Hot Summer Jazz for charity is the Cat’s Meow

Sunday night jazz is a great way to end the week.

Dozens of Placitas and Bernalillo residents showed up at Homestead Village Plaza in Placitas, or “The Merc,” as it is called.

Many brought armchairs, recliners and even their own tables to spread their food on. It didn’t matter if people were sitting or standing, toes were tapping.

Canyon Blues and Jazz, which hosted the event, got a lot of donations including a $500 check from the owner of Sports Chiropractic and Massage which is located in The Merc.

The band was hot, figuratively and literally. The temperature outside was in the 90s and they were in sync the whole night.

“We are here to have some fun, even though it’s hot,” jazz guitarist and band leader Michael Anthony said.

Anthony, a Hollywood go-to musician for more than 20 years today teaches at the Univerisity of New Mexico. He has not lost his touch on guitar.

Every song featured a solo from band members, including a stunning drum solo from Andy Polling and many soul-changing solos from trumpet player Paul Gonzales.

Robert Muller tickled the ivories with ease. Meanwhile, Milo Jaramillo twirled his bass and bobbed his head to the beat.

On the sax, Glen Kosture put forth a lovely sound that had the audience humming.

Diane Richardson soothed the audience with her voice. Her scat singing was a wonder — and proved that songs don’t need words to be great.