More than 60 years after Louis Armstrong performed in Memorial Hall, the UNC music department is bringing jazz music back to celebrate Valentine's Day.
The music department is hosting its Valentine’s Jazz Concert on Feb. 10. The concert will host an assortment of musical compilations by students from Duke University and North Carolina Central University, along with students in the UNC music department.
The concert, which has been taking place for over 10 years and is hosted by a different school each time, provides an opportunity for the various ensembles to interact with one another, said Nicholas Sengstaken, a junior saxophonist.
Senior Arvind Mallikarjunan said the concert is a way to feel more connected to other jazz ensembles performing.
“It is fun and the music varies from each ensemble presenting," said Jim Ketch, the director of jazz studies at UNC. "There is a lot of talent assembled in that one day. Very cool social networking occurs.”
Ben Robinson, a sophomore trumpet player, said the concert not only connects different ensembles from the Triangle, but can also unite the audience members.
“Jazz is a beautiful genre for Valentine’s Day because of its intimate and conversational nature,” Robinson said. “Jazz can be soothing to the heart and can create sentimental feeling.”
Aside from the classic sound jazz is often known for, Robinson said another reason audiences should come watch the show is the bonding element of music.
Mallikarjunan, who plays the saxophone, said jazz is an ideal genre for the holiday.
