KPLU Christmas Jam

December 13th

It was not a good day to drive 75 miles (about 115 km) each way for a jazz concert and lunch. The whole distance was in pouring rain, through the urban corridor from home (near the north end of Seattle) past Tacoma to Pacific Lutheran University located in Parkland, about 10 miles south of Tacoma. You know the traffic will be bad when the on-ramps are metered (with traffic lights to limit the rate at which cars enter the freeway) and it's 10:25AM! Despite several bursts of stop and go traffic, I actually arrived at PLU on time, including the minor detour by not quite following the map provided.

However, I found the Mary Baker Russel Music Center, arriving with several others. Finding Lagerquist Concert Hall was not difficult, fortunately. Anyway, I did arrive in time to hear MC Nick Morrison, KPLU Music Director, giving the audience instructions on the mechanics of connecting a live performance with the news broadcast beforehand.

Finally, a note about the images. These were all taken with a hand held camera, and the close ups, especially, had a fairly long exposure, resulting in less than sharp images. It's not your eyes! This also explains the blurring associated with some of the people in scenes, as they were moving too!

PLU Jazz Ensemble

Pacific Lutheran University Jazz Ensemble at KPLU Christmas Jam

While the news was being broadcast, the PLU Jazz Ensemble rests on stage. PLU Jazz Professor David Joyner directs the Ensemble, and is standing, back to camera, behind the piano.

Nick Morrison (KPLU, host) doing the intro for radio

Nick Morrison doing the introduction for the radio audience, as the Ensemble is ready to go.

PLU's Jazz Ensemble in full swing

Blast Off.

PLU's Jazz Ensemble - trumpets in full swing

Trumpeters in full swing.

Greta Metassa

Greta Metassa - featured vocalist

The concert featured Seattle based vocalist Greta Metassa, who was just great.

Greta Metassa - featured vocalist in front of pipe organ

Vocalist and organ. I really enjoy organ music, but heard none today.

Greta Metassa - featured vocalist with her children as Nick adjusts microphone

Special Guest Artists: Greta Metassa's two children, nick named The Gretettes! Nick is adjusting his microphone down to their level, while a proud mum explains the song they are to sing.

Greta Metassa and Children Trio

In full swing - with trio arrangement of musicians, including David Joyner at the piano.

The End

Lagerquist Concert Hall, Mary Baker Russel Music Center at PLU, site of concert

The audience leaving at the end of a very enjoyable, and too short, concert.