Jazz opens at the Station

Jazz fans are preparing themselves for a new entertainment season. Though these particular jazz fans are expecting saxophones, guitars and drums, and not basketball games. The Union Station will kick off its new season of "Jazz at the Station," which began Wednesday, Sept. 10. Several great lineups are already planned.

This past Wednesday featured the talents of Benjamin Jennings and friends. Jennings last appeared at the Station playing the drums as part of the Duffy Kane Trio. He and Duffy Kane, who have been friends for years, opened the show, that started at 7:30 Wednesday night. Numerous other musicians joined Jennings and Kane, including students from Weber State University, and Dr. Donald Keipp.

Jennings will celebrate his 34th birthday as the Union Station starts its first concert of the school year. He had no qualms about spending his birthday playing music with his friends.

"Not only are you playing for the crowd," Jennings said, speaking of the performers' love for jazz music and having jam sessions with new and old musicians, "but half of the audience is playing in the band alongside you."

Jennings said he believes music lovers of any kind could pick up on jazz. He said jazz was popular, catchy music of its day, and there are some jazz songs ingrained in the American culture that people can hum and sing along by heart.

"Jazz really is the only true American art form," Jennings said, observing that jazz music is seen as "elitist," but disputes the thought.

He said he and his friends want to have an inclusive appeal to reach out to those who may be new to the genre. This Wednesday they welcomed vocalists to appeal to those in the audience who may not be classical jazz fans.

"Jazz concerts should not be seen as other concerts," Jennings said, "where you are expected to dress a certain way, not talk during a performance, or expected to clap after every song … People can clap whenever they want. Actually, some people clap after every solo. As musicians, we really appreciate that."

Jennings promised a variety of styles for the upcoming show such as, blues, big-band, classical jazz and a variety of others to appeal to all tastes.

Ogden has long been a place for musicians to flourish, thanks, in no small part, to WSU's music program, which consistently produces students that showcase their talent in many local shows, especially "Jazz at the Station." Jennings also encouraged new musicians or fans to join in or listen to the jazz jam sessions held at the Wine Cellar, on 2550 Washington Boulevard, every other Thursday, starting Thursday, Sept. 11.

Roberta Beverly, the executive director of the Union Station, spoke of bringing the concerts, which began in the Skyroom on campus, to the station two years ago because of construction.

"Jazz basically lost its home and was looking for a place it could continue," Beverly said. She said the move was a natural one.

The concerts are held in the grand lobby of the Union Station, and are open to the public.

The Union Station is located on 2501 Wall Avenue and the show, which is free of charge, starts at 7:30. "Jazz at the Station" concerts will be held on the second Wednesday of every month.