LARNED — The Larned Music Club and guests were treated to an enjoyable evening of ‘Jazzy Musical Excellence’ on Feb. 11th. Sara Oberle, vocalist, teamed with Steve Lueth, pianist, to present favorite love songs -- The Song is You, All of Me, When I Fall in Love, One Note Samba, Corcovado, Fly Me to the Moon, Make Someone Happy, It’s All Right With Me, Ain’t Misbehavin’, My Funny Valentine, and My Romance. 

Although the repertoire is jazz, Oberle creatively lent her own personality. She proved her musical ability by adding scat singing — improvising melodies, nonsense syllables or no words, and rhythms. With good humor, she also demonstrated a ‘mouth’ or ‘lip’ trumpet.     

Pianist extraordinaire Steve Lueth produced the driving and complex rhythm essential for jazz, exhibiting a flawless technique, nimbly improvising on his instrument.

Both artists possess a superior sense of rhythm, acute ears and keen harmonic knowledge, allowed them to follow, sometimes lead the other, in a playful give-and-take.

Oberle, Director of Choral Activities at Barton Community College, has performed with various jazz fixtures on the Kansas City scene. Vocal jazz has been a regular part of her choir programming and composition catalogue. Lueth is currently on the faculty of Kansas Wesleyan University, directing the jazz band, teaching low brass and music theory, as well as keyboardist with several jazz/rock bands.

These two amazing artists gifted everyone a Valentine’s Serenade to remember. Indeed a delightful program from beginning to end!