by Kendra Germany
Staff writer
The Southeastern Jazz Ensemble hosted Jazzfest 2012 on April 21 from 1-9 p.m. at Sports City Café.
The SE music department’s website, http://homepages.se.edu/music, said that Jazzfest featured the SE Jazz Ensemble and several other local jazz groups.
Cat5, Durant High School Jazz Ensembles I and II, McAlester High School Jazz Band and Dickson High School Jazz Band performed at the annual music event.
According to SE Jazz Band Director Dr. Brian Walker, there were a few changes to Jazzfest this year. “ The most immediate change was moving the event from Montgomery Auditorium to Sports City and adding in the high school jazz groups,” said Walker.
Walker said that he asked area high school jazz bands from strong band programs to perform during this year’s Jazzfest. “We had an overwhelming response,” said Walker.
This was the first year that Jazzfest was held at Sports City Café.
“When Carlotta’s at Lake Texoma was still in business the event happened there every year,” said Walker. “Now that Sports City is a more of a fixture in Durant social life, it seemed like a good choice.”
According to Walker, Sports City was chosen as the venue for this year’s Jazzfest because of the atmosphere, outdoor stage and relaxing setting.
There was no admission charge for the event and all were invited to attend.