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Vocal Jazz Fest a delight for all
By Cory Wright
On February 27, 2013
The Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall was filled with many voices as it bore
witness to the first annual Buffalo State Jazz Fest Saturday night.
The festival featured jazz ensembles from Buffalo State College, as well as various
Western New York high schools.
Buffalo Academy of the Visual and Performing Arts were the first act on that night,
singing a beautiful rendition of the national anthem, as well as "Fugue for Autumn," "I
Can't Make You Love me," "Hard to Say Goodbye," and "Desfinado."
Dressed all in black, the co-ed chorus of BAVPA showed why they are the premiere
Performing Arts school in Buffalo. Handling each song with precision and
professionalism, they were a great start to the show, and were definitely a hard act for any
school to follow.
Next on was the perky ensemble from Lackawanna High School, led by director Erin
Holmes. Decked in red and black outfits, and utilizing a bit of choreography, they
brought a Broadway-like essence to the stage. The upbeat performance was a great way
to enhance the mood of the festival after the somber songs of the previous performers.
Singing, "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off" and "Java Jive," their songs were a perfect fit
after the Valentine's Day holiday.
The last of the high school performers was Lockport High School, dazzling the audience
in their one-of-a-kind sparkled dresses and waistcoats. Their songs kept a different
rhythm than those prior. With more of a melodic and slow tone, they handled songs from
the past with a very unique twist. Led by musical director Robert Pacillo they were the
only high school to be accompanied by pianist Robert Hull.
The night ended with acts from the Buffalo State Jazztet and Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
The Jazztet performed three songs, each from different genres, with each accompanied
by a different singer. The first song was "St. James Infirmary," sung by sultry vocalist
Courtney Woods. Arranged by Mark Filsinger, the song soothed the audience with its
slow and seductive rhythm.
The next vocalist was country singer Rebecca Short, singing "Goodnight Irene." With
solos from the trombone and trumpet players, it kept what would otherwise be a folksy
tune very rhythmic, with a downhome blues vibe.
Last was singer Kasey Heisler singing St. Louis Blues, a tune that had audiences dancing
in their seats with its Latin cadence and salsa beat.
Dr. Victoria Furby, a music professor at Buffalo State and head director of the Vocal Jazz
Fest, said she felt it was important for the students and general public to come experience
these young artists.
"(It was) a great opportunity to learn more about the art of vocal jazz from an expert who
works with the vocal jazz ensemble from the Grammys, and also a chance to support the
arts in the public schools," she said.
Dr. Leila Hall, the featured artist of the Vocal Jazz Fest and Assistant Professor of Music
at the University of Colorado, could not have been more thrilled with the acts that night.
"The choirs sang very well and they handled each song perfectly," she said.
The Vocal Jazz Fest is in association with the Rockwell Hall "Family and Friends
Concert Series," a series "designed to introduce the Buffalo State community to
ensembles, guests, and performers from outside the Buffalo State music community,"
said Dr. Furby. "In this case, Dr. Leila Heil and Lackawanna, Lockport and BAVPA
high schools are the 'friends' we have invited from outside our walls to come and share
their expertise and entertain the audience."
The Buffalo State music department events are free to the public, and Family and Friends
concerts have a $10 admission to help offset the costs associated with bringing guests to
campus.
Cory Wright can be reached by email at wright.record@live.com.
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