Here's something you might be interested in.
The next installment of Jazz Live (Tuesday, August 2) will feature the Rob Thorsen Quartet and have a slightly different focus from the usual concert scenario.
Turns out that Thorsen has been involved in exposing jazz to youngsters throughout San Diego for the past four years, with a program he designed called Jazz: An American Art Form.
Thorsen partnered with the Young Audiences non-profit organization in 2007 to bring his quartet of Gilbert Castellanos (trumpet), Bob Boss (guitar), and Richard Sellers (drums) into mostly elementary schools for a program where a history of jazz is explained and each member would demonstrate their individual instruments, illustrate concepts such as rhythm, harmony and melody, and play in various styles for the classes.
"The kids love it," said Thorsen, adding that "the shows were a big success, but as time went on, it became obvious that the schools who could afford us were all in well-to-do areas...and we wanted to perform especially for the schools who didn't have the big budgets."
That's where KSDS Jazz 88 came in. Station manager Mark DeBoskey wanted to collaborate with Jazz: An American Art Form and agreed that the program needed to reach a more diverse audience.
Through a partnership with Young Audiences, DeBoskey helped secure grant funding to bridge that gap, and since then the program has really taken off.
"We've done 30-35 gigs in the schools since the beginning of 2011," said Thorsen.
Tuesday night's concert will reflect some of that community-outreach idea, with the first 30 minutes devoted to a Q&A with emcee Vince Outlaw and musical examples such as those used in the schools, albeit with an adult audience perspective.
Following the Q&A will be 60 minutes of Thorsen originals culled from his recent CDs Lasting Impression and Moonray.
(Regular drummer Richard Sellers is teaching in L.A., so Brett Sanders will substitute.)
Tuesday, August 2, 8:00 p.m. at City College, Saville Theatre. You can catch it on the internet at jazz88.org
concert poster by Jamie Shadowlight; photo courtesy Rob Thorsen.
The next installment of Jazz Live (Tuesday, August 2) will feature the Rob Thorsen Quartet and have a slightly different focus from the usual concert scenario.
Turns out that Thorsen has been involved in exposing jazz to youngsters throughout San Diego for the past four years, with a program he designed called Jazz: An American Art Form.
Thorsen partnered with the Young Audiences non-profit organization in 2007 to bring his quartet of Gilbert Castellanos (trumpet), Bob Boss (guitar), and Richard Sellers (drums) into mostly elementary schools for a program where a history of jazz is explained and each member would demonstrate their individual instruments, illustrate concepts such as rhythm, harmony and melody, and play in various styles for the classes.
"The kids love it," said Thorsen, adding that "the shows were a big success, but as time went on, it became obvious that the schools who could afford us were all in well-to-do areas...and we wanted to perform especially for the schools who didn't have the big budgets."
That's where KSDS Jazz 88 came in. Station manager Mark DeBoskey wanted to collaborate with Jazz: An American Art Form and agreed that the program needed to reach a more diverse audience.
Through a partnership with Young Audiences, DeBoskey helped secure grant funding to bridge that gap, and since then the program has really taken off.
"We've done 30-35 gigs in the schools since the beginning of 2011," said Thorsen.
Tuesday night's concert will reflect some of that community-outreach idea, with the first 30 minutes devoted to a Q&A with emcee Vince Outlaw and musical examples such as those used in the schools, albeit with an adult audience perspective.
Following the Q&A will be 60 minutes of Thorsen originals culled from his recent CDs Lasting Impression and Moonray.
(Regular drummer Richard Sellers is teaching in L.A., so Brett Sanders will substitute.)
Tuesday, August 2, 8:00 p.m. at City College, Saville Theatre. You can catch it on the internet at jazz88.org
concert poster by Jamie Shadowlight; photo courtesy Rob Thorsen.