By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
The dogwoods bloomed twice this year.
Last month the Union High School Jazz Band made so much beautiful noise at the Beckwith Theatre as warm-up act for the play that the audience clamored for the purple bunch's return.
The Jazz Band opened Saturday night's encore performance before a capacity crowd with "Hepcat Jive," featuring Casey True-Little on alto saxophone, and a selection from the movie "Chicago" featuring Jessica Bailey-Blank on trumpet.
Heating things back up was "Romancing the Chili Pepper," which seasoned the musicianship with some dance moves.
The New Orleans-style "Basin Street Blues" spotlighted Candis Schonekas on trombone, Rose Middleton on trumpet and Drum Major Kelly Garland, one of the few seniors in this young ensemble, adding clarinet to her usual tenor saxophone.
The band kept scorching along with the upbeat "Brass Machine," and threw in the odd with the theme from MTV's "The Osbourne's" woven with Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train." Jake Bjork took a star turn on guitar.
After an hour set the crowd was on its feet, yelling "Encore!"
The Band Boosters recorded the performance for possible distribution.
Trumpets also include Kathryn Smith, Celeste Stoker, Jacob Crowl, Richard Reese and Justin Dodd. The trombones also include Jordan Eby and Rachel Reeves. Saxophones include Laura Kroboth, Kelsey Parmley and Michele Stelmasiak.
Anchoring the rhythm section with Comfort are drummer Jon Comstock and pianist Keera Morton.