The IVC Educational Foundation’s Chocaholics Jazz Night March 31 included performances by Illinois Valley Central High School jazz bands and the jazz bands from both Chillicothe Elementary Center and Mossville School.
Guest artist is 2002 IVC graduate Nathan Heffron, a two-time All-State musician who went on to earn a music performance degree at Northern Illinois University and is now a performing professional in the Chicago area.
While in high school, Heffron led two groups that played frequently in the area, The Royal Flush Big Band and The Quintet.
At NIU, he played for three years with the internationally renowned NIU Jazz Ensemble, performing with Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Shew, Conrad Herwig, Orbert Davis, Russell Gunn and many others.
During this time, he was also composing and performing with professional groups outside of school.
After graduating in 2006, Heffron moved to Tennessee to tour the southwest with the funky soul band SkyHi.
Six months later, he took a position playing on a cruise ship in the Caribbean.
In August 2007, he moved to Chicago where he plays with The Business, a 12-piece funk/salsa/dance group, and The Soup, a rock/jam ensemble. He also leads his own jazz quartet.
In Chicago, Heffron has performed at the House of Blues, Navy Pier, Green Dolphin Street, Fitzgerald’s, Rumba, Martini Park and 115 Bourbon Street.
Music begins at 6 p.m. in the IVC High School commons. The IVC Band Boosters will have dinner selections available for sale.
The IVC Educational Foundation with the assistance of the Altrusa Club provided the all-you-can-eat desserts.
Funds raised support Illinois Valley Central District 321 bands.
