Victoria Rogers January 16 - “Satchmo Shines On” with Jan McDonald’s Tribute to Louis Armstrong turned Fuller Lodge upside-down with the charged dynamic and emotional range of this American legend's popular music. The concert was created to fulfill a lifelong dream of well-known Los Alamos high school band director, teacher and performer, Jan McDonald, who has devoted his life to trumpet. The inspiration actually began for Jan at age 10 after hearing Satchmo in Des Moines. Decades of preparation and all we had to do was show up and let the good times roll More than 100 people did! About Jan, amidst other impressive credentials, he has won New Mexico Secondary Educator, Outstanding New Mexico Jazz Educator, was lead trumpet in the Rotterdam Orchestra World Cruise, and took the 2010 New Mexico Music Awards prize for Best Original Jazz Composition from his CD “Sweet". Some folks have it, and Jan shares that "it" in this very special performance. At rehearsals, I heard Jan's own compelling arrangements of some of the favorites, such as “Hello, Dolly!” and “What A Wonderful World.” For other tunes, Jan pulled Armstrong’s original charts from the archives of the Lincoln Center Library dating back to 1918, tunes such as “West End Blues” and “Potato Head Blues.” Very cool! The concert was also the debut for an original composition by McDonald titled “If I Were Satchmo.” And that's not all. Fascinating details about Armstrong and some "surprises" added to the fun and fancy of the evening. On top of that, check out the exceptional roster of musicians McDonald selected for his band, all who have the capability to perform this style of music dating back to the 1920s. Pianist Bert Dalton is featured on “King Porter Stomp.” Dave Anderson puts his clarinet to “I’m Confessin’ That I Love You.” “Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?” falls to virtuoso trombonist John Leisenring. Bassist and tuba player Richard Snider and d-d-d-drummer Cal Haines complete the line-up. Can you believe all this for just $20 at Fuller Lodge at the door?