Cardinal Voices: NIC’s Jazz Ensemble Jive During JazzNIC Festival Concert

NIC’s music department presented the JazzNIC Festival Concert on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Schuler Performing Arts Center, featuring Cardinal Voices and the NIC Jazz Ensemble.

After the two-day educational clinic for students in Boswell Hall on Feb. 4 and 5, NIC hosted a free Jazz Concert for the general public. Max Mendez directed the Cardinal Voices, a relatively new ensemble of commercial musicians, while Byran Hannaford directed the NIC Jazz Ensemble, accompanied by guest artists Jeff Pellaton and Rhys Gerwin. 

 The Cardinal Voices performed “Keep on the Sunny Side” by A.P. Carter, “In My Room” by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher and “Big Yellow” by Joni Mitchell. All personnel took turns singing the main vocals while also playing their respective instruments.

Later, the NIC Jazz Ensemble came on stage to perform “The Chicken” by Alfred James Ellis (arranged by Kris Berg), “But Thanks for Asking” by Jeff Jarvis, “Anything More?” by Lars Halle, “Squiggly” by Kirs Berge, “Cabeza de Queso (Cheese Head)” by Fred Sturm and “New Rhumba” by Ahmad Jamal (arranged by Erik Morales). 

“I love giving guidance for this amazing ensemble,” said NIC Jazz Ensemble director, Byran Hannaford, after the concert. “What more could I ask for? Jazz is so intense and chill at the same time.” 

Rhys Gerwin, the guest guitar player, appeared alongside the NIC Jazz Ensemble through all the songs performed on Tuesday evening. The guest drums player, Jeff Pellaton, joined in with the band, switching places with normal drummer James Schmehl during a duet-style piece to accompany piano player Tom Tucker.

Pellaton is a long time musician and instructor. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 1978, and went on to receive his Master of Arts in Music the following year in 1979. Pellaton has taught at several universities across the globe throughout his career.

Rhys Gerwin is a local guitarist in the Coeur d’Alene area.

“I enjoy playing almost everywhere,” Gerwin said. “I certainly enjoyed playing on stage tonight.”

Gerwin said while he doesn’t usually get nervous on stage, he tends to become quite critical of himself after a performance when he realizes the things he could’ve done better, but overall he was pleased with his set on Tuesday evening.

Upcoming events in Boswell Hall include a Faculty Exhibition from February 11 through March 27.