Jammin’ Jazz Kids invites kids to free Latin percussion session
Whether it’s shaking maracas or thumping on bongos or congas, Latin percussion instruments easily lend themselves to young hands and undiscovered talent.
Children ages 6-12 are welcome to partake in the final Jammin’ Jazz Kids event of the season — a free Latin percussion workshop with local drumming phenom Joey Gulizia and his brother, famed local pianist Tony Gulizia. The session takes place on Sunday at the Jazz Tent at Solaris during the Vail Farmers’ Market and Art Show. Children can register at 10:45 a.m., and the 45-minute lesson will begin at 11 a.m.
“It’s so important for children of this age to learn about the musical world and the importance of it,” said Tony, who has taught thousands of children’s musical classes throughout Vail Valley, including The Vail Jazz Foundation’s Jazz Goes to School program.
The open structure of Jammin’ Jazz Kids allows children to practice hands-on percussion techniques, providing them with a wide range of drums and percussion instruments.
“The summer’s first two Jazz Kids sessions were a huge success,” said Robin Litt, director of the Vail Jazz Foundation, which produces Jammin’ Jazz Kids as part of the 19th annual Vail Jazz Festival. “We hope this final event draws even more children. It could even unveil a future jazz star or two.”
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The 19th Annual Vail Jazz Festival delivers free live music throughout the summer every Sunday at the Vail Farmers’ Market and Kelly Liken Restaurant and also brings in internationally renowned performers every Thursday evening at Jazz at Vail Square. The festival culminates with more than 30 of the country’s most acclaimed artists performing in a five-day celebration of live jazz at the Labor Day weekend Jazz Party.
