The Jazz Future of America

On a cold Friday night in late January, Cotuit Center for the Arts was full of energy as the “CJOY  Band” put on an incredible show.

CJOY stands for Conservatory Jazz Orchestra for Youth and are a group of established musicians and have a vigorous rehearsal schedule and an impressive community performance resume.

David Kuehn, Executive Director for the Cotuit Center for the Arts, greeted the crowd and spoke about how he wanted the Center to be a place for the community to gather and enjoy all aspects of the Arts.

Kuehn proudly introduced Stephanie Weaver, who is in just her fourth week on Cape Cod, as the new director of the Cape Cod Conservatory of Music and Arts. Weaver, after a quick personal introduction and thanks for a warm Cape Cod welcome, introduced the entertainers for the evening.

Performing for a crowd of nearly 100, the eight young musicians played with the maturity of most professional ensembles and wooed the crowd with more than an hour of foot-stomping, head moving jazz.

The group performed a nice variety of styles, playing Big Band, reggae, smooth jazz and everything in between, even with a little Joni Mitchell even thrown in. Weaving in and out of styles, the musicians did a great job of incorporating solos, highlighting the exquisite talent of each individual.

The crowd lit up with enthusiasm and applause with each solo and the setlist seemed to flow like one fluid piece. With their glowing stage presence and wildly impressive talent, it is clear these young musicians have a bright future.

Download the movie