By Lori BODNAR, intern

Nearly 200 folks came out to dance, eat chocolate and enjoy live music at the Crescenta Valley High School Jazz Night in the Café on Feb. 8. The award-winning CVHS jazz band, under the direction of Mathew Schick, performed for the crowd. Schick is also the director of the music program at CVHS. For those who were reluctant to come onto the dance floor free swing lessons were provided. Kimmie, Katie and their dad David Blood enthusiastically taught many of the students the various dance steps.

Dena Blood and Glenda Webster are Crescenta Valley Instrumental Music Foundation parents who helped organize the jazz night fundraiser. CVIM Foundation is composed of parents who help support the music program at CVHS through fundraising, volunteering and chaperoning events. Tickets for Jazz Night were $10 per person, or $8 for a CVHS student with an Associated Student Body card.

“We had excellent attendance at Jazz Night. Many of the youth dressed up and were ready to party!” said Blood. “The jazz band sounded amazing, as usual. The crowd especially loved their jazzy Disney musical numbers that they performed at California Adventure two weeks ago.”

“We made just under $2,000 for Crescenta Valley Instrumental Music,” added Webster. “All the proceeds go to the music program to fund buses, instruments, and all needs for the music program.”

Webster noted that the biggest need facing CVIM is new marching band uniforms, which will cost around $70,000.

“The Jazz Night is a really fun event and it is so nice to see the students out there dancing and having fun, which makes planning these types of events worthwhile,” she said.

In addition to Jazz Night, CVIM also held a dine-out fundraiser at International House of Pancakes (IHOP) on Tuesday.

When dancers needed a break, they could head over to a chocolate fountain loaded with strawberries, pineapple, marshmallows, Oreos, cookies, and other sweets that could be dipped. Other yummy food included cookies, crackers, pretzel sticks, fruit and veggie plates.

Numerous high school students came with their families to Jazz Night. In addition to helping teach dance moves, sophomore Kimmie Blood played the keyboard with the band. She comes from a rich musical history: her older brother and two older sisters have also been through the music program at CVHS.

“I’ve been going to Jazz Night for as long as I can remember, and it was such a rewarding experience to finally be one of the performers,” she said. “We may just be high schoolers, but we can make a cool, loud sound and it’s fun to dance to! Jazz Night is just one of those surreal memories I’ll always keep with me that reminds me I was a part of a really talented, fun group of kids.”

Kimmie’s mom added how much she enjoys the annual Jazz Night in the Café.

“I absolutely love this event! I loved dancing with my dad as a little girl, and now I get to watch my children dance with their dad,” Dena said. “I occasionally try to steal a dance with my husband, too, but it is hard to compete with my daughters.”

Nicole Rowley is a freshman who attended Jazz Night.

“Jazz Night was super fun!” Rowley said. “I got to learn how to swing dance with my best friends and the music and food were fantastic.”

In addition to many high school students, elementary school students also came out to enjoy the fun and dance the night away.

For those who would like to listen to more amazing music from the jazz band, as well as other CVHS high school students, the upcoming spring concert showcases all the school’s music groups. It will be on Friday, March 8 at 7 p.m. in the CVHS MacDonald Auditorium, 4400 Ramsdell Ave.

  Lori BODNAR