2008.10.27
3rd Annual Cave Spring Jazz Cafe will be Nov. 6 in a new location
Last year
Cave Spring's 3rd Annual Jazz Cafe is Thursday, Nov. 6 and this year it's not in the cafeteria. Because of the popularity of the Jazz Cafe, this year it will be held at St. john's Lutheran Church located at 4608 Brambleton Avenue from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
If you have never attended their Jazz Cafe before, it consists of the 7th and 8th grade Cave Spring Middle School, and Cave Spring High School Jazz Bands. About 100 students from both Cave Spring School's will perform together songs that range in level and in style.
And for $10 admission not only do you get the opportunity to hear Cave Spring's great bands but this year's special guest will be David Wiley, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra's conductor since 1996.
"We are bridging this with the school board and the Roanoke Symphony. It's a partnership," Sarver said.
Three years ago, band directors, Brian Quakenbush and Sarver decided to start the Jazz Cafe to allow both the middle and high schools to play together in one concert in a cafe-type atmosphere. The idea also came from something another school did that was similar, Sarver said.
"Part of why we do this is so the 7th-graders get to hear the 8th graders and they get to hear the high school band," Melinda Sarver, one of the band directors said. "The community gets to see the progression."
"The middle school was doing thier own concerts and the high school theirs, and they never got to hear each other," Quakenbush said.
During the Jazz Cafe coffee, water, and desserts are served with the musical entertainment.
"We try to have the best entertainment and have food and have fun," Quakenbush said. "It's our first concert of the season so we set the standard high."
Due to it's growing success, the schools have kept it going. The first year the school's made about $3,000 which goes to both Cave Spring Middle and High School band programs, split 50/50.
"We have an ongoing list of instruments we need, and instruments we need repaired," Sarver said.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Theme baskets will also be sold including baskets themed, chocolate, beverages, sports, coffee, and gardening which was an idea the student's had to raise money.
"It's really a fun night," Sarver said.
"St. John's has been very gracious about opening their doors to us," Quakenbush said.
To purchase tickets call Debbie Hart at 776-6450 or email her at debhart@cox.net. You may also send a self addressed envelope with a check to 5810 Arcturus Drive, Roanoke, VA 24018.
Tickets will also be sold in the band section at Friday's Cave Spring High School football game at 7 p.m.
