All that jazz
By Thea Neal (Last updated: 08/28/09 6:31pm) From a second-story window on the corner of Turner Street and Grand River Avenue, the faint sounds of powerful drums and mellifluous vocals create an undeniable harmony. Passers-by often gaze up at the window while momentarily getting lost in the music. Behind the window is the abode of graduate student Ashton Moore, and the jazzy sounds of Ashton Moore Quartet. The four MSU students call people "cats," know more about Stevie Wonder and Jon Hendricks than most people twice their age and have a combined total of more than 20 years of musical experience. As anticipated performers for this weekend's 11th annual Summer Solstice Jazz Festival, Ashton Moore Quartet gathers at the Old Town apartment to practice their seven-song set list. The practice will hopefully pay off, as the quartet kicks off the festival at 4:30 p.m. today along Albert Avenue in downtown East Lansing.Instrumental talent
An acoustic guitar, piano, organ, drumset and multiple microphones litter Moore's living room. They'll be performing in front of approximately 6,000 people, but Moore is confident in his group.
"I plan on kicking ass and taking names," Moore said.
"We got to be burnin', we got to come out swinging. Everybody take your seats!" Moore tells his bandmates, while pointing to the "crowd" - a pile of records and cat toys.
Ashton Moore Quartet has performed at the jazz festival twice before, but this is the group's first time as an opening act. Other performers at the festival include Windjammers, Ritmo, Organissimo and The Big Band Machine.
Not your usual festival
Festival coordinator Ami Van Antwerp has been planning the festival for nearly a year, with the help from a committee. Although the festival's budget is only $25,000, the event is still free.
"The reason we do that is to showcase arts and culture in the community," Van Antwerp said. "It's also a way to showcase the downtown, and it's an addition to quality of living in East Lansing."
The festival has bounced around at various East Lansing locations, from the Erickson Hall Kiva on MSU's campus to the Ann Street plaza. By moving to a bigger location, the festival will be able to ring in more people than in the previous decade. However, the committee still aims to keep a cozy atmosphere.
"Every year, we take a step to grow the festival a little bit - bigger performers, bigger tent," Van Antwerp said. "At the same time, it's a smaller festival with a more intimate setting. We've actually done that on purpose."
There are dreams and ideas for the jazz festival to grow, but the city wants to "strategically get there," Van Antwerp said. In the meantime, new additions to the musical gathering include a designated area for the restaurant Beggar's Banquet, 218 Abbott Road. Along with food, the restaurant will also serve alcohol within the confines of the allotted space.
Although food is an added bonus, the main benefit of the event will be the diverse jazz music.
"This festival is so unique because we feature a variety of jazz genres," Van Antwerp said. "We have your traditional jazz, but then we have your Latin jazz, your organ jazz, gypsy jazz. I don't think anyone gets to hear that at any other festival."
The committee finds the performers from recommendations from community members, the MSU jazz studies program and a partnership with Wharton Center. This year, the festival will have eight performers.
Detroit Rock City
After two consecutive years performing in the festival, Ashton Moore Quartet took a break from the lineup. That's why this year, Van Antwerp pushed to get the popular group back.
Moore isn't new to musical performance. After being sought out as a high school sophomore by MSU Jazz Studies director Rodney Whitaker, Moore set his sights on the college life. Whitaker also will be performing in the festival with his group, MSU Professors of Jazz.
As a young child, Moore wasn't jazz-bound. Instead, he was much more focused on having a wealthy future.
"I always wanted to be rich," Moore said. "I didn't live in a 'hood.' I lived in a neighborhood. I didn't even know Detroit was a bad place until I moved here (East Lansing)."
Made up of a bassist, drummer, pianist and vocalist, Ashton Moore Quartet isn't just toe tapping. Instead, their tunes are shoulder-shaking, finger-snapping, spin-your-whole-body music.
"Let the music take you"
With his slow drawl and shoulder-length hair, Ptasnik acts as Moore's right-hand man. Previously a business major, the Pinedale, Wyo. native's plans changed after a trip to the College of Music.
"As soon as I walked through the Music Building, I could hear the people playing in the rooms," he said. "I changed my major the next day."
Now a jazz studies junior, Ptasnik met Moore when the two took a class together.
"He was one of the more progressive drummers," Moore said. "He's pick of the litter now."
Ptasnik is more modest.
"I just feel privileged to play with such great musicians," Ptasnik said.
Moore's musical talents have allowed him to create his own CD, "The A.N.M. Music Factor." All 13 songs were cowritten by Moore and "inspired by life," he said. Moore also teaches a vocal ensemble class at MSU.
Clearly, music is Moore's passion.
"I don't really have a reason to do anything else," he said.
Bickley asks Moore a question about the arrangement of one of the songs they're practicing.
"Just let the music take you," Moore said.
And as if a lightbulb had gone off in their heads, Bickley and Ptasnik exchange glances, knowing exactly what he meant.
Thea Neal can be reached at nealthea@msu.edu.
Originally Published: 06/15/07 12:00am
