Last Weekend, the Hays community was treated to live music performances by the Fort Hays State University Jazz Band and Cody Canada and the Departed at local bars.
On Thursday, Sept. 25, the FHSU Jazz Band treated dinners at Gella’s Dinner and Lb. Brewing Co. as a part of New Beer’s Eve festivities.
The FHSU Jazz Band consists of a five member ensemble.
Members of the Jazz band
- Corey Huggins, Arlington senior, on guitar
- Michael Walker, Parsons senior, on drums
- Matt Rome, Hays senior, on saxophone
- Cameron Shoemaker, Lawrence senior, on bass
- Justin Blundel, Dodge City senior, on trumpet.
“When I picked up my first clarinet in sixth grade, I realized that this is something I could do for the rest of my life,” Rome said. “I later taught myself to play saxophone and pursued that so I could play jazz. I’ve made a lot of connections through jazz and met a lot of people because of it. It’s an art form like no other.”
The FHSU Jazz Band stated that they represent Kansas Next Step, an organization that sponsors and provides local gigs for the band. The love and passion for music is what motivates the band members to keep playing.
“The real reason I got into music was because it’s the only place where I have friends,” Huggins said. “It’s actually pretty rewarding and pretty challenging. I encourage anyone to get into music. It’s one of the greatest things you can do for your life.”
on Friday, Sept. 26, Cody Canada and The Departed performed at Singers located at 114 East 12th Street.
New Braunfels, Texas, natives, Cody Canada and The Departed founded by Canada and band mate Jeremy Plato launched in 2011 with its album “This Is Indian Land” after Cross Canadian Ragweed broke up in 2010.
Members of Cody Canada and the Departed
- Cody Canada, front man and lead vocalist
- Jeremy Plato, bass player
- Chris Doege, drummer
- Steve Littleton, keyboardist
According to “The Departed” website, Canada, Plato, Doege and Littleton are reopening the doors to sonic garage sounds and stories thought to be gone for good.