On Saturday, February 10, the Sycamore Music Boosters is excited to welcome the Karl Montzka Trio, Jazz In Progress, Sycamore High School (SHS) Jazz Ensemble, SHS Jazz Choir, and SHS String Ensemble as they host their 10th annual night of jazz and classical music entitled “A Note to Remember”. This fundraiser will be held at Blumen Gardens in Sycamore from 7:00pm – 11:00pm. Additionally, two talented musicians will be introduced and honored as our 2018 SHS Music Hall of Fame inductees. An elegant, sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres buffet and coffee bar will be included along with a raffle and silent auction of hundreds of gifts and prizes generously donated by local businesses.
Sycamore High School alumni and Chicagoland freelance pianist/keyboardist Karl Montzka has performed with his own group at the 1998 and 2008 Chicago Jazz Festival, 1998 Iowa City Jazz Festival, as well as many venues across the country. In November of 2009, Karl had the honor of playing a USO tour of Afghanistan with Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, and worked with them most recently in Hawaii for the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Montzka has also played for numerous Broadway in Chicago productions, including Lion King, Wicked, Billy Elliot, The Book of Mormon, and national tours of Motown and The Last Ship. He currently works as a substitute conductor and keyboardist for the hit show, Hamilton. Karl looks forward to returning once again to his Sycamore roots to perform with his trio at this event. His brother, Eric Montzka, will be joining the trio on drums along with bassist Larry Kohut.
Jazz In Progress formed from the interest of several local musicians wanting to establish a musical group. Rehearsals began in March 2012, under the direction of Dave Lehman with approximately 20 musicians. Jazz In Progress made their public debut on June 30, 2012, as a part of the Celebration Chorale “Salute to the USO” concert. One year later they were happy to be a part of “Freedom”, with the same group. Jazz In Progress has been privileged to play at several local events and venues including the NIU College of Education Jazz Bistro, the Gavin Wilson Family Variety Show, the grand opening of DeKalb Sycamore Chevy, Heritage Woods, Bethany Healthcare, St. Mary’s Lancer Legacy Ball, Downtown Sycamore’s Tuesdays on the Town, The House Café, and annual shows at the Hopkins Park Dee Palmer Bandshell. This is their third time performing at A Note to Remember and are very excited to be returning for another fun performance!
The 2018 Sycamore High School Music Hall of Fame inductees will also be introduced at this event. Two Sycamore community members have been chosen and inductees will be announced soon. A separate induction ceremony including the unveiling of the updated 2018 trophy case is scheduled for February 10 in the Sycamore High School Auditorium at 2:30pm; the public is invited to attend and admission is free to this ceremony.
Sponsors for A Note to Remember currently include Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists, InVironments Magazine, Shaw Media – the Daily Chronicle and The Midweek, Jamrah Middle Eastern Cuisine, Austin’s Violin Shop, The Music Connection, LePrint Express & New Values Magazine, Illini Security Systems, and the Hillside Restaurant. Sponsorship opportunities are still available; please see our web site Note to Remember tab to download the sponsor form (click here>>).
A limited number of tickets are available for this adult-only event at $30.00 per person which includes musical entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, coffee bar, silent auction and raffle. A cash bar will also be available. Seating opens at 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now at the Sycamore High School main office, Northern Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists 3266 Sycamore Road office in DeKalb, Kar Fre Flowers, Shawn’s Coffee Shop, via E-mail at Note2Remember@gmail.com or by calling 815.751.8388.