Jazz on the Square facts for kids
Jazz on the Square (JOTS) is a group that loves jazz music! They are a non-profit organization, which means they use their money to help people, not to make a profit. JOTS puts on cool jazz shows and teaches people about jazz. They started in 2007 and are based in Woodstock, Illinois. (That's not the same Woodstock as the famous music festival in New York!)
JOTS wants to share jazz with everyone in McHenry County, Illinois. They offer special classes and workshops to help people learn about jazz. They also help jazz musicians perform. You'll hear all sorts of jazz music at JOTS events! This includes classic jazz standards, fast bebop, lively latin jazz, chill cool jazz, powerful hard bop, and dancing swing. Sometimes, they even play more experimental styles like funk, fusion, and blues versions of jazz songs.
Jazz Jam Sessions
JOTS helps musicians play live jazz in McHenry County. From 2007 to 2008, they held weekly jazz jams at Pirro's Restaurante in Woodstock. The John Weber Trio was the main band.
In 2008, JOTS started hosting monthly jazz jams at Stage Left Cafe in Woodstock. Billy Denk, Daniel Villarreal-Carrillo, and David Reilly were the main band members. Since 2009, these jazz jams happen on the first and third Friday of each month. Billy Denk is usually the host, and other local musicians often join in.
These jazz jams are not just for performing. They are also a great way for musicians of all skill levels to learn about jazz. Young student musicians are encouraged to play early in the evening. As the night goes on, experienced professional musicians join in.
JOTS also offers special workshops during their yearly festival. One cool workshop is called "The Latin Side of JOTS." Here, you can explore Latin jazz music. Musicians play, show, and talk about different styles from Brazil, Cuba, and other Latin jazz traditions.
Annual Events
JOTS holds a special fundraiser every June at Stage Left Cafe. This event helps support the Woodstock Jazz Festival and its educational programs.
They also host a fun holiday show every December. In the past, groups like the Typhanie Monique Quartet and the Glazz Ensemble have performed.
How JOTS Started
A group of jazz fans started JOTS in 2007. These founders included Robert Honesty, Judith Honesty, Randy Robinson, Jim Hecht, Erin Denk, and Billy Denk. In 2009, they officially became a non-profit organization. This helped them better achieve their goal of offering educational opportunities to the community. Many people have served on the JOTS board, including Erin Denk, Billy Denk, Robert Honesty, Nicole Honesty, Dr. Thomas Takayama, Bryan Kyrouac, and John Nelson.
