Sandburg Jazz Fest Features Student Musicians At Gaelic Park

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Carl Sandburg Music Boosters will present the much anticipated fifth annual Jazz Fest Dinner and Dance to be held Feb. 8 at Chicago Gaelic Park, located at 6119 W. 147th Street in Oak Forest. Headliners from Carl Sandburg High School and Jerling Junior High schools will entertain friends, family and community members during the fun-filled evening of live music, food and dance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner and live music starting at 7 p.m.

The dinner dance features live music and dancing, a family-style dinner, dessert table, a wine pull, raffles and the chance to be wowed by the musical talents of local students.

“This event has been an amazing success and so much fun for the past four years and we look forward to doing it again this year,” said Don Vacha, president of Carl Sandburg Music Boosters. "We are looking forward to showcasing our extremely talented students and their love for the jazz genre."

In addition to jazz ensembles, guests can expect to be entertained by the Carl Sandburg High School orchestra and choral ensembles at the event. Alumni are invited to join in on the fun and play with the alumni performance band. Those interested in participating in the alumni performance should contact Joan Brown at joan.m.brown@hotmail.com or Sarah Rasmussen at sarahrasmussen15@gmail.com. Prior jazz band experience is not necessary.

The event is organized entirely by local parent volunteers who are members of the Carl Sandburg Music Boosters. Event chair and CSHS Music Booster parent Elise Wehmeier has played a major role in organizing volunteers and planning this year's event with the help many dedicated music parents.

"The event wouldn't be possible without the dedication of the parents and the cooperation of the music department at Sandburg," said Wehmeier. "The Jazz Fest has grown in numbers and participation each year with the highlight being the talented students and their dedication to music."

Those hoping for a chance to go home with something other than a full belly and a further love of jazz are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets at the event. Raffle prizes include sports game tickets, gift cards and much more.

The Carl Sandburg Music Boosters hope the community will take advantage of this great opportunity to support local student musicians while further enriching their musical experience.

A donation of $45 per person or $390 for a table of 10 guarantees entry to one of the local music community’s most anticipated events. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, are limited and are going fast. Tickets are available online at Sandburg Music www.sandburgmusic.org or directly from the CSHS Music Booster store.