Jazzed up

I picked up the saxophone to attract girls. Much to my disappointment, it had the opposite effect. But it did bring me from the world of classical music (my previous instrument was the piano) into the universe of jazz. The sax was a great instrument to play as a teenager. Jazz is rebellious—from pioneers like Miles Davis and John Coltrane to modern youth players, like Trombone Shorty and Esperanza Spalding.

I was obsessed with it, soaking in the emotional rewards of performing in my high-school band at Rio Americano. Ultimately, it was my high-school jazz band teacher, Josh Murray, who taught me to control and utilize my rebellious thoughts (like cutting class) and to instead do something positive with my meandering mind. I will always remember the joy of playing for jazz-loving—and beer-drinking—audiences at the Round Table Pizza in Old Sacramento.

So when you attend the Sacramento Jazz Festival & Jubilee this weekend, after seeing well-established bands like Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Capital Jazz Project, Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers, and the Nibblers, check out some of the youth bands on the bill. The universe of jazz has a great tradition of young prodigies, and Sacramento’s jazz scene is no exception. Latin, swing and pop bands round out a diverse festival lineup at a multitude of interesting venues, so make sure check out a schedule and plan accordingly.

The Sacramento Jazz Festival happens Friday, May 27, through Monday, May 30, in various locations throughout Old Sacramento. All-events badges cost $110 or $50 for youth ages 7-20. Single-day passes range from $20-$45, or $15-$20 for youth. Visit www.sacjazz.com for more information.