"Encore presentation" planned for jazz lovers

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Jazz Festival was such a rousing success that organizers are busy putting together a Valley version.

"We're calling it an encore presentation," said Hank Hartman of Matanuska Music, who is helping organize the effort.

The concert is scheduled for May 15 at Palmer High School, starting at 7 p.m.

"Hank was so jazzed about Fairbanks that he wanted to get things started here," said Stan Harris of Palmer High School's music department.

Middle school and high school bands, along with Just Playin' Jazz, a community jazz band, will take the stage.

"The kids went up there and came back ready to play. This gives them a chance to really express themselves. We're hoping to get every school that participated in Fairbanks and maybe a couple of other schools that didn't go," Hartman said. "We want to show the Valley just what these kids can do."

There will be two stages at the event, meaning the jazz will be nonstop.

"Stan [Harris] is trying to set up two stages, and while one band is playing the other one will be setting up," Hartman explained. "Each group will get 20 or so minutes and we'll be playing jazz all night."

There will be open seating, and tickets aren't required.

"We're hoping we have to turn people away at the door," Hartman said with a laugh. "There's plenty of seating."

Hartman said he hopes to make the event an annual tradition.

"The UAF festival is a really good one, and we're just trying to build on it," Hartman said.