I had the pleasure of performing with two groups at Highland Park High School’s wonderful yearly series of arts based workshops, demonstrations, lectures and performances by professionals in the artistic and creative disciplines.  This is a three day event where students have an opportunity to delve into the art scene, learn about how it works and sample its offerings.  Over 200 artists participate in this program and there really is something for everyone.

As sometimes happens in the freelance music business, you get a couple of engagements back to back in the same venue.  Thursday found me playing a performance of Elbio Barilari’s  unique piece, “Lincolniana” at noon, and performing Latin Jazz with the nine piece band, Chevere, at 1:30PM, both in the auditorium.  I only had to move my equipment 10 feet or so to accommodate both groups, so logistically, I was a “happy camper”. 

Both performances went well, and the students seemed to enjoy the music.  Chevere closed the Focus series with two sets of high power samba, salsa, blues and funk and kudos have to be given to the sound people for dealing with this percussion heavy nine piece band on the fly, no sound check, and minimal problems during the set.

This was my first “Focus” experience and I was impressed!