KCCK Specials

Emmett Jordan, Mya Stoner, and Cyrus Johnson from the Mt. Vernon Swingin’ Stangs represented their band proudly as Guest Djs. Emmett, Mya, and Cyrus’s playlist: Frank Sinatra, “Something Stupid” Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, “Moanin'” Pat Metheny Group, “Minuano (Six Eight)” Laufey, “From The Start” Count Basie Big Band, “Wind Machine” Dizzy Gillespie, Joe …

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It was Asa Pelzel and Megan Squared (Megans Brewer and Smelser representing the Liberty Jazz Ensemble as KCCK guest Djs.  Megan, Asa, and Megan’s Playlist: Oscar Peterson Trio, “Days of Wine and Roses” Patsy Cline, “Crazy (feat. The Jordanaires)” Michael Bublé, “Everything” Weather Report, “Teen Town” Orquesta Alto Maiz, “Bang Bang” Thelonious Monk, “I Mean …

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Leilua Conrad and Tristan Gray represented the Washington Revolutionists for their guest DJ hour, playing a song from Washington alum Ryan Middagh, among others, and talking about “breaking in” new Kirkwood director Chris Navarette as their guest artist. Leilua & Tristan’s Playlist: Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra, “Indra Kunindra” Marcus Miller, “Interlude: Nocturnal Mist/Revelation” Vince Guaraldi …

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Aurin Feldman and Cooper Daugherty from Williamsburg Jazz Outlet are proud of the season that capped off their senior year. They say that director Mrs. Grant throws some pretty challenging literature at them throughout the year, and that she really helped them step up their solo game.

It was another stellar season for Kennedy Jazz One. The band proved their debut last year at Iowa Jazz Championships (first in school history), was no fluke. They returned and placed in the Top 8. Andrew Campbell, Kieran Glessner, and Jeanette Inancoreke break it down for us. Andrew, Kieran, and Jeanette’s Playlist: John Santos & …

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Kardyn Huynh, Gwen LaGrange, and Brady Evers from the Solon Jazz Orchestra recap their year in jazz band, talk about school activities like playing in a mariachi band formed by their director, Mr. Cervantez, and the near-calamity they experienced on their Corridor Jazz recording day. Brady, Gwen, and Kardyn’s Playlist: Jaco Pastorius, “Soul Intro / …

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Rita Du and Isabelle Duvall represent the Mid-Prairie Jazz Band, fresh from a trip to Jazz Championships. Other highlights include the band’s first-ever win at the SEIBA District competition. AND, we heard about the impressive gymnastics move director David Kunz does at every competition (and we’re very impressed at his agility!) Rita and Isabelle’s Playlist …

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What a year for the Linn-Mar Colton Center Jazz Ensemble! After a slow start to the competition season, the band came storming back to win their District competition, which qualified them for Jazz Championships. Good thing, too, because they won the 4A contest! Seniors Owen Soenen, Kyle Earnest, Joe Schafer, and Henry Granger break it …

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We’ve had a few repeat guest Djs over the years, but this is the first time an entire team has repeated! Sean Kearney, Oliver Miller, and Genna Ray from Iowa City West returned as KCCK guest Djs after a year that saw them have  the chance to work with Justin Stanton from Snarky Puppy and …

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John Hynek, Jonathan Reu, Hailey Asbe and Chase Beightler helped lead Prairie Jazz Band One to another great finish. The band went back-to-back in Jazz Championships for the first time, and finished in the Top 8. They had a lot of fun with their director, Ms. Swehla and guest artist Mike Conrad, but pondered why …

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