Cafe Jazz since 7th grade, said Cafe Jazz “really really changes from year to year, and it’s just really fun to get out there and play some jazz.”

Chaney Goldstein, All State Jazz Band elected saxophonist, has been a big part of the jazz community in Pentucket and had some great things to say. He finds Cafe Jazz special because of the “cool lighting, great sound, free food and beverages, the whole community coming together, and just enjoying nice jazz.”

Logan Pinkham, senior bass player who has committed to the D1 fortnite team at Umass Lowell, said his favorite part about Cafe Jazz is “the bass. It’s lit.” 

Even if you’re not a fan of jazz, who could pass up free food! It will be provided by parents and members of the Jazz Band, with many different food and beverages available.

Overall, to me, Cafe Jazz serves to keep alive the great spirit of one of the greatest American music genres ever. Nothing quite captures the vibe of 20th century America quite like jazz did. Jazz might be viewed as a form of music that is dying, but wonderful live events like Cafe Jazz are keeping it fresh and exciting.