-Staff Report-
GROSSMONT COLLEGE — The sounds of improvisational jazz filled Griffin Center on Thursday, Feb. 8, in a celebration of Black History Month which also saw the Griffin Grill offering such “soul food” dishes as rice and gumbo, corn bread and sweet potato pie.
“The Jazz Kitchen” program featured Patrick Escalante, trombone; Neil Monteleone, keyboard; Eric Pratt, drums; and Dave Votel, bass. All are students of jazz studying with Derek Cannon of the Music Department.
John Weber, a student in Media Comm 132A, captured a portion of the performance.
Dr. Patrice Braswell, a member of the committee of faculty, students and staff, who participated in planning Black History Month, said jazz reflects the experience of African-Americans living in the southern U.S.
The genre has been so popularized it is played by musicans from many diffrenet ethnic groups.
While “soul food” was the offering this Thursday, other cuisine reflecting the Black experience will be served at future events, according to Braswell.
“This campus is very focused on diversity and inclusivity,” she said. “This is befitting of that.”
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Weber is a student in Media Comm 132A. He may be contacted at [email protected]
