For a decade now, the jazz program at Benjamin Logan Local School District has been giving back to their community through a unique evening of food and music they call, “Improvising a Cure.”
The 2023 event took place Thursday, April 21, and, as of Friday afternoon, had raised $2,600. All of the proceeds will go directly to the Logan County Cancer Society.
“The instrumental music department is honored to contribute to the fight against cancer,” Myles Bowers, high school band director for the district, said. “And the support from the Benjamin Logan community and beyond is much appreciated.”
Improvising a Cure was born in 2013 out of a desire to give back through jazz, and middle and high school jazz bands have performed for the event every year since, except 2020.
Thursday’s program included big band chart-topping hits from classic musicians like the Count Basie Orchestra and Duke Ellington.
One highlight came when alumni jazz band members Josh Cox, Colin Headings and Tyler Cox joined in commemorating the fundraiser’s 10th year. And they definitely kept with the theme of the night.
“Jazz is a celebration of freedom and creativity, and it was a joy to see so many students improvise jazz solos,” Bowers said. “From our middle school students to our high school students to former students, their contributions to the jazz idiom cannot be understated.”
The evening started with a barbecue meal, accompanied by music from the BLHS jazz combo. Attendees then moved to the auditorium at 7 p.m. and enjoyed a concert featuring the high school and middle school jazz ensembles and combos.
Besides donations, the event raised money through a silent auction for student artwork, a bake sale and a 50/50 drawing. To find out how you can donate to the cause, visit their website at benjaminlogan.org.