Enjoy a fun evening of arts and jazz next weekend

By Steve Guntli

The Blaine Arts and Jazz event is returning for its 18th year on Saturday, January 24.

The event, sponsored by the Blaine Fine Arts Association (BFAA), celebrates the arts in the Blaine school district. The Blaine High School (BHS) jazz band and chamber choir will perform, and the school’s art and drama students will display their work. The event includes both live and silent auctions.

All funds raised from the event will go to the Blaine school district’s four arts programs. Approximately $3,000 will go toward a scholarship fund for students pursuing arts degrees. The rest of the money will help pay for equipment, class trips and other needed supplies. Last year, the BFAA raised around $9,000.

“We try to make it an evening for the entire community,” said Dorita Gray, coordinator for the BFAA. “It’s just a great way to celebrate the arts and all the talented people we have here.”

Gray said the event is still receiving items for its auctions. Organizers are still welcoming donations from businesses and residents, and have already accepted several items.

Each year, the BFAA recognizes those people in Blaine who have contributed to the city’s art scene. This year, the group is honoring Bruce and Sandy Wolf for their many contributions to the arts community. The couple founded the annual Blaine Jazz Festival (now called the Drayton Harbor Music Festival). Sandy is currently producing a play set in turn-of-the-century Blaine, which will be staged this May at Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham.

The evening will also showcase the BHS Alumni Jazz Band. The band first performed at the event last year, when former members of the BHS jazz band came from all over the country to play.

“That’s a nice new tradition,” Gray said. “Now people are bringing their kids along to watch them play.”

The band is still looking for more musicians. For more information, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/BHSAlumniJazz.

Admission is $5. People unable to attend the event can still show their support by mailing in donations. Make checks payable to the Blaine Fine Arts Association and send them to P.O. Box 1545, Blaine, WA, 98231.

Arts and Jazz will be held in the Blaine High School cafeteria at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 24. For more information or to make a donation, contact Gray at bgray@blainsd.org.