World-famous jazz drummer helps high school jazz band

In the world of jazz, Kobie Watkins is what Kobie Bryant is to the world of basketball. This world-famous jazz drummer will perform May 14 at the Idaho Falls High School Jazz Band Blues and Barbecue fundraiser.

Jazz band members love to perform this genre of music.

“For jazz band, especially with trombone, you get to express yourself. You get to let your attitude fly,” Bryna Hale said.

“It opened up a whole new aspect of music I hadn’t seen before,” A’Maurie Duckwitz said.

“Jazz is just the chance to let it all hang loose and just relax and have fun,” Eli Anderson said.

These students would love to travel to perform at more events and festivals, but with very limited funds from the school, the students have to pick up most of their travel costs, and they can’t afford it very often.

That’s where world renowned jazz drummer Kobie Watkins comes in with his offer to help at a fundraiser.

He occasionally visits Brigham Young University Idaho to teach aspiring musicians, and recently heard the Idaho Falls Jazz Band at a festival.

“So much potential with them and it was such a joy, so when I was asked to come out and help them I thought that makes perfect sense,” Watkins said.

Watkins agreed to perform with his jazz combo this Saturday evening at a Blues and Barbecue fundraiser at the Tautphaus Park Ice Arena. The jazz band and students are beyond excited to have Kobie Watkins there performing on the same stage.

“I got to see him live a couple weeks ago at the BYU jazz fest. He is amazing. He’s fun to watch. He’s fun to listen to,” Duckwitz said.

“Kobie has always been one of my favorite people to watch and listen to. So it’s gonna be really cool to play with him and listen to him and just see him,” Hale said.

“That he would even care enough about us to even want to come, but that he’s playing for us – that’s super amazing,” Abby Shull said.

“I don’t care what kind of music you like or don’t like, when you watch Kobie Watkins and those he plays with, they draw you in,” jazz band director Jason Bull said.

The Blues and Barbecue fundraiser is May 14 at 6 pm at the Tautphaus Park Ice Arena. Dinner is provided by Grandpa’s Southern Barbeque. Kobie Watkins and the Idaho Falls High School Jazz Band will perform. Tickets are $12. They are available from band members or by calling 801-678-9560.