Jazzmine named most inspirational — Erica Ewell wins outstanding soloist award

ARLINGTON — Arlington High School's Jazzmine attended the Pacific Vocal Jazz Festival at Bellevue Community College Jan. 30 and the jazz choir won a trophy for the most inspirational group of the day.

The competition involved vocal jazz choirs from around the Northwest, said a parent, Robin Kmet.

Erica Ewell won the outstanding soloist award.

"She was unbelievable on stage, as always," Kmet said.

Ewell's claim to fame in the Arlington community is her appearance as Captain Hook in last fall's production of "Peter Pan."

Now the jazz choir is preparing for its annual dinner show, which is no longer a dinner show, since it is now presented on stage in the Byrnes Performing Arts Center.

"Jazzmine is working very hard on some very challenging and complex music for their upcoming dramatic musical stage show," Kmet said.

This year's show, "Blast to the Past" will take the audience back in time to the music of the Roaring '20s and work up through the decades including the Big Band Era, the Bee Bop of the '50s, some '60s folk and classic rock and disco of the '70s and '80s and finally a contemporary touch of the '90s to the present day.

The show will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, 28, and Mar. 6 and 7 with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. March 8.

There will be complimentary coffee and jazz music 45 minutes prior to each show featuring musicians from the Arlington community such as the Rondeau Jazz Trio with several Arlington School District staff members as well as a special appearance by Becky Foster singing with Herb Hamilton, a former White House pianist, on Friday, March 6.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children and Golden Eagle members, available on-line at www.byrnesperformingarts.org.

For those without internet, go to Flowers by George and Copy Mail & More in Arlington and they will help you get your tickets. The online fees are included in this price. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door.

There will be desserts available for purchase during intermission. Bistro San Martin in Arlington is offering 20 percent off an early dinner before the show with your Jazzmine tickets. Call 360-575-9229 for reservations.

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