LIVERPOOL -- The 15th Jumpin’ Jazz Jam at Liverpool High School was the last for Jazz Director Jim Spadafore, who started the popular concert from scratch.
“It's been great,” said Spadafore. “It's been quite a ride to say the least.”
Jumpin' Jazz Jam is a unique, two hour show showcasing the best Liverpool High School has to offer, blended with special appearances from some of the best in the business, like John Pizzarelli, who comes from a line of famous jazz musicians.
It really celebrates everything we're about. We're about passing music on to the next generation,” Pizzarelli said.
Spadafore has been part of the Liverpool music scene since the late 1970's and joined the high school in 1992, touching the lives of countless students.
“He's one of those guys that people will remember for years to come,” said Adam Cole, a Liverpool senior.
"He's amazing, I wouldn't want anyone else to teach me,” said Jim’s daughter, Samantha Spadafore, a sophomore at Liverpool High School.
“I think a lot of these kids know what's going on in terms of what Jim's done for them and I also think that's why there's such an enthusiasm here in the program,” said Pizzarelli.
But Spadafore said the show must go on without him.
The 16th Jumpin’ Jazz Jam has already been penciled in for next year.
The challenge now is finding someone to fill Spadafore’s shoes.
