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Get out those dancing shoes—but make sure they aren't high heels. The Saratoga High School Music Boosters program is presenting a jazz cabaret and swing dance night on Feb. 26 from 8 to 11 p.m. The event will take place in the large gymnasium at the school, 20300 Herriman Ave., but high heels won't be allowed on the buffed, wooden gym floor.
Saratoga Music Boosters, a nonprofit organization, is composed of volunteers who advocate and raise funds for the Saratoga Union School District and Saratoga High School music programs. The event line-up for the night includes Saratoga High's award-winning two jazz bands, the Redwood Middle School jazz band and Saratoga High's Chamber Singers and Cantare Chorale groups. There will also be a special guest performance from the Los GatosSaratoga Big Band, directed by Mark Schwarz. The semi-professional, community guest band is sponsored by the Los GatosSaratoga Community Education and Recreation Department. The band specializes in classic jazz, swing, dance, vocals and ballads from masters like Glen Miller, Artie Shaw, Les Brown and Benny Goodman, according to co-founder Jerry Nehemiah.
The evening promises to capture the mood of the 1950s and '60s in a swing-sational evening filled with pizzazz and fine jazz, according to parent organizer Amita Shenoi. She said the night is an ideal setting for people who want to support the high school and its musicians. But it's not a sit-down type concert, so attendees can come as go as they please.
"It's great entertainment value, and it's not a situation where you have to fold your hands and be quiet," she said.
The Redwood Middle School jazz band is directed by Naoki Taniguchi also known as "Mr. T," while Saratoga High's director of instrumental music is conductor Michael Boitz. Saratoga High's vocal groups are directed by Jim Yowell. Shenoi added the gym will be decorated cabaret-style, transformed into a night club or ballroom-like setting with everything from balloons to lights. There will be a dance floor in the center, surrounded by tables. Gourmet desserts and a coffee bar will be provided by parents.
"It's a very popular event for the students as well as families and adults," Boitz said. "It's one of the few events we have that is fun and entertaining for parents and kids alike."
Boitz added they are expecting between 400 to 600 people to attend. Boitz said Linda Allen, a past music boosters president, had the vision to make the annual event bigger and better, and it continues to grow in popularity each year. Boitz said the jazz cabaret night was first held in the school's small theater, but has moved to the gym to accommodate the crowd.
"I danced with my husband last year all night," Saratoga parent Winnie Chen said.
Some of the musical genres to be highlighted include classic big band, dance-style swing, funk, blues and jazz by legendary artists like Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Miles Davis. There's no suggested attire for the evening, Boitz said, but people tend to dress up in not quite semi-formal wear.
Tickets are $20 for adults, or four for $75 in advance, or $25 at the door. Students and staff can purchase tickets at $10 each. For ticket information, call Winnie Chen at 408.741.8683 or email chenwinwin@aol.com.
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