Under the auspices of Chaminade’s Band Department, Wednesday’s MLK Jazz Concert was a huge success, featuring professionals from across the country along with many talented individuals from Chaminade’s own Band Department.  The concert was rescheduled from its original date because of inclement weather, but despite these roadblocks it remained one of the highlights of the year.

The MLK Jazz Concert is an annual event held in the Skip Viragh Center in order to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s profound effort to seek for further justice in the country.  King preached, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” reminding us of the call we have to do our part — wherever we might be.

The program for the fine evening  consisted of students from Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, Chaminade College Preparatory School, and combined high school groups with Mardra Thomas whom we were honored to host as a guest vocalist. Lastly, the MLK Student All-Star Band and a repertoire of professional jazz musicians adorned the finale of the evening.

Some of the Featured Artists were Mardra Thomas, Adaron Jackson, Mike Salter, Rick Haydon, Zeb Briskovich, and Montez Coleman.  As always, the event was organized by our talented band teachers: Mr. Hahn, Mr. Jones and Mr. Jewell.

Typically, this event takes place in two parts: a concert for the entire school during Esto Vir, and then an evening program for a paid audience.  Due to weather, the Chaminade students were not treated to the concert; however, they will all be looking forward to the event again next year.