Jazz Cabaret predicted to be a success

One of the school’s most beloved activities, the annual Jazz Cabaret, will take place a month earlier than usual this year, and organizers say it will be as big and successful as ever.

“This is a major fundraiser for the music programs on campus,” said parent Mary Eschen, who is in charge of ticketing. “Although only the jazz bands and choirs perform, all the [music] programs benefit from the funds that are raised.”

Jazz Cabaret will take place at 7 p.m. tomorrow and tickets are $10 in the Activities Office and $15 at the entrance for students. Adult prices are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and anyone can pre-order tickets on the Saratoga Music Boosters (SMB) website.

Although the event takes place tomorrow, preparations for this annual event started over three months ago. Volunteers were chosen a year in advance and more than 100 volunteer jobs were available for parents to sign up for.

The event budgeted $4,700 with most of the money spent on sound, lighting, table and chair rental, food and refreshments.

Aside from a cookie dough sale and Pancake Breakfast, Jazz Cabaret is one of the major fundraising events for the Saratoga Music Boosters. Profits will benefit music programs like band, choir, orchestra and color guard in the entire district, from grades 4-12.

“Our music programs enrich our school so much that supporting this event is a very festive way to support them,” Eschen said. “It is such an energetic environment with dancing and food available that students are finding it a really fun event to participate in, get dressed up for and hang out at.”

The number of people attending has been steadily increasing with more and more students going every year. Five hundred tickets were sold each year in the past six years, and organizers expect at least that number of attendees this year.

“Jazz Cabaret is really fun because it’s a different style of music than we’re used to listening to,” sophomore Sarah Liddie said. “I’ve been going since elementary school and always enjoy it because it’s a lot of fun dancing and listening to music with your friends. I love the decorations and they always have amazing food.”

The 1950s-themed event allows students, parents and faculty to socialize and dance in a lively environment. Attendees come dressed up and ready to relax in an evening of good music and food.