EU Music Groups Dazzle During ‘Jazz at the Mill’
The Mill Theatre was buzzing with excitement and anticipation on May 8, as Elmhurst University’s Jazz at the Mill put on their Spring performance. The night included performances by the Late Night Blues Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the Elmhurst University Jazz Band.
The Late Night Blues Ensemble, directed by Gayle Bisesi, kicked off the night by singing an arrangement of acappella, rhythm section, and piano accompaniment pieces. Throughout the performance, Bisesi highlighted graduating seniors and the hard work they put into the ensemble. The group ended their solo section with the traditional performance of “Late Night Blues,” the theme song for the ensemble.
To transition from the Vocal group to the Jazz band, both groups performed together “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens,” written by Joan Whitney and Alex Kramer. From the moment the first note was played, the Mill Theatre was filled with a vibrant mix of sounds, and audience members were able to feel and hear the heart of the music.
Director Kirk Garrison guided his crew through a carefully created selection of pieces. The setlist offered a unique journey for audience members as it began with the gentle feel of “Bass Folk Song” and ended with the joyous and energetic piece “Oh, Lady Be Good.” While directing, Garrion puts on a show himself, showcasing his energetic involvement and passion for the pieces he shares.
For the audience members, the concert is not just a way to see these students’ skills, but also to see the passion they each hold for the art. This is apparent in the camaraderie on stage, as knowing glances are exchanged between musicians and directors, whistles and shouts are thrown at fellow players after improvisation and solo sections are played.
Overall, the look of joy and passion radiated from everyone’s faces on stage, which is infectious to see from the audience’s perspective.
The sounds of the Jazz at the Mill Spring performance still echo across campus and inside the audience’s minds. Be sure to keep an eye out for future performances by the Late Night Blues Ensemble and the Elmhurst University Jazz Band to steal a dose of this energy.
