On the weekend before Halloween it was all treats and no tricks inside the hallowed halls of Seattle's luxurious Benaroya Hall. It was befitting that adults were acting like kids in a candy-store, opening up their hearts and wallets in a pre-show silent auction, bidding on such things as a Jimi Hendrix Gold Replica Album -- all to benefit our youth in musical endeavors.

So it was also appropriate on a evening that was all about the kids, that the national award winning Garfield High School Jazz Orchestra would open up the evenings musical festivities with a rousing and swinging seven-song one-hour set of music.

With the youthful band members all dressed in their finest, they performed and sounded like seasoned musical veterans from their opening notes. Under the direction and leadership of Clarence Acox, they opened up with two Benny Carter compositions ("Jackson County Jubilee" & "Meeting Time"), which had the crowd tapping their toes and clapping their hands in appreciation. The next song spotlighted the talents of Allison Wood on bass, much to the crowds delight on the song "Bass of Operation," so much so that it caused one audience member to shout out "You Go Girl!" Doing the great jazz standard "How High The Moon," "Polka Dots & Moonbeams" which featured Andrew Mulherkar on sax (who won a outstanding soloist award at last years Essentially Ellington competition), had Benaroya Hall sounding like a great old-time dance hall. Garfield ended their set with the John Coltrane standard "Equinox" much to Mindi Abair's delight and amazement backstage and finally the George Stone composition "D-Bop," which had the entire audience on their feet in appreciation. Duly noted are the kudos to all the other students who performed solos (Tom Berry, John Cheadle, Patrick Davis, Joel Gombines, Zubin Hensler, Ross Hungate-Hawk, Devin Mooers, Sam Schlosser, David Sparkman-Yager, and Bryce Travis).

Next up on the bill was the featured act the 2005 Guitars & Saxes touring ensemble; starring saxophonist Mindi Abair, guitarist Jeff Golub, saxophonist Warren Hill, and bassist Wayman Tisdale. Playing a incredible and generous 18 song 2 hour 20 minute set, it was a non-stop tag-team of each artists greatest hits and then some.

The set started off with a get your blood flowing James Brown / Kool & The Gang themed intro by their talented band; consisting of Randy Jacobs on guitar (who co-authored the group Was (Not Was) hit song “Walk The Dinosaur” back in 1988), Dave Hooper on drums (formerly of the group The Rippingtons), Michael Whittaker on keys (a prolific TV composer who’s composed music for over 300 TV movies and programs), and the funk bassist turned ring announcer Andre Berry (who has his own group called The Deep Fried Funk Society).

New York based guitarist Jeff Golub took to the stage first wearing a black suit with a white open collar shirt. With his red and white 65’ Stratocaster guitar in hand he launched into the title track of his 2000 “Dangerous Curves” release with wild abandonment. With his hair launching into wild abandonment as well, his playing showed no signs of jet-lag. He teased the audience with his next song “Simple Pleasures” with his sweet as chocolate playing.

Jeff then appropriately “high-fived” centerstage off to saxophonist Mindi Abair who proceeded to play the song “High Five” off her current release “Come As You Are.” Dressed in a light tan colored jean and jacket number; with a red and white flowing sash, and black tank top – she captivated the audience with her great playing. During the intro to the song “Every Time” she commented to the crowd that she wrote it while falling in love… which showed in her passionate and heartfelt playing.

Following Mindi on stage is a tall order, but luckily former NBA player and now bassist Wayman Tisdale was up next. Wearing a black sleeveless shirt and blue jeans you couldn’t hide his love for being in the spotlight. Doing his hit cover tune of Earth, Wind & Fire’s song “Can’t Hide Love,” had the crowd on their feet and showing their love in return. If talent with a bass and a basketball weren’t enough, he wowed the audience with his tastefully understated scat singing on the song “Toronto.”

Wayman then passed the proceedings onto Canadian born saxophonist Warren Hill. Wearing a small checkered black and white suit jacket and blue jeans, Warren astounded the crowd along with the members of the band by playing his classic party song “Mombo 2000” to open. Not to be found on the set list, he jokingly said after the song “I pulled a little Switch-er-roo on the band, and raise your hands if we played that a little fast?” In response, drummer Dave Hooper immediately stood up and raised his hand high in the air, which had the crowd roaring with laughter. Warren went on to further to explain that “We’ve been on tour with this group since April. So Seattle is the last stop…so everyone is putting out a little extra this evening and you never know what’s going to happen.” Warren then proceeded to amaze the crowd with his nimble finger work and powerful playing on his saxophone.

The remaining part of the show consisted of the quartet of smooth jazz all-stars joining each other on each others hit songs. Which in turn turned into one long highlight commanding standing ovation after standing ovation. On a night that was really all about benefiting our local youth, it was very fitting to watch the evening festivities bring out the youth in the adults in the audience.

Editorial Note:  The Jackson Street Music Program thanks everyone who came to the First Annual Benefit and for supporting this Project!  For  becoming a sponsor or for more information regarding JSMP go to www.jsmpinfo.org