Twice a year, Karen Ulmer’s jazz bands fill the cafeteria at Columbia Falls High School on a friday evening concert called “Jazz Cafe”. The Jazz Cafe includes snacks, refreshments, cafe-style seating and lights, and of course, the music of CFHS’ three jazz bands: The Columbians, Jazz Factory and Jazz Band George.
Jazz Cafe outgrew the cafeteria, so last Friday’s gig was held in CFHS’ lobby area, which it also managed to fill. The December event is popular with the prior year’s seniors, and families just starting to gather for Christmas. Before long, they’ll be holding it in the basketball gym.
Several band members from the Class of 2007 were home from Bozeman, Ellensburg, Portland and Missoula, so they joined in on a few numbers with the Columbians and Jazz Factory.
Alex Prince fronts the Columbians Jazz Band with a nice solo.
Some members of the Class of 2007 gather for a post-concert photo.
Jon Riffey solos during the Jazz Factory set.
Jazz Factory saxes.
Taylor Hopkins (drums) and Tanner Lineberry (bass) fill out the rhythm section for Jazz Factory.
Ian Gordon on bass for the Columbians.
Sam Negron on trombone for the Columbians.
The Columbians’ Dusty Choinard
Columbians’ 1st Saxophone, Tommy Wright.
Many of those in attendance had their dancing shoes on, including Sitescape Landscape Architecture owners Bruce and Colleen Lutz.
