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Jazz on the Square
is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in Woodstock, Illinois.
JOTS promotes live jazz in McHenry County and provides jazz education opportunities to the community. The organization works to ensure that jazz music remains vital in the region. JOTS provides a portion of its proceeds to local charitable organizations such as Home of the Sparrow, Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, McHenry County Community Foundation, McHenry County Habitat for Humanity and Woodstock Morning Rotary.
History
A need for live jazz in McHenry County prompted the formation of Jazz on the Square in 2007. The organization was founded by Robert Honesty, Judith Honesty, Randy Robinson, Jim Hecht, Erin Denk and Billy Denk. The initial offering to the community was the promotion of Thursday night Jazz on the Square jam sessions at Pirro's Restaurante in Woodstock.
* Thursday night jam sessions, 7-11 pm at Pirro's Restaurante, 228 Main, Woodstock
The jam sessions allow new and experienced players alike to test their skills in front of an audience. The sessions provide an opportunity for musicians to express their improvisational skills and imagination. In addition, the sessions allow musicians new to McHenry County to network and show what they have to offer the local jazz community.
Styles
The styles of music are as varied as the performers who participate at Jazz on the Square events. Most songs performed at jam sessions are interpretations of straight ahead jazz standards. Bebop, Latin Jazz, Cool Jazz, Hard Bop and Swing are the predominant styles. The sessions sometimes take on a more experimental feel featuring funk, fusion and blues interpretations of jazz standards.
Musicians
Several local jazz performers have participated in Jazz on the Square shows including:
- John Weber (drums)
- Dave Childress (piano)
- Judith Honesty (vocals)
- Jim Hecht (saxophone)
- Jeremy Montoto (bass)
- Phil Ciancio (saxophone)
- Heather Moran (vocals)
- Gabe Hammer (drums)
- Billy Denk (guitar)
The Thursday night jam sessions have also attracted notable musicians from Chicago. In addition to seasoned jazz veterans, musicians as young as 18 regularly perform at JOTS events.
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