Last fall, I didn’t tell you about the concert until AFTER it happened.  Then, once I blogged about it, I heard from a number of you — Why hadn’t I announced the concert so folks could come?

I worried it may not be up to your expectations.

But that was wrong of me.  Because if you read my stuff, then you probably have perfect expectations for a concert like this.

It was because of the SUNY Cobleskill jazz ensemble that I learned about jazz when I was 15 years old, and, so eager to learn more, borrowed the school’s baritone saxophone and joined.

I was having so much fun, I dragged my high school buddy, Louis Smaldone, to practices.  Then I bought him an album,  Basie Sings the Blues.

That inspired Lou to go on to become a professional jazz musician.

And then he met Kristina Johnson, another professional jazz musician.

And she took over the SUNY Cobleskill jazz ensemble.

And they kept it open to the community.

We are a motley group:  Some members of the community who have been playing with the jazz ensemble since the 1960s; some new members of the community looking for a place to connect and make friends; some who have come to rehearsals while coping with tragic loss; some mid-life crisis folks like Bob and me, who are rediscovering our passions after major medical scares; some former college students who fell away from school during the pandemic, but stayed connected through their love of music and the people they play with…And then there are the students — some arts majors, some ag majors, some fisheries and wildlife majors, ….some great players, some with special needs…And all who are learning from the community players that music is a skill that will bring joy and friendship for the rest of their lives.

We are held together by a core of super-talented musicians who gift themselves to the rest of us with their patience, humor, and skills.

We’ve worked really hard this year.   And we’d love for you to come celebrate with us.

Sometimes we play sour notes.

Sometimes we lose our place in the music.

But there are also some truly glorious musical moments – stunning solos, driving beats, and peppy tunes that will have you dancing in the aisles (please do).

So if you can make it this Tuesday, April 25, to Bouck Hall Auditorium on the SUNY Cobleskill campus at 7:30 pm, I think you’ll be glad you did.

You can’t beat the price.  It’s free!

And yes, the entire Sap Bush clan will be there:  Bob on electric guitar, Saoirse and Ula will be doing vocals, I will be honking away on my bari sax, and Mom and Dad will be in the audience, tapping and clapping along.

Hope to see you there!