November 2024 Jazz Jams: A Night of Improvisation, Community Music

LOGAN, Utah — Jazz Jams is returning to the Taggart Student Center Hub Stage for its November session. The event will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 for members of the community looking to appreciate or join in on some live music, as well as anyone who needs to get some studying done before finals.

The jams start with a performance by the Caine Jazz Combo, continue with a session between the combo and the month’s guest artist, and then end with an open stage for anyone to play on.

James Farmer, a senior in the music program with a focus on jazz piano, has been a part of the Caine Jazz Combos since 2019.

“It’s a really fun group to be in. We play a lot together between the jam sessions and the combo concert,” Farmer said. “It’s just a really fun opportunity to play with some other talented jazz musicians, learn tunes together, and get a lot of experience.”

This month’s guest artist is Jon Armstrong, a saxophonist and professor at Idaho State University.

“The guest artist brings another level of experience,” Farmer said. “To come in and learn from them — not in a formal lesson setting, but in a way of seeing how they do what they do and trying to pick up on some of the things they’re hinting at while you’re playing with them­ —­ is really fun. I learn a lot that way.”

Farmer said the event is always exciting and unique because anything can happen.

“You could have any combination of instruments on the bandstand playing a tune. A lot of these people have never played together before, but we know the same tune, and so it’s almost like a conversation,” Farmer said. “It’s just really fun and exciting to see how we react to the way that each other plays.”

According to Farmer, the Jazz Jams is a perfect opportunity for students to practice their jazz skills or even just get some of their work done.

“Lots of people come by and do their homework while they listen to some jazz music,” Farmer said. “A lot of people like studying to jazz music, so why not do it live?”

Jazz Jams is free to attend and open to the public. For more information, visit the online calendar.