January 5, 2017
Crisp evening air, holiday lights, and smiles galore combined with the fantastic sounds of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, putting members of The McCallen Society and other St. John's students and alumni in the Christmas spirit at the Time Warner Center on December 17. According to Wynton Marsalis, Artistic Director of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and famed trumpeter, 15 amazing musicians were ready to perform—and they did not disappoint.
View full Flickr gallery »
The spirited evening started with a gathering at Gabriel's Bar & Restaurant, with the St. John's contingent spilling over into two rooms. Nearly 60 members of The McCallen Society and alumni were greeted by Susan M. Damiani ’87CBA, Director of the Office of Gift Planning and The McCallen Society. The mood was set early, as St. John's Mixed Chorus Director Kim Oler, his wife Cece, and sophomore student Kayla Knight bravely strode into the main dining area and began singing a few traditional songs. Even some of the other diners chimed in during Jingle Bells.
“The singing at the restaurant was very nice,” said Gail Konecsni ’72MT, a member of The McCallen Society. “I enjoyed the evening.”
“It was fantastic!” agreed McCallen Society member Robert Handal ’57CBA, ’69MBA. “It far exceeded my expectations. In fact, because of this event, I’m going to take advantage of most of the events that the society has to offer in the future.”
The evening's main event was nearby at the Rose Theatre on the fifth floor of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle. It did not matter if you were not familiar with the difference between a tenor or an alto saxophone, because trumpets, trombones, guitar, piano, bass, and drums all combined in a frenzy of stirring Christmas traditionals, such as Frosty the Snowman, Brazilian Sleigh Bells, and Snowfall.
Veteran songstress Catherine Russell, as she has done for several years, joined the jazz extravaganza with her rendition of several familiar favorites. Mr. Marsalis explained how many of the arrangements were done by highlighting individual musicians. At the end of a number, he would call out a name for a bow, the arranger, and other musicians. Almost every talent was recognized by the end of the performance.
The McCallen and Loughlin Society members and St. John’s alumni joined the general audience with tapping feet, clapping hands—and even a complimentary hoot. The musicians turned to look at a solo performer or exchange grins as they joined in genial support, and maybe even some personal competition. A key element of jazz is self-interpretation. By the evening's end, each instrument with its talent had been highlighted.
The tunes selected by Mr. Marsalis and Sherman Irby, Music Director and Arranger, brought back sounds of the 40s and 50s—and even old favorite Gene Autry, the singing cowboy, was given his due.
Kim Oler said that he and his wife, Cece, had fun. "How do you spend a holiday evening in New York City that can't be beat?” he asked. “Well, by having dinner at Gabriel's in Columbus Circle with good friends, then migrating across the street to hear the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis. It's the best big band in the world, and the show is simply phenomenal. [We] won't forget this evening anytime soon! And when the evening is organized by Susan Damiani, and you’re with your good friends from St. John's, you can't possibly do any better.”
To learn more about becoming a member of The McCallen Society and establishing your legacy through planned gifts to St. John’s, please contact Susan M. Damiani at 718-990-7562 or [email protected]. Also, please visit stjohns.edu/giftplanning to learn about upcoming events.