Above: Everyone was in the mood for jazz, swing, and boogie-woogie at a concert held at the Olympia Country and Golf Club Friday night. The Jazz Senators were joined by a group called Somewhere in Time, above, who performed a tribute to The Andrew Sisters. The concert was open to the public.
By Janine Gates
Little Hollywood
With Mount Rainier and Budd Inlet as a stunning backdrop, the 17 member Jazz Senators gave a lively, open air, big band concert at the Olympia Country and Golf Club on Friday night. The concert was open to the public.
They were joined by a group called Somewhere in Time, who performed an energetic tribute to The Andrew Sisters. The three women, Melanie Bee, Alita DeLaCruz, and Gretchen Blair, made several costume changes throughout the show.
Bee and DeLaCruz have performed in several USO tours together, and Blair is a retired Army and Navy veteran who has performed for President George W. Bush.
Above: The Jazz Senators, led by band director Tracey D. Hooker, performed at the Olympia Country and Golf Club on Friday night.
“I’m completely delighted! This is my first time here - what great energy! What a beautiful night! I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks,” said band director Tracey D. Hooker during a break.
The Jazz Senators formed in 2005 as a backup for dentists performing at a benefit for the Olympia Union Gospel Mission. The group is comprised of active and retired military members, middle and high school band directors, and musical instructors.
Since that time, the group has performed at Rhythm & Rye in downtown Olympia, Panorama in Lacey, Music in the Park, and the Capitol Theater.
Above: Musician Gary Scott, lead alto saxophone player with the Jazz Senators.