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Jazz Fest fails to excite students
Archive
The annual Gene Harris Jazz Festival is a community event featuring jazz artists performing many different styles, and workshops where students can learn techniques with these professional artists. This year the event is featuring two Grammy winners, Eddie Palmieri and Diane Schuur, among a slew of other artists most of us haven’t heard of. Just how relevant is this festival to Boise State students?
The Gene Harris Jazz Festival does provide an endowment for outstanding music students, with funds coming from corporate and private donors as well as from proceeds raised by the Jazz Festival. Last year, 14 students were selected to receive scholarships.
According to Executive Producer Esther Neely, about 1000 students from all over the valley attend the six-per day clinics held at the SUB during the festival. Neely wasn’t sure exactly how many BSU students attended the clinics, but said that “a fair number” do. Considering that hundreds of high school and junior high students attend the festival with their schools each year, the actual number of BSU musicians attending these clinics is probably quite low.
Students do receive a $3 discount for all events, but considering the two Pavilion concerts cost anywhere from nine to $50, this may be unlikely to draw the interest of those on a tight budget. The most economical option would be club night, which is $20 for a pass that provides admission to 12 events running from 5-11 P.M. the night of April 5th. Though some of these concerts are held in 21+ venues making it hard for the non-drinking set to enjoy the full benefits of their 20 bucks.
Students and even some staff do seem to have mixed feelings about the event. Andy Farley, a graphic design major, after being asked why he wouldn’t be attending the festival commented, “Gene Harris is dead…and I don’t really like jazz.” Tim Tommervik said he would go–”maybe”. Adjunct math professor Barry Finnigan remarked, “jazz isn’t really my thing…I’m more of a 70’s hard rock kinda person.” Jane Lehiman said she “wasn’t planning on it (the festival)”, but would take time to find out more information about it. Kathy Leduc wasn’t even aware that the festival was going on, and remarked that if she did know more about it, she wouldn’t have time to go anyway. “It’s not something exciting”, said Leduc. Trevor Tillman did give a positive nod toward the festival saying, “It’s actually pretty cool…I’m not really into jazz that much, but…I’ve been there a couple times before, and it was alright.”
The festival is also sponsored by a couple of corporations that have drawn fire for unethical business practices in the past: Boise Cascade and Coca-Cola. Surely the festival could exist without accepting money from businesses such as these. While there is currently no independent alternative to the Jazz Fest, perhaps one could be arranged for next year?
While the Gene Harris Jazz Festival does have its attractions and high points, it may not be for everyone. Boise State students sure aren’t touting it as a must-see event, and rightly so, since there probably isn’t a whole lot that would be of interest to them.
The festival runs from Thursday, April 5 through Saturday, April 7. Tickets are available at www.idahotickets.com.