The SBU Jazz Band is encouraging students to get up and dance.
In lieu of their annual spring concert, the band is hosting “Swing into Spring” on April 21 in the Doyle Dining Hall. The event will consist of jazz music, a dance floor and light refreshments, according to lead trumpet player and head of the decorating committee, LaurieAnne Wickens.
The band thought it would be interesting to host a concert in a more interactive way.
“Dr. Leslie Sabina presented the idea to the band at the beginning of the semester,” said Wickens, a junior marketing major. “It was actually his wife’s idea originally. The band loved the idea, and we were excited to play some older music that is more well-known and have the concert in such a unique format.”
Wickens said the event will be fun, even if attendees aren’t familiar with the stylings of ‘30s and ‘40s swing music.
“Swing jazz is toe-tapping, get up and dance music—it’s fun to listen to,” said Wickens. “Combine great music with swing dancing, and it will be a very entertaining evening.”
Dakota Ward, a junior journalism and mass communication major, is excited for students to experience a night in the past.
“I want them to feel like they were living in the time when jazz was huge,” said Ward, a saxophonist in the event. “This event puts the attendees in the shoes of those that did these sort of things years ago.”
Wickens said she hopes attendees develop an appreciation for the jazz art form. She also hopes it encourages people to attend more concerts from the band.
Ward said there’s no downside to attending this event; there’s something for everyone.
“People should come and dance to the music, because why not?” said Ward. “Jazz, dancing, jazz and dancing together—why not live a night like the ones shown in older movies?”
kolbee14@bonaventure.edu
