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hplandmark.com life & arts
the highland park landmark | February 22, 2018 | 21
Jazzed Up offers entertainment, philanthropy opportunities
Hilary Anderson, Freelance Reporter
Area residents often gather in Highwood
to have a drink, relax and listen to some
live music.
However, Saturday, Feb. 17, they did so
to help support a cause.
The Second Annual Jazzed up Dining
and Classical Cocktails fundraiser benefited
Midwest Young Artists Conservatory
(MYAC), the Midwest’s most comprehensive
youth music school and ensemble program
and Celebrate Highwood.
The event occurred last Saturday, Feb.
17, at the MYAC building in Highwood, a
transformed former army stockade building
at Fort Sheridan, and is part of an ongoing
effort to support arts, music and culture.
There were musical performances by
MYAC students through the evening along
with appetizers, dinner and dessert buffets
from various North Shore restaurants and a
silent auction.
Guests also had the opportunity to tour
the former army stockade building.
Last year’s inaugural event raised
$10,000 for students admitted to the
MYAC programs.
Celebrate Highwood is excited to partner
with MYAC again to continue to supporting
arts, music and culture while bringing
people together for family friendly festivals
and events through the year,” said Eric
Falberg, presdent of Celebrate Highwood
and a Highwood alderman.
“We are celebrating MYAC’s 25th anniversary”
said Allan Dennis, founder and
president of the arts program. “We currently
serve 1,000 students in 74 Chicago area
communities. All of the money raised at
Jazzed Up Dining and Classical Cocktails
will be given to talented students admitted
to our program if they cannot afford the tuition.
Many of our students are from our
own communities.”
Evan Diehrich, a Highland Park High
School freshman, currently studies jazz at
MYAC .
“I started in classical but had an interest
in jazz since I was about 10,” he said.
“MYAC has a great program in jazz and
wonderful support.”
Diehrich also is a member of the HPHS
choir and has a brother, Liam, who plays in
MYAC’s symphony.
Miriam Friedman, an eighth-grade student
at Edgewood Middle School, studies
Joey Ranieri, 16, of Palatine, performs
with the Midwest Young Artists Jazz
Combo while drummer Alex Rivera, of
Burr Ridge, looks on.
violin at MYAC.
“I have been playing the violin since
second grade but decided to attend classes
at MYAC,” she said. “They are inspirational
and teach us that anything is possible.”
Her sister, Avra, plays the flute and also
attends MYAC.
Lucy Rubin, an HPHS junior, also plays
the flute and is a MYAC student.
“I play in the school band, but being in
this program offers me the opportunity to
be in an orchestra. It has developed my
repertoire and increased my music education
in performance and conducting.”
Jonah Karsh, a senior at Evanston Township
High School, says he has been interested
in music since he was about 5. He
sees his future as a jazz pianist.
“At first I did not have formal classes but
occasionally played by ear,” Karsh said. “I
like jazz because it is somewhat improvisational.
I would like to be a jazz pianist
professional performer.”
Karsh says he learned about MYAC
through a friend he met at jazz camp.
“This is my third year at MYAC,” Karsh
said. “The people here are great, not just
great teachers but great, experienced people,
many from around the Chicago area.
They have a passion for jazz.”
Ivan Franco (left), of Vernon Hills, and Ariel Chah, of Vernon Hills, perform with their
string quartet during cocktail hour. photos by Claire Esker/22nd Century Media
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