As evidence of the College’s commitment to connecting with the community, The Augsburg Jazz Instrumental Vocal Ensemble (Jive), under the direction of Bob Stacke, performed for the annual African Development Center’s gala at the Landmark Center in St. Paul on May 20. The Augsburg musicians played five Somali songs with Rahma Ruuhl, a local Somali vocalist. The arrangements were done by alumni Steve Herzog and were a blending of Somali contemporary music and American Jazz.
Auggie books spring jazz concert at Dakota Jazz Club
Sara Horishnyk isn’t afraid of a little self-promotion. Just ask, and this gregarious Auggie will tell you about her latest adventures and where her band, Bigbody Applehead, is playing next. Last spring, the Augsburg College senior pitched herself and the idea of taking on an intern to Dakota Jazz Club co-owner, Lowell Pickett. “It took him a long time to decide,” she said, but eventually Sara got the job.
At first, the Dakota staffers didn’t know what to do with their first-ever intern, so Sara was assigned ticketing work in the office. Soon, her organizational skills and enthusiasm landed her the responsibility of booking hotels and transportation for nationally known artists such as Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Hugh Masekela, John McLaughlin, Toumani Diabate, Booker T. & the MG’s, and many others. She continues to work part-time for the club, even taking phone calls from a musician’s frantic stage manager while she was on tour with the Augsburg jazz band this past year. Continue reading “Auggie books spring jazz concert at Dakota Jazz Club”