Memories to Keep Click on pictures to see a larger image, for viewing, downloading or printing. May 29, 2008 Musician of the Year celebrating Steve Talaga The Grand Ballroom of Wege Center at Aquinas was the perfect setting to host one of its favorite teachers, Steve Talaga. Steve looked spendid in a black suit and bright tie. His entire family was there: wife Jeanne; 14 year old daughter Lauren; 11 year old son Steven; and both Steve and Jeanne’s mothers visiting from Bay City, his hometown. Providing music were Tom Hagen, pianist; bassist Elgin Vines; drummer Tim Froncek; vocalist Mary Rademacher; alto saxman Tom Lockwood; drummer Fred Knapp; trombonist Paul Brewer; pianist Dick Reynolds; vocalist Rick Reuther; Cheri Hagen, vocals; and scatologist Frank Hayes. Four of them were former Musicians of the Year. Jazz at the Zoo Free Concerts, Monday nights, 6:30–8:30 pm Mid-June through Mid-August • current schedule John Ball Park Sunday, September 9, 2007 The Annual WMJS Picnic featuring Judi Cochill and the Tom Hagen Trio Beautiful weather, good food and great music made this a most enjoyable afternoon for all. Judy Cochill, our guest singer from Detroit, joined Ray Kamaly (guitar), Tom (keyboards) and Cherie Hagen (drums) for a wonderful afternoon of music. Judy’s love and enthusiasm for jazz shone through in her performance. She sang a nice mix of tempos and moods. Several people commented that she sounded like Rosemary Clooney. Ray is such a joy to listen to, with his guitar and singing. He has a knack of finding tunes you seldom hear, but are so great to experience. Tom and Cherie anchored the group and did their usual fine job. Since the picnic was designated as a WMJS Scholarship Fund Raiser, it was only appropriate that our 2007 Scholarship winner (attending WMU), Evan Hyde, sit in with the group on drums. It did not take long for it to turn into a mini jam with Dick Reynolds sliding in on the keyboard, Tom and Cherie alternating on bass, and WMJS director Craig Benjamin on flute… what talent… what fun! A special thanks to those who contributed a total of $845 to our scholarship fund. Also a big thanks to Betty Forrest, John Miller, Barb Keller, Dona and Tim Raymer, Mary Morrison. Howard Hamm and many others for their hard work in making this picnic run smoothly. Monday, November 19 MacNaughton Boulevard Jazz Gumbo at the Kopper Top Guest House