Generations of Musicians Swing the Night Away at Kurn Hattin’s 6th Annual Jazz Invitational

WESTMINSTER, VT | Jazz performers of all ages convened at Kurn Hattin Homes for Children on Wednesday, April 10th for a demonstration of both rehearsed and improvisational musical virtuosity. The annual event, held at Kurn Hattin’s campus in Westminster, featured performances by select youth jazz ensembles from around the area. Among this year’s special guests was world-renowned trombonist and Kurn Hattin alumnus, Dick Nash. The 85-year-old Nash was visiting his alma mater in order to take part in the concert and mentor students in the Kurn Hattin music program. Also on hand was the Keene Jazz Orchestra, led by accomplished tenor saxophonist, Scott Mullett. Master of Ceremonies was Eugene Uman, Artistic Director of the Vermont Jazz Center. Admission to the concert was free with canned goods collected by the Kurn Hattin Student Council for donation to the food shelf at Our Place in Bellows Falls.

Participating youth groups included jazz ensembles from Bellows Falls Union High School, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children, Northfield Mount Hermon, Vermont Academy, and the Vermont Jazz Center.

Kurn Hattin Music Director, Lisa Bianconi, was thankful for the enthusiasm of the participants. “This concert has inspired and changed the lives of many people – myself included. I cannot express my gratitude for the hard work of the students and everyone who participated. I am confident that everyone in attendance will be bringing a bus load of people to this event next year!”

Guest of honor Dick Nash beamed, “To meet and perform with these students has touched me. Kurn Hattin has changed my life again.”

A place of hope since 1894, Kurn Hattin Homes for Children provides a safe home and quality education for boys and girls, ages 6-15, whose families are experiencing a time of personal or financial need. Kurn Hattin Homes transforms the lives of children and their families forever. For more information, visit www.kurnhattin.org.