My jazz quintet performed for the Noel Night Gala Event at St. John's Catholic Church. We were soaking wet from loading
equipment in a raging blizzard outside, but no seemed to mind. The fundraiser was fantastic.
There was no rehearsal, and the bassist Dave Rasmussen (he was outstanding) and the saxophonist
Grant Larson had never performed with my band before. I had performed with Dave that week when I was the conductor for "Man
of LaMancha performed at the North Dakota State School of Science. The cast however were Wahpeton High School students and
were just magnificent.
Grant Larson is an outstanding classical saxophonist and I have accompanied
his classical performances many times.
Joel Thompson is an outstanding drummer with uncanny, impeccable
timing. He has performed with my quartet and quintet on several engagements and is a joy to listen to.
Jon
Lucht is the trumpeter and words can not describe his expertise. We have performed together over the years with the Dick
King Swing Band. He is just awesome.
But Noel Night was just a get together jam session and we had
a great time. They appreciated being treated royally, too by the St. John's staff.
