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Catch All: Folsom Jazz Festival

Dec 30, 2016 11:08AM ● By David Norby

Folsom High School’s Music Program Director Curtis Gaesser had taken the school's musicians to perform in festivals around the state, but knew that with his group and resources he could host a local festival of equal caliber. “Folsom had the musicians and the community support, and Curtis had the ambition to get it started,” says Jon Augustine of the Folsom High School Music Boosters. The inaugural Folsom Jazz Festival in 1988 hosted eight bands; now it’s the largest school jazz festival in California—with 138 bands and choirs scheduled to perform across seven stages and two campuses on January 28. All parties involved benefit from the festival: The community gets the business of thousands of new customers staying in hotels, dining and shopping; and professional musicians have the opportunity to perform in front of huge crowds while receiving feedback from seasoned judges. As many music programs lose school funding, events like these—and the event sponsors—are crucial to their survival. “These sponsors stand out dramatically as businesses intent on keeping the arts and music alive,” Augustine says, “[which is] a crucial perception, particularly for parents who view music programs as lifelines for their kids.” 

Article Samuel Mailey

DETAILS

WHEN: January 28

TIME: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

WHERE: Folsom High School and

Rolling Hills Christian Church

For more information, visit folsommusic.org/folsomjazzfestival.