Acoustic Jazz Night at the IB Sports Park

Melodies of cornet, acoustic guitar, keyboard, drums, bass and vocals filled the Friday night.

The Music Room’s theme was Acoustic Jazz Night where three local bands—Peggy Watson, Jessi’s Secret and the Teagan Taylor Trio—performed in front of an audience.

According to their brochure, IB Sports Park has become an important fixture for the youth in the community. It offers after-school programs where young musicians can participate in instrument clubs, book studio or rehearsal time and learn the fundamentals of playing instruments.

“It’s a place where kids can come after school, learn new things and stay out of trouble,” Recreation Coordinator James Coates said.

After conducting a survey in 1996, Coates and a group of people discovered that there were two things the youth of IB wanted: and a place where they could play music, he said.

“Seeing the joy on the kids faces and knowing they have a safe place to come to is what makes me happy,” Coates said.

Peggy Watson, a counselor, was one of the performers at the event.

“I have worked in this community for over six years now and I support the efforts of this program,” Watson said.

Her sound focuses on folk acoustic with a little jazz, she said.

“I think music is soothing and healing,” Watson said. “I hope people feel good when they hear it.”

Tim Taylor, an IB resident and guitar player for the Teagan Taylor Trio, wanted to expose his kids to all kinds of music and started the band with his two children.

“I did not want to leave it to the radio to educate them on what music is all about because there is so much more,” he said.

Their music is mixed with mostly jazz, indie and pop with influences such as Miles Davis, Chet Baker and Norah Jones.

“The biggest challenge for artists is to play things that honor the past, but continue to play things that are relevant to the present,” said Taylor. “It’s hard to do but we’re trying.”

Teagan Taylor, a 19-year-old San Diego State student, has been compared to one of her musical influences, Norah Jones.

“I have been singing since I was 14 years old,” she said. “Music can be so healing.”

Jazz is not something that is just on museum shelves, Teagan said.

“It’s great to have events like these because it gives local musicians the opportunity to perform as well as be involved in the community,” she said.