On April 30, Mission Bay High School will be the site of the sixth annual Jazz on the Green, the annual fundraiser for the schools music program. Open to the public, the outdoor music festival will include food from Tacos El Unico, salsa dancing, and activities for children. Families are encouraged to bring their own seating or blankets.
Mission Bay High School has a 30-year tradition of preserving jazz, in a program founded in 1974 by trumpeter Rey Vinole. Current music director Jean-Paul Balmat is the second MBHS alumni to bring this program to a professional level.
This Latin jazz inspired event will feature the school’s Preservationists and new Mambo Orchestra alongside guest artist, Grammy Award-winning percussionist Javier Cabanillas, who will be performing with both student jazz ensembles as well as his own group, The Cabanijazz Project.
The Mambo Orchestra has students ranging from 16 to 18-years-old performing Latin jazz, salsa and mambo music influenced by traditional Cuban dance music.
“With 63 percent of the school’s population being Hispanic, this is a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about their heritage,” said Balmat. Jazz on the Green: Saturday, April 30 at Mission Bay High School, 2475 Grand Ave. 1:30 p.m. All Ages. $10. www.missionbaymusic.com.