Later today is a new event taking place at the Greene County High School in Jefferson.

Java and Jazz will include performances from the high school jazz ensemble, “Jazz101” and various smaller ensembles in the high school commons from 3-4:30pm, with a featured performance by the Iowa Women’s Jazz Orchestra in the auditorium starting at 4:30pm. 

Band Director Wes Anderson says this is also a fundraiser for the band to go to Disney World and so a free-will donation will be taken at the door, with a suggested donation of $10. Additionally, while people are watching the performances in the commons, they can also purchase coffee from Greene Bean Coffee, who is donating part of the sales toward the trip.

Anderson appreciates the funds they received from the local Bringing Optimism and Opportunity to Students and Teachers (BOOST) of Greene County.

“So this was, overall, funded by BOOST, which was just awesome. I kind of just threw that out there as a hail mary, wondered if BOOST would be willing to sponsor us bringing in a professional jazz ensemble and they were totally willing to do that.” 

Anderson is hoping to turn this venture into an annual fundraiser event.