Transformed into a swing dance floor complete with lights hanging from the ceiling and a grand disco ball, the gym went back in time to the 1920s. With dainty desserts and jazz music from the Saratoga choirs and jazz bands, Jazz Cabaret turned out to be a huge success.
Event chair Sophia Yang said 450 people attended the event on Feb. 9, including about 150 student performers. One of the major fundraising events for the Saratoga Music Boosters, Jazz Cabaret produced a revenue of $11,640, including donations and ticket sales.
“It was a successful event,” Yang said. “You can tell by seeing students and families smiling throughout the night.”
Yang added that the Sons of Jubal Big Band, a professional jazz band made up of 15 students, adults and teachers of all ages, was a huge hit.
“SOJ got nearly everyone on the dance floor,” Yang said. “We were all soaking in the broader music community. It was surely a fun time for being together and celebrating in the name of our students and their talent.”
Sophomore Matthew Nobles, who has been attending Jazz Cabaret since he was in seventh grade, agreed that the Sons of Jubal made this year’s event an especially fun experience.
“They were really professional,” Nobles said. “I like how they [were a] regular jazz band, and then they also added in a vocalist along with that. That was really cool.”
In preparation for the event, more than 100 volunteers set up the decorations for 11 hours on Friday evening and Saturday morning. Yang said it took an additional five and a half hours to tear down the decorations after the event.
Although this year’s Jazz Cabaret coincided with Chinese New Year’s Eve, Yang said the turnout was still impressive.
“I did expect this issue will be reflected on our ticket sales, but we had less expense too. Therefore, I think our proceeds still [met] the target,” Yang said.
Not only was the event successful as a fundraiser, but Nobles said it has become more enjoyable over the years.
“I think it’s become more fun for me, because I’ve become a better dance over the past few years,” Nobles said. “So it’s been easier for me to dance around and have more fun, so I think it’s improved.”