A first gig is something most musicians don't easily forget, and that will likely be the case for the Mancos School Bluejazz Band, who are playing at the Telluride Jazz Festival this Saturday.
The five-piece group is playing a free show on the Wilkinson Public Library Stage as part of the festival, making it one of the largest venues the young band has played yet.
Andrew Saletta, K-12 Music Educator with Mancos School District says he's been working hard with his dedicated group of music students this summer to prime them for the performance.
"The kids prepared a few tunes for the school year and completed with them and got two second-place ratings, so when we got the opportunity we said. Let's develop these a little bit," said Saletta.
The students have prepared a six-song set, featuring a few solos.
"We've got a couple kids prepping for solos I think they're a little anxious. ...But I think, overall, they're very excited," he said. "I think it's one of those things that at their age, they don't quite realize the reality of the opportunity. Maybe not until they get there."
As part of the deal, the students get access to the main stage to hear the renowned, national acts on Saturday's bill.
The Telluride Jazz Festival is July 31 through Aug. 2.
The Mancos School Bluejazz Band plays the Wilkinson Public Library Stage at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1.
For a full schedule of Telluride Jazz Festival events, visit: telluridejazz.org
