BEMIDJI — For former Bemidji State University professor Steve Konecne, jazz represents the most American form of music, rooted in freedom of expression. The genre evolved from ragtime and blues music in New Orleans, with syncopated rhythms, ensemble playing and improvisation.
BSU JazzFest has continued the tradition of American expression for over 40 years. Konecne said on KAXE’s Area Voices that JazzFest presents an opportunity for everyone. The event brings together big-name artists and educators who work with high school bands and teach one-hour clinics. They also perform with BSU students and faculty, with the added benefit of entertaining Bemidji community members.
Konecne was one of the founders of BSU JazzFest and participated for 32 years. This year, he is returning to fill in for the BSU Blue Ice Jazz Band director, who is recovering from surgery.
“They've called me back out of retirement,” Konecne said.
Ben Bartholomew, a senior and lead tenor saxophone in the group, is drawn to jazz for the teamwork it requires.
“You do have to work as a team as a classical musician as well, but I think more so in a jazz band," Batholomew said.
"You're doing so much more, listening and improvising, and you're trying to match all these different styles and ultimately it comes together to create this big musical sound that's just so unique.”
Special guest
This year’s BSU JazzFest features trombonist Ben Patterson as guest soloist. Patterson is a former lead and solo trombonist of the U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note. Currently, he plays with his own group, the Ben Patterson Jazz Orchestra.
He will perform on both nights of BSU JazzFest: Friday, Feb. 7, with a BSU faculty jazz combo, and Saturday, Feb. 8 with the BSU Jazz Band. Both events begin at 7:30 p.m.
In addition to performing concerts, Patterson will also host one-hour clinics with 12 different high school jazz bands. Musicians will perform and receive feedback from Patterson to hone and refine their skills. The clinics are also open to the public free of charge.
Both concerts will feature original compositions by Patterson. The BSU Faculty Combo on Friday night will be a quintet. Konecne, who will play saxophone, said they will only get a quick one-hour rehearsal with Patterson on Friday morning.
“I've definitely been practicing for it... That's the great thing about jazz is that it's improvisational," Konecne said.
"Everything doesn't have to be to the note on the page or anything like that. It's your own creative process that works around the framework of the composition.”
On Saturday night there will be an hour-long set with the BSU Jazz Band. Planning for the set began back in August and September.
The guest — Patterson — selects the compositions, practice begins after Jingle Pops concert in December and then it is time to practice with the guest artists a few days before JazzFest.
While jazz is known to be improvisational, Bartholomew said the more people you add to the ensemble, the more tracks you have to keep in sync.
“As lead players... kind of stylistically shows us where we want to take a line or a phrase but of course we always have open improv sections where we can express our ideas freely and have the band support,” he said.
As for what Konecne hopes people take away from the performances at BSU JazzFest, he said, “Hopefully an appreciation for jazz and appreciation for the BSU groups that are playing.”
He also sees it as an opportunity to showcase the BSU campus to potential future students.
Tickets for BSU JazzFest are available on the Hometown Fan app or at the door at the Bangsberg Recital Hall.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
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