Finding myself in Eau Claire on Saturday, I decided to extend my stay through last night so that I could take in “A Decade with Duke,” a benefit concert showcasing the Eau Claire Memorial High School Jazz Ensemble 1 along with the support of one of its former members, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. The proceeds of the event provided a much needed stimulus to the Jazz Ensemble’s upcoming sojourn to New York next month to compete at the Essentially Ellington Competition, curated by Wynton Marsalis.

One constant throughout the evening is the profound effect the program, under the direction of Bruce Hering, has on his students – both past and present. Though it was reiterated by Vernon throughout the evening, it really didn’t need to be said, you could see it in the kids faces who were truly immersed in their work, and having a great time as well.

Divided into two parts, the Jazz Ensemble 1 began the evening sans Justin Vernon for selections by Benny Carter, Juan Tizol, and Duke Ellington. I own a couple dozen jazz records, and I’m by no means even close to an expert. I have a casual interest at best. That being said, the performance of Juan Tizol’s “Moon Over Cuba” was one of the absolute highlights of the night and worth the price of admission alone.

After an intermission, Vernon appeared to an extended instrumental intro of his own tune “Lump Sum,” clad in white suit, the crowd went wild as he led the band through their first number. From there he tackled Duke Ellington’s “Rocks In My Bed,” Nina Simone’s “Since I Fell For You,” and Ella Fitzgerald’s “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.” His take on Fitzgerald’s “Miss Otis Regrets” featuring a stripped down band was stunning through the last uttered verse of “Miss Otis regrets she’s unable to lunch today.” For many, myself included, it was our initiation to these tunes, and, to be honest, I think it opened some musical doors in the process.

A triumphant version of Vernon’s “For Emma” was vibrant, beginning with Justin counting them in and then standing off to the side grinning from ear to ear. His joy, as was evident throughout the evening was not to shine a light on him, but rather showcase the amazing talent that dwells within the schools musical program, that would have been evident without him, but his presence sure meant the world to those kids as well. The night was scheduled to conclude with a cover of Sinatra’s “That Lady is a Tramp” with Justin losing the falsetto and giving old blue eyes a run for his money.

In a fitting conclusion to the evening, Justin Vernon donned a guitar and performed a cover of Mahalia Jackson’s “Satisfied Mind.” It’s a song that’s been covered by many, a reminder that fame is fleeting, and that legacy and peace of mind will endure always. “When my life is over, my time has run out, My friends and my loved ones will weep, there’s no doubt, But one things for certain, when it comes my time, I’ll leave this old world with a satisfied mind.”

Justin Vernon was just one of the many stars on stage last night. I wish the Eau Claire Memorial Jazz Ensemble the very best of luck in New York next month. Win or lose, they can already be proud and carry a “satisfied mind” from their accomplishments thus far.

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Watch: Justin Vernon + Eau Claire Memorial Jazz 1 – “Lump Sum”
Watch: Justin Vernon + Eau Claire Memorial Jazz 1 – For Emma
Watch: Justin Vernon + Eau Claire Memorial Jazz 1 – “Since I Fell For You”
Watch: Justin Vernon + Eau Claire Memorial Jazz 1 – “Satisfied Mind”