Online exclusive: Recap: All that jazz, and where to find it

The Jazz on Main concert series is in its third year and has increased in popularity due to the inviting atmosphere and great music.

"It's the most beautiful music that Columbia has to offer," Michaela Bishop, long-time attendee, said. "It's like New York in your lap ... If you just love music, you need to come here. You just can't miss it."

The caliber of these events has increased the music available in the city of Columbia and to the students of USC.

Two students who know this well are Heidi Grogger and Katherine Wallace, first-year master of social work students. Both were in attendance and had nothing but good things to say about the program.

"The art museum always has super fun things to do," Wallace, who could later be seen dancing along in her seat to the music, said.

"I'm really new to the jazz world," Grogger said. "This is a good way to start getting exposed to this great music ... I think students need to get reintroduced to jazz."

The musicians themselves had an open and relaxed demeanor on stage that allowed the audience to feel involved. At one point in the evening, guest vocalist Maria Howell picked out an audience member and began to sing the "Spider-Man" theme to him.

She then went on to captivate the audience with her incredible vocals as she sang a tribute to recently deceased Natalie Cole. Howell told the audience how great of an influence Cole had had on her musical inspiration and let it show as she sang "Orange Colored Sky," one of Cole's signature pieces.

The music mesmerized listeners throughout the evening; it was a concert that did not disappoint. The series is a great opportunity for students to gain cultural diversity.

"I think this is a truly American art form, and so much of what we're doing, the foundation is in," Noel Freidline, artistic director and pianist for the series, said. "I mean literally whatever music is on your iPod or on your phone, the foundation is probably the blues of some sort ... So I think it's good to have that exposure."

Freidline looks forward to these events every two months and takes the time to prepare everything so the audience will be well entertained. Jazz on Main will close out its season this March with the return of guest saxophonist Nelson Rangell. The final concert is set to take place March 25 at 7:30 p.m., and student tickets are only $5. The art galleries open at 7 p.m. If you're interested in getting more involved with jazz music, looking for a fun time, or just looking for an excuse to dust off your suit, Jazz on Main is a great event to attend.

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