Swingin’ Axes, Jazz Jacks to present ‘Swingin’ at the Brewery’ fundraiser

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –The Swingin’ Axes jazz band and The Jazz Jacks student combo at Stephen F. Austin State University will present their spring “Swingin’ at the Brewery” fundraiser from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Fredonia Brewery in downtown Nacogdoches.

The concert continues the jazz bands’ tradition of taking student performances out into the community, according to Dr. J.D. Salas, director of the Swingin’ Axes jazz ensemble.

Salas explains that this semester is a little different, as only the Swingin’ Axes and Jazz Jacks will perform at the brewery event.  The Swingin’ Aces will have their spring concert the following week on campus.

“The opening set will feature some of our standard swing dance era tunes such as ‘Satin Doll,’ ‘Route 66,’ and ‘‘Deed I Do,’” Salas said. “Dancing is welcomed and encouraged! After the Jazz Jacks combo performs, the Axes will finish up with a fun set of rock and funk tunes such as Maynard Ferguson’s ‘Chameleon’ and Chicago’s ‘25 or 6 to 4.’”

Donations and proceeds from this event will go toward supporting the SFA jazz ensembles by  funding guest artists and providing student scholarships. The Fredonia Brewery has created an easy way to donate as patrons are completing their purchases at the register, according to Salas.

The Jazz Jacks includes Jacob Soto of Houston, tenor saxophone; Giovanni Flores of San Juan, alto saxophone; Micah York of Texarkana, piano; Andrew Kingston of Mission, bass; and Isaac May of Lindale, drums.

Eat-A-Bite Food Truck will be on site, and the brewery’s Rebellion Pizza will be open. SFA Jazz T-shirts and other merchandise will be available for purchase.

For more information about supporting the SFA jazz ensembles, contact Salas at salasjd@sfasu.edu. 

The Fredonia Brewery is located at 138 N. Mound St. For additional information, call the SFA School of Music at (936) 468-4602 or the brewery at (936) 305-5125.