MBU News

Jazz Series Began with Erin Bode

October 25, 2007

By Ashleigh Stricker

Music comes in all different sounds. MBU music department is educating their students on the sounds of jazz by holding its first ever jazz series.

The series started Oct. 12 with local jazz musician Erin Bode. Bode lives in Webster Groves and attended Webster University. She has now made a name for herself in the community and other parts of the country opening for the likes of famed jazz singer Michael Buble.

Before the evening of jazz that took place in MBU’s Pillsbury Chapel, Bode was the guest for a music workshop held by the music department. “Getting to know the students was great,” said Bode. “Any school that can make music a part of their curriculum is great.”

Bode shared the stage with her band singing original songs and also covering music by legends like Paul Simon and U2. Susan Rutledge, assistant to President Alton Lacey, and her husband came out to enjoy an evening of music. “Erin has a really pure voice. I love it. You don’t find that these days,” said Rutledge.

Songs like those featuring Paul Simon’s Graceland and Bode’s original A Little Garden got the crowd going. “Fantastic! Wonderful! Music you can move to,” said Denise Daniel, resident of St. Louis and a fan of Bode. “This is my third time seeing her.”

As the evening of jazz came to a close, Bode ended her last set with Somewhere Over the Rainbow, a favorite of Maggie Sluis, mother and music lover from Washington, Mo. “I was hoping she would sing that song, and when she ended with it, I was so happy,” said Sluis.

Bode and band really felt welcome here at MBU. “We’ve been treated well. We feel very special. The theater is a great facility to use,” said Bode.

The jazz series will resume in the spring with legendary singer Jeanne Trevor.

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