NKHS Jazz Night tunes up again
Published 9:00 am Wednesday, February 7, 2007
POULSBO — Third time’s the charm.
Then again, for the annual North Kitsap High School Jazz Night and Silent auction, No. 2 wasn’t so bad either. Last year — in its second year — Jazz Night sold out, raising more than $17,000 which was then split between the NKHS choir and the NK Grad Night Senior Cruise Committee.
This year, as NKHS’ finest jazzmen and women warm up, event organizers are hoping for another big turnout.
It all starts when the doors open at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at Christ Memorial Church. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at North Kitsap High School, Central Market, Liberty Bay Books or at the door. Last year, the Jazz Night and Silent Auction sold more than 250 tickets.
The price of admission includes beverages, dessert, a chance to bid in the auction and live entertainment.
“My students will be singing with a live rhythm section,” said NKHS choir director Sylvia Cauter said. “This is their opportunity to perform live with bass, drums and keyboard. They’re also coming up with their own arrangements … however they want (the songs) performed.”
To the beat of Malinda Allen (drums), Jeff Cauter (bass) and George Ramsy (piano), North’s singers will be piping jazz tunes in many tempos, tenors and styles.Cauter said she has more than 20 soloists ready to perform along with special guest and Kitsap musician Dori Craze.
On the fund raising end of things, jewelry, music and sports tickets, gift baskets and various gift certificates and goods from local businesses and more will be available for bid as part of the silent auction, said choir booster volunteer Bonnie Stevens.
“The choir boosters are working hard to finance scholarships, sheet music, student fees and transportation costs (for) competitions and festivals,” Stevens said. “The Grad Night Committee is working to finance a safe, fun and drug and alcohol free event for the 2007 graduates.”
On the evening of graduation, a senior cruise will set sail for Seattle, returning to Poulsbo around 4 a.m. after a night of games, dining and dancing. At $150 per ticket, funds raised by the Grad Night Committee will be used for scholarships.
And for the choir, in addition to its normal slate of festivals and competitions for 2007, its members will also be traveling to New York City to sing at Carnegie Hall in April.
“This event is the biggest fund raiser for both of these groups,” Stevens said. “We’re really hoping people will come out, and you can donate right up to the event.”
