Jazz jams bring music community together

In the creatively inclined town of Sisters, music can usually be found just around the corner. From hosting musical venues throughout the area, to being the origin of the Sisters Folk Festival, music is a passion many Sisters citizens share.

Robert Sposato, previous college professor and current father and arts activist, is a man who encourages this passion.

"I love jazz," said Sposato. "Ever since I heard Coltrane play 'Round Midnight,' I was hooked. But now it's a lot about the audience...there are really great and amazingly supportive people here."

Unlike the majority of Central Oregon music that falls under the genre of folk, country, and bluegrass, Sposato makes jazz a priority. He has been growing the jazz community around Oregon for over 10 years. Since 2019 he has been hosting Jazz Jams at The Belfry, Sisters Depot, and numerous other locations.

These jams invite local jazz players, new and seasoned, to collaborate in performing for their community.

Although these jam sessions were temporarily put on hold due to COVID, Sposato has been slowly reintroducing them since 2022 with the intention of continuing the music over the next few years.

The performance at The Depot on Sunday, August 13, was a great example of the fruition that comes with hard work and community involvement. A laid-back and friendly atmosphere enveloped the evening as over 20 local musicians played together for two hours.

Many experienced jazzers joined younger ones, high schoolers, and college-age students, in playing 15 great songs, including, "The Girl from Ipanema," "Just One of Those Things," and "Mr. P.C."

These events have been so successful that the growing enthusiasm for jazz in Sisters is apparent, and music enjoyers of the like are certain to find more fun with Jazz Jams in coming years.

Editor's note: Olivia Nieto was a participant in the August 13 jam session.