Brooks Jazz Dinner was again sold out on Friday, January 17, as it is every year.
The event is a fundraiser for Brooks Secondary School Music Department with a silent auction assisted by parents and Rotary Club of Powell River members. Culinary Arts students prepare and serve dinner.
Guest musicians were Walter Martella, drummer Eddie Trovato from the Lower Mainland and bassist Brock Meades of Nanaimo, who accompanied the jazz choir and soloists, then played several numbers themselves to round out the evening. They were joined in their first number by music teacher Paul Cummings, who conducted the Brooks Jazz Band and Choir as well as accompanying soloists with his trombone.
Esme Long gave her rendition of "These Arms of Mine", written by Otis Redding with Paul Cummings on trombone and Ethan Hummel on trumpet, pianist Walter Martella and bassist Brock Meades.
Jan Swanson had a jazzy take on an old rock and roll song, "Mona Lisa", accompanied by Walter Martella on piano.
Paul Cummings displays his musical chops with "Route 66" with music played by Walter Martella Trio.
Paul Cummings conducting Brooks Jazz Choir.
