Mile High Jazz Band Presents "Big Band Jazz at Gina's"
with Vocalist Jakki Ford
at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge in the Carson Nugget
Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Mile High Jazz Band will present "Big Band Jazz at Gina's," on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free, donations welcome.

The 17-member band will play favorite big-band jazz tunes from its extensive repertoire and feature the vocal stylings of Jakki Ford. Pianist and band leader David Bugli said, "This is the band's first performance at Carson's newest hotspot, with an impressive bar, beverages, and food, and we look forward to performing there monthly. We might even leave a little room on the dance floor for dancing.”

Besides some great instrumental pieces with soloists from within the band, the band will feature Jakki Ford on several songs. She is an outstanding vocalist, professional dancer, and actor, who has appeared in several films, television shows, commercials, theater, operas, cabaret, and Las Vegas and Reno showroom spectaculars, and has recorded three albums. She will sing "Out of Nowhere," "Just Friends," "I've got You Under My Skin," and other great songs.

After January 24, Mile High Jazz Band's next performance at Gina's will be on Valentine's Day, Tuesday, February 14.

Mile High Jazz Band performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by memberships and donations.

For information about the band and activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Photo: Jakki Ford will sing with Mile High Jazz Band at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge on January 24.

Jazz & Beyond Festival Planned for Aug. 11-21, 2023
Posted: Jan. 28, 2023

The Jazz & Beyond Planning Committee met recently and are working on plans for the twentieth Jazz & Beyond festival. While many details remain to be decided, the committee has outlined plans for the festival to begin on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, and end on the 119th birthday of William "Count" Basie, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. The committee is looking forward to bringing back several of the exciting acts from past years. Details about the festival will be posted on the festival's website at jazzcarsoncity.com

Mile High Jazz Band Presents a "Jazz Sampler for Sweethearts"
On Valentine's Day at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge in Carson City
Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Treat your Valentine to a Jazz Sampler for Sweethearts, an evening of sweet and hot big-band music by the Mile High Jazz Band with singer Jakki Ford on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free, donations welcome.

Jazz Sampler for Sweethearts features the 17-member band playing jazzy versions of favorite love songs for Valentine's Day, and other swinging, big-band selections. Jakki Ford will sing "I Caught a Touch of Your Love," "Somebody Loves Me," "My Funny Valentine," and more.

After February 14, Mile High Jazz Band will perform with three youth jazz bands at the Jazz Extravaganza on February 21 at the Carson City Community Center. The event is a fundraiser in support of youth music programs. For information and tickets, see milehighjazz.com. The band's next performance at Gina's will be on Tuesday, March 14.

Mile High Jazz Band performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by memberships and donations. For information about the band performances and activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Attached photo: Mile High Jazz Band on Jan. 24, 2023, on their first appearance at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge.

Jazz Extravaganza XIX, Featuring Four Big Bands
Presented at Carson City Community Center
Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Join us for the the 2023 Jazz Extravaganza, now in its nineteenth year. It will be Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center. The Mile High Jazz Band, Carson High School Jazz Band, Carson Middle School Jazz Band, and Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra will be performing on this concert. Each of the groups will present a twenty or so minute set, plus an intergenerational combo will perform before intermission.

As with earlier Jazz Extravaganzas sponsored by the Mile High Jazz Band Association, this event is a fundraiser for youth music programs. Tickets maybe purchased online or may be purchased at the door on the day of the concert. The cost is $12 per adult. Youth 18 and under are admitted free, no ticket needed.

Mile High Jazz Band performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by memberships and donations.

For further information, call 775-883-4154.

Mile High Jazz Band Performs "Pi(e) in the Sky"
at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge
Tuesday, March 14, 2023

In honor of "Pi Day" (3.14), the Mile High Jazz Band will be joined by singer Jakki Ford and seven award-winning poets and readers for "Pi(e) in the Sky," an evening of big-band jazz and poetry, on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free, donations are welcome.

"Pi(e) in the Sky" features the 17-member band playing swinging songs in the Pi, Pie, and Sky theme of the evening. Poets and readers are Rita Geil, Terri Breeden, Ursula Carlson, Wayne Carlson, Krista Lukas, Susan Sara Priest, and Timothy Rhodes. Each poem relates to the theme, open to several interpretations, and is followed by a related tune, several featuring Jakki Ford.

Pianist and bandleader David Bugli said, "We'd like to tell you the tunes we will be playing, but that would spoil the fun of the audience making the connections between the poems and the tunes that follow them. You need to be there to experience it."

Mile High Jazz Band is supported in part by private donations and by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts. For information about the band and its activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Click on image to download a PDF flyer, suitable for printing.

Mile High Jazz Band Presents "Spring Jazz"
at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge in Carson City
Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Join us for "Spring Jazz," an evening big-band music by the Mile High Jazz Band with singer Jakki Ford, on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free, donations are welcome. Gina's also has a well-stocked bar.

"Spring Jazz" features the 17-member band playing favorite and new swinging, big-band selections. Jakki Ford will sing "Sway," "Lullaby of Broadway," "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," and other classic tunes. The Band will also bring back some compositions that they have not had a chance to play recently, including Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments," and Toots Thielemann's "Bluesette."

David Bugli, Mile High Jazz band pianist and leader, remarked, "I like having the band perform in Gina's Good Life on a regular basis. Gina Rohrer has created a great place for jazzers and other musicians to share their talents, something that's important for personal, musical growth."

Mile High Jazz Band performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by memberships and donations. For information about the band performances and activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Photo: Mile High Jazz Band with Jakki Ford at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge on March 14, 2023.

Mile High Jazz Band Performs
at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge
Tuesday, May 9, 2023

The Mile High Jazz Band performs at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge in the Carson Nugget on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The music is free, donations welcome. The performance will include a tribute or two to the late, great saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter. Vocalist Jakki Ford will provide a number of great songs from The Great American Songbook, including "Lady is a Tramp," "All or Nothing at All," and "Out of Nowhere."

Mile High Jazz Band performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by memberships and donations.

For information about the band and activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Mile High Jazz Band Performs at Heritage Park
for the Second Annual "Jazz and Arts Festival in the Park"
Sunday, May 21, 2023

The Mile High Jazz Band will be the featured band for the Second Annual "Jazz and Arts Festival in the Park" in Gardnerville on Sunday, May 21, 2023, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. The event takes place at Heritage Park, 1447 Courthouse St., Gardnerville, NV. The event is presented by Main Street Gardnerville and the Carson Valley Arts Council. Admission is free.

The festival starts at 1:00 p.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. Also performing at the event are the Douglas High School Jazz Band, The Jazzettes, RoseBud's Dance Band, and The Gardnervillians. There will also be food trucks and art vendors. For further information, go to https://www.cvartscouncil.com/annual-jazz-and-art-festival-may-21-2023.

Photo: Mile High Jazz Band at the festival last year, May 22, 2022.

Mile High Jazz Band Presents "Jazzy June"
at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge in Carson City
Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Join us for "Jazzy June" an evening big-band music by the Mile High Jazz Band with singer Jakki Ford, on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge 507 N. Carson Street, inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free, donations are welcome. Gina's also has a well-stocked bar.

"Jazzy June" features the 17-member band playing swinging, big-band selections from their repertoire of over 200 tunes. Jakki Ford will sing "Let the Good Times Roll," "For Once in My Life," "Ten Cents a Dance," and other great songs.

David Bugli, Mile High Jazz band pianist and leader, remarked, "I like having the band perform in Gina's Good Life. It's great place for jazzers and other musicians to share their talents."

Mile High Jazz Band performs monthly throughout the year, and sponsors the annual Jazz and Beyond Festival in Carson City in August. Performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Carson City Cultural Commission, the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by memberships and donations. For information about the band performances and activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Attached photo: Jakki Ford will sing with Mile High Jazz Band at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge on Tuesday, June 13.

Mile High Jazz Band Assoc. Annual Meeting
and Board Meeting
Sunday, June 25, 2023

You are invited to the Mile High Jazz Band Association's annual membership meeting and end-of-the-fiscal-year party. It will be on Sunday, June 25, at 6:00 p.m., at the Carson City Historical Society's Carriage House, behind the Foreman-Roberts House Museum, 1207 N. Carson Street, Carson City.

Association members, band musicians, volunteers, and friends are welcome. The meeting will include a brief review the past year, a preview of the coming season, and election of members to the nine-member Board of Trustees. A brief board meeting will follow.

As a bonus, guests will have a tour of the historic Foreman-Roberts House Museum. Current exhibits are Loretta Williams' art, the Adele's Dollhouse, and Edwardian and Victorian fashions.

The event includes a pot-luck dinner. Main dish and beverages are provided. Attendees may bring an appetizer, side dish, salad, or dessert to share.

For reservations and information, call 775-883-4154 or email info@jazzcarsoncity.com.

Mile High Jazz Band Presents Performance
at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge in Carson City
Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Join us for an evening big-band music by the Mile High Jazz Band with singer Jakki Ford, on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge 507 N. Carson Street, inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free, donations are welcome. Gina's also has a well-stocked bar.

The performance features the 17-member band playing swinging, big-band selections from their repertoire of over 200 tunes. Jakki Ford will sing "Secret Love," "How Long Has This Been Going On," and other great songs.

David Bugli, Mile High Jazz band pianist and leader, remarked, "I like having the band perform in Gina's Good Life. It's great place for jazzers and other musicians to share their talents."

Mile High Jazz Band performs monthly throughout the year, and sponsors the annual Jazz and Beyond Festival in Carson City in August. Performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Carson City Cultural Commission, the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by memberships and donations. For information about the band performances and activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Attached photo: Jakki Ford will sing with Mile High Jazz Band at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge on Tuesday, July 14. Here she is shown performing with the band in November 2021.

Jazz & Beyond Festival Planning Continues
Posted: April 2, 2023

The Jazz & Beyond Planning Committee is continuing to work on plans for the twentieth Jazz & Beyond festival. We have already lined up more than a dozen groups to perform duing this 11-day event. The committee has outlined plans for the festival to begin on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, and end on the 119th birthday of William "Count" Basie, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. The committee is looking forward to bringing back several of the exciting acts from past years. Details about the festival have been posted on the festival's website at jazzcarsoncity.com, and updates will be made as we make various confirmations. There will be a separate webpage for each day of the festival.

Don't miss it!

Are You Interested in Advertising in the Jazz & Beyond Program?
Posted March 30, 2023

Business owners, are you interested in advertising in the Jazz & Beyond Program? We offer you the opportunity of advertising your business to an up-scale, community-involved audience over an eleven-day period. We put together an attractive printed program each year, and you ads could reach hundreds of audience members. In addition, if you are interested, we can also post your ads on our website. If you are interested in advertising with us, please contact Alex at 408-264-4423 or Ellie at 775-883-4154. The deadline for ads submission is July 13, 2023.

Click HERE to download our ad rate sheet.

Jazz & Beyond Festival Information
Posted: July 12, 2023

The Jazz & Beyond Planning Committee has lined up more than two dozen individuals and groups to perform during Jazz & Beyond Music Festival, an 11-day event. It begins on Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, and ends on the 119th birthday of William "Count" Basie, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. Details about the festival, including a printable calendar, have been posted on the festival's website at jazzcarsoncity.com, and updates will be made as details change. Don't miss it!

There is a separate webpage for each day of the festival. Click HERE to be directed to the first day of the festival calendar (opens in new page or tab).

Last Chance to Advertise in the Jazz & Beyond Program
Deadline: July 13, 2023

Business owners, are you interested in advertising in the Jazz & Beyond Program? We offer you the opportunity of advertising your business to an up-scale, community-involved audience over an eleven-day period. We put together an attractive printed program each year, and you ads could reach hundreds of audience members. In addition, if you are interested, we can also post your ads on our website. If you are interested in advertising with us, please contact Alex at 408-264-4423 or Ellie at 775-883-4154. The deadline for ads submission is July 13, 2023.

Click HERE to download our ad rate sheet.

David & Friends Perform in Mills Park
Friday, July 28, 2023

David & Friends, a subgroup of the Mile High Jazz Band, perform on Friday, July 28, 2023, from about 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. in Mills Park. The ensemble will be performing before the Carson City Classic Cinema Club's showing of the movie "Up," will will be shown towards the west side of the park when it is dark enough to project the movie. The music and movie are free.

David & Friends is composed of Bill Melendres on trumpet; Jake Xie on saxophone; David Bugli on keyboard; Frank Iannetta on bass; and Kevin Milburn on drums and vocals.

The 2008 film "Up" is a computer-animated Disney movie. The story is about Carl, a retired balloon salesman, who decides to fullfil a promise to his dead wife. The film features the voices of some great performs: the late Ed Asner (as Carl), Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, and Bob Peterson.

Parking is available on the east end of the Oxoby Loop in Mills Park.

David & Friends Play for Ice Cream Social
Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023

David & Friends, a subgroup of the Mile High Jazz Band, play for the Carson City Historical Society's Ice Cream Social on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Foreman-Roberts House in Carson City. The group (also known as the Millennium Bugs) has played for the Ice Cream Social most Augusts for several years. Come on out and enjoy some free music, and learn a little bit about the Carson City Historical Society. There is a cost for the ice cream.

David & Friends is composed of Bill Melendres on trumpet; Jake Xie on saxophone; David Bugli on keyboard; Tim Goldsmith (subbing for Frank Iannetta) on bass; and Kevin Milburn on drums and vocals.

This event is part of the Jazz & Beyond Music Festival.

The website for the Carson City Historical Society is http://cchistorical.org.

The Jazz & Beyond "Postcard" Calendar
is Available for Download
Posted: July 17, 2023

We have updated the Jazz & Beyond website with some great events for this August. You may download a PDF version of our scheduled events from here. We will update it as we progress.

Click HERE for latest version of the postcard schedule. Version number and date of update are displayed in the lower right corner.

Mile High Jazz Band featured in
Basie Birthday Concert at End of Jazz & Beyond
Monday, August 21, 2023

The Mile High Jazz Band will be performing a Basie Birthday Concert on Monday, August 21, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the McFadden Plaza Stage as the final event of the Jazz & Beyond Carson City Music & Art Festival. Singers Jakki Ford and June Joplin will be joining the band in this performance. Count Basie was born August 21, 1904, and was the inspiration for the first Carson City festival that gradually came to be known as Jazz & Beyond. The event is free, and audience is encouraged to bring their own chairs, since seating is limited. For further information on the Jazz & Beyond Festival, go to http://jazzcarsoncity.com.

Mile High Jazz Band Performs "Long Story Short"
Jazz & Poetry Event
at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023

You are invited to celebrate Mile High Jazz Band's 20th anniversary of jazz and poetry events in Carson City. The Mile High Jazz Band will be joined by singer Jakki Ford and eight award-winning poets and readers for "Long Story Short" on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street inside the Carson Nugget.

The music is free, donations are welcome. Gina's is a smoke-free, climate-controlled venue, and has a well-stocked bar.

"Long Story Short" features the 17-member band playing swinging songs in the theme of the evening. Poets and readers are Rita Geil, Terri Breeden, Ursula Carlson, Wayne Carlson, Doug Conner, Krista Lukas, Kathy Nelson, and Timothy Rhodes. Each poem relates to the theme, is open to several interpretations, and is followed by a related tune. Several feature Jakki Ford.

For information about the band and activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Photo: Poet Wrangler, Rita Geil, and seven other poets/readers will perform on Sept. 12.

Mile High Jazz Band Presents "October Jazz at Gina's"
at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge in Carson City
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023

Mile High Jazz Band presents "October Jazz at Gina's," an evening of big-band music with singer Jakki Ford, on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street, inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free, donations are welcome. Gina's is a smoke-free, air-conditioned venue, and has a well-stocked bar.

"October Jazz" features the 17-member band playing swinging, big-band selections from their repertoire of over 200 tunes, including "Harlem Nocturne, "Rock This Town," "Sweet Georgia Brown," and more. Jakki Ford will sing "Black Coffee," "The Nearness of You," "Makin' Whoopie," and other great songs.

Mile High Jazz Band performs monthly throughout the year, and sponsors the annual Jazz and Beyond Festival in Carson City.

Performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Carson Cultural Commission, the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Travel Nevada, and by memberships and donations. For information about the band performances and activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Photo: Jakki Ford will sing with Mile High Jazz Band at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge on Tuesday, October 10.

Mile High Jazz Band Performs Autumn Jazz
at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge
Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023

The Mile High Jazz Band presents "Autumn Jazz," an evening of big-band music with singer Jakki Ford, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street, inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free, donations are welcome. Gina's is a smoke-free, air-conditioned venue, and has a well-stocked bar.

"Autumn Jazz" features the 17-member band playing swinging, big-band selections from their repertoire of over 200 tunes, including "Early Autumn," "Road Song," "Jumpin' At the Woodside," and more. Jakki Ford will sing "Mr. Zoot Suit," "Out of Nowhere," "Autumn Leaves," and other great songs.

Mile High Jazz Band performs monthly throughout the year, and sponsors the annual Jazz and Beyond Festival in Carson City.

Performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Carson City Cultural Commission, the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Travel Nevada, and by memberships and donations. For information about the band performances and activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Attached photo: Jakki Ford will sing with Mile High Jazz Band at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge on Tuesday, November 14.

Mile High Jazz Band Performs "It's a Wrap"
A Jazz & Poetry Event at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023

Celebrate the holidays with the Mile High Jazz Band, singer Jakki Ford, and six award-winning poets and readers. "It's a Wrap,” an evening of big-band jazz and poetry, will be on Tuesday, December 12, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street, inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free, donations are welcome. Gina's is a smoke-free, climate-controlled venue, and has a well-stocked bar.

"It's a Wrap" features the 17-member band playing swinging songs on the theme of the evening. Poets and readers are Rita Geil, Terri Breeden, Wayne Carlson, Krista Lukas, Nancy McLelland, and Timothy Rhodes. Each poem relates to the theme, is open to several interpretations, and is followed by a related tune. Several tunes feature Jakki Ford.

Performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Carson Cultural Commission, the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, Travel Nevada, and by memberships and donations. For information about the band performances and activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Mile High Jazz Band Presents "Cool January Jazz"
with Vocalist Jakki Ford
Tuesday, January 16, 7:00 p.m.

Mile High Jazz Band will present "Cool January Jazz" on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free, donations welcome.

The 17-member band will play favorite big-band jazz tunes from its extensive repertoire and feature the vocal stylings of Jakki Ford. Pianist and band leader David Bugli said, "This is the band's first performance of the new year. Besides some great instrumental pieces with soloists from within the band, we will feature Jakki Ford on several songs. She is an outstanding vocalist, professional dancer, and actor who has appeared in several films, television shows, commercials, theater, operas, cabaret, and Las Vegas and Reno showroom spectaculars, and has recorded three albums."

The band will play "The Cool One," "Cold Duck Time," "The Heat's On," and more. Jakki Ford will sing "That Old Black Magic," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Pick Yourself Up," and other great songs.

After January 16, Mile High Jazz Band's performances at Gina's will be on the second Tuesday of each month, beginning February 13. For information about the band performances and activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Mile High Jazz Band performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by memberships and donations.

Photo: Jakki Ford will sing with Mile High Jazz Band at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge on January 16.

Mile High Jazz Band Presents "Jazz Sampler for Sweethearts"
with Vocalist Jakki Ford
Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Mile High Jazz Band will present "Jazz Sampler for Sweethearts" on Valentine's Day Eve, Tuesday, February 13, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free; donations are welcome.

The 17-member band will play jazzy versions of favorite love songs for Valentine's Day, and other swinging, big-band selections, including "The Touch of Your Lips," "Besame Mucho," and "Stolen Moments." Jakki Ford, accompanied by the band, will sing "I'll Never Stop Loving You," "Let's Do It," "Sway," and more.

After the February 13 event, Mile High Jazz Band will present the 20th annual Jazz Extravaganza with four youth jazz bands on Tuesday, February 20, at 7:00 p.m., at the Carson City Community Center. The youth jazz bands are from Carson High School, Carson Middle School, and the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra. Proceeds from the concert benefit the youth jazz bands.

For information about Mile high Jazz Band performances and Jazz Extravaganza tickets, see milehighjazz.com or call 775-883-4154.

Mile High Jazz Band performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by memberships and donations.

Big-Band Jazz Times Five!
Mile High Jazz Band presents
the 2024 Jazz Extravaganza
Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024

It's "big-band jazz times five" when the Mile High Jazz Band and four youth jazz bands present the 20th annual Jazz Extravaganza concert, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., in the Bob Boldrick Theater at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William Street, Carson City. The Extravaganza is sponsored by the Mile High Jazz Band Association as a benefit for youth jazz programs.

Performing with Mile High Jazz Band this year are two big bands from Carson High School directed by Nick Jacques, the Carson Middle School Jazz Band directed by Stephanie Van Orman, and the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra directed by Vern Scarbrough. Announcer is Tim Young, Executive Director of the Reno Jazz Orchestra. Pre-concert entertainment will be presented by the Carson High School jazz combo in the lobby, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, and all proceeds go to the student performing groups. Youth age 18 and under are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at MileHighJazz.com or at the door.

This year, the Extravaganza will feature the five big bands, vocalist Jakki Ford, and a pre-concert combo in the lobby. "We enjoy performing with youth jazz bands," said David Bugli, Mile High Jazz Band leader and pianist. "The student ensembles are impressive and deserve community support."

Mile High Jazz Band Association is funded in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. For more information, call Mile High Jazz Band at 775-883-4154 or see MileHighJazz.com.

Photo above: Intergenerational combo directed by David Bugli at the 2023 Jazz Extravaganza concert.

Mile High Jazz Band Performs "Bloomin',"
a Jazz & Poetry Event
at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

The Mile High Jazz Band performs a Jazz & Poetry event, "Bloomin'," at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge in the Carson Nugget on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The band will be joined by Rita Geil and other poet/readers in the event, which combines the spoken word and music by the big band. The music is free, and donations are welcome.

Mile High Jazz Band performances and educational activities are supported in part by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, and by memberships and donations.

For information about the band and activities, see milehighjazz.com or call 775-883-4154.

Mile High Jazz Band presents "Blooming"
Big Band Jazz and Poetry
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Anticipate the coming of Spring with the Mile High Jazz Band, singer Jakki Ford, and six award-winning poets and readers. "Blooming," an evening of big-band jazz and poetry, will be on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Gina's Good Life Music & Lounge, 507 N. Carson Street, inside the Carson Nugget. The music is free, donations are welcome. Gina's is a smoke-free, climate-controlled venue, and has a well-stocked bar.

"Blooming" features the 17-member band playing swinging songs on the theme of the evening. Poets and readers are Rita Geil, Wayne Carlson, Krista Lukas, Susan Sara Priest, Timothy Rhodes, and the Reno Poet Laureate, Jesse James Ziegler. Each poem expresses an aspect the theme and is followed by a tune that relates to the poem. Several tunes feature Jakki Ford.

Pianist and bandleader David Bugli said, "We'd like to tell you the tunes we will be playing, but that would spoil the fun for the audience to make connections between the poems and the tunes that follow them. You need to be there to experience it."

Mile High Jazz Band performances and educational activities are supported in part by private donations and memberships, and by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts. For information about the band and its activities, see milehighjazz.com.

Photo: "Jazz & Poetry" on March 12 will feature Reno Poet Laureate Jesse James Ziegler and five other poets and readers.