Cara Lieurance checks in with Ashley Daneman and Benje Daneman, the owners of the Jazz & Creative Institute at 310 N. Rose Street in Kalamazoo. Two years ago, they saw a need in West Michigan to provide jazz opportunities for young people. They created the Kalamazoo Jazz Youth Orchestra, which soon morphed into multiple ensembles. This weekend, JCI is holding its first-ever auditions for a Vocal Jazz Ensemble and later this month, for a Kalamazoo Adult Jazz Band. Finally, they've continued to expand their roster of teachers who offer private lessons in jazz and improvisation.
Students of the Jazz and Creative Institute are participating in the Kalamazoo Symphony's Family Discovery concert on Oct 20, and will be featured in a free concert at The Union Cabaret & Grill from 7-10 pm on Thursday, Oct 24.
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