Members of the Classic Arts Jazz Vocal Ensemble entertained guests with a variety of music along with featured solos. Members of the group are Kirt Cass, Angel Hamilton, Mike Lewis, Steve Meulink, Angela Reichelt, Bekah Rowe and Lori Widman.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Music, dancing, charcuterie food, coffee, beer and wine plus pie were the main focus of an evening of Java, Jive & Pie, to benefit the Classic Arts Programs in Kosciusko County. Everyone was welcomed to “Duke’s Place,” for the evening where everyone laughed with friends and felt the joy of the evening.

A group of nearly 150 gathered at The Roost Banquet Facility at Crazy Egg Cafe * Coffee Bar, Warsaw, Saturday evening, Feb. 25.

Various genre of music was played by The Lake City Jazz group, intermittent with vocal selections by the Classic Arts Jazz Vocal Ensemble, including solos. A few songs combined both groups.

Songs included “Swinging on a Star” Java Jive” “Duke’s Place” “When I Fall in Love,” “Moonlight in Vermont,” “How Sweet it is to be Loved by You.”

Members of the Lake City Jazz include Ben Essick, Rod Noftsger, Danny Dean, Fred Feipel, Ryan Stringer and Jack Kinney.

The Classic Arts Jazz Vocal Ensemble included, Kirt Cass, Angel Hamilton, Mike Lewis, Steve Meulink, Angela Reichelt, Bekah Rowe, Lori Widman, Ardis Faber and Jo Matthews.

Rebecca Elder and Jerry Hudson were among the first to check over the silent auction items.

Ben Essic, CAP vice president, Judie Meulink, youth chorale artistic director, Ardis Faber, community chorale artistic director and Lori Widman, CAP president, addressed the audience throughout the evening during “intermissions” for the performers. Each explained a little about the organization and programs available.

Meulink spoke of the three different youth choirs available. Programs started in the fall and a finale performance at the end of March.

Faber, noted singing is “bigger than all of us. … the value of singing goes beyond music itself.” She likened it to a giant oak that “rises and spreads its branches.”

Upcoming events were also noted, like the Choral Gems & Favorites on March 26. This event will feature the Classic Arts Programs Community Chorale and Youth Chorale, Bremen Children’s Chorus, Warsaw Community High School Select Chorale, Lancer Chorus and Symphony of the Lakes. The music will include gospel, spiritual and more.

Throughout the evening 24 silent auction items were available for guests to place their bids. the items ranged from a garbage disposal, 100 pounds of beef, gift certificates, a necklace, massage, NCCAA tournament passes, flute performance, performances from the Jazz Ensemble and many more.

This was the second year for the Java, Jive & Pie event. According to Widman, last year’s event was attended by 75 people, so they knew a larger venue was needed for this year. In addition to the larger venue, the silent auction, beer and wine cash bar was added.

The Classic Arts Programs is a collaboration of musicians and singers from various backgrounds who organize culturally-rich music experiences for people of all walks of life in Kosciusko County. The organization was established in 1984. It’s mission statement is to enjance cultural and spiritual life in the Kosciusko County area through the quality performance of diverse choral works, enabling singers of all ages to grow musically and personally through the rehearsal process and other activities.

To learn more about Classic Arts Programs visit classicartsprograms.com.