Swingin' at the Old Town Jazz Festival

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POCATELLO -- The Old Town Jazz Festival attracted more than 200 people Saturday in the first issue of what officials in the historic business district hope will eventually become an annual days-long event.

"We have been thinking about doing this for a couple of years," said Stephanie Palagi, executive director of Old Town Pocatello Inc. "We decided to start small with a six-hour event and five bands. The hope is to eventually have a two- or three-day event."

As the event was gearing up Saturday, Palagi said she anticipated that up to 250 people could attend throughout the evening.

The event is a fundraiser for Old Town projects, but for those who just wanted to enjoy the music, it was free. Old Town raised money during the jazz festival by offering those attending an opportunity to enjoy a meal and/or some libation while they listened to the live music.

For $30 each, those in attendance got a meal and could participate in the wine and beer tasting going on during the festival. For just the beer and wine tasting it was $18 per person. The funds raised will be used for several ongoing Old Town projects, Palagi said.

The jazz festival kicked off at 4 p.m. with the Mark Lee Quartet with members of The Slip. Up next was the Mike Banks Jazz Quartet.

Banks, who lives in Idaho Falls, said he's excited about the new festival.

"I hope they do it every year," said the bass player. "The only thing it can do is grow from here."

Banks, whose group also plays some rhythm and blues and straight blues, said there is a readily available pool of musical talent in Eastern Idaho, especially when it comes to jazz.

"There are a lot of great musicians in this area," he said. "More than people know."

Also playing at the Jazz Festival were The Brothers Sutherland, The Keezer Quartet and The Jazz House Big Band.

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