The Nash celebrated its anniversary in a two-day jazz celebration inviting local jazz groups and musicians to celebrate six years of business.
The Nash opened in April 2012 with an educational program for over 130 young students by Lewis Nash and All-stars. Lewis Nash is now an internationally-renowned drummer.
Lewis Nash’s inspiring drive for music started at a young age. His love for jazz was his inspiration for wanting to help out other aspiring musicians.
“My brother was born to do this. He was walking around, beating on stuff since he was three-years-old. He was five when he got his first drum set,” Mike Nash said, “He is so talented at what he does and an inspiration to those students.”
Mike Nash explained how his brother has made an impact in the jazz culture in Arizona.
“The dynamics of what The Nash has done over the past couple of years is amazing. They have given the youth the opportunity to explore the possibilities of taking their musical talents to a whole other level in a jazz venue,” said Mike Nash.
The program offers weekly jam sessions, clinics taught by top musicians, big band performances, new and mainstream jazz concerts, and a variety of other jazz happenings.
The Nash anniversary celebration started off with guests being greeted by volunteers for the night. The Nash is sustained through ongoing support of donors and volunteers and has acquired over 70 volunteers so far.
The theater portion held candlelit tables and rows of chairs reserved for guests who purchased tickets for the performance. The lights dimmed when Joel Goldenthal, the executive director of The Nash, came on stage.
“I am happy to say, we have been very successful, We started off as an organization doing 22 Shows a year, and now we are doing 300,” said Joel.
The first featured song of the night was called “Beyond the Bluebird” and included solo’s from Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, Jimmy Greene on saxophone, and Renee Rosnes on the piano. There was a live recording of the group that will likely turn up on a “Live at The Nash” CD.
Mike Nash and his wife Vivian were in the crowd that night in support for his brother.
“If you want to experience the true jazz experience, you will find it here. There isn’t any other place in all four corners of Arizona that can master what truly happens here” Nash said.
Artists were giving their all and played their solos with heart and emotion. The audience cheered at every solo. They were also getting into the music by tapping their feet and nodding their heads, and the performance ended in a standing ovation.
Vivian Nash said she admires her brother-in-law’s hard work and contribution to the Jazz culture.
“Classical jazz is becoming a dying art and is becoming a lot more modern and contemporary. The Nash is about classical jazz and bringing jazz back to its roots” Vivian said.
The walls included photographs of many music icons who have performed at the Nash. Many of them were students.
ASU student, Alex Price was also in the crowd that night. He previously performed at The Nash, playing the trumpet.
Price Said “I thought the performance was wonderful. I always get a lot out of high quality shows that The Nash holds. Musically, it was very emotional.”
The Nash will continue to educate young musicians and has hopes of growing in volunteers, students, educators, and as a community.
For questions, contact the reporter at Zoey.Shircel@asu.edu.
