Darren Motamedy, local jazz musician and a band director for the Kent School District, is asking his fans and friends to consider donating used band instruments for use by his 5th and 6th grade students. In particular, he’s looking for clarinets, flutes, trumpets, drum kits, snare drums and orchestra bells.

It could be a dusty instrument stuck in a corner, hidden away in a closet…or maybe one that needs a little TLC. Darren will take anything. He says band helps students to assimilate in group settings, helps them to stay focused in school and helps them to graduate.

“I appreciate all of you, and your kind support not only in my musical endeavors, but also in my teaching life as well…music saved my life, and I am thrilled to help out my 5th and 6th grade students.”

~ Darren Motamedy

If you have an instrument and can help, please contact Darren through the Kent School District or email iLoveKent.net and we’ll get the message to Darren. Thanks in advance for your support!

Also, Darren will be collecting instruments at his show this Sunday at Muckleshoot Casino (8 pm to midnight), featuring guitarist Jeff Golub. Anyone with an instrument to donate will be moved to the front of the line! Don’t miss this great opportunity to give back to the community AND to see Darren play.

Last month I had the privilege of writing for Kent Magazine about Darren Motamedy, a popular contemporary jazz artist who is also an award-winning band director for the Kent School District. I’ve interviewed him and I sat through one of his classes at Ridgewood Elementary, but I wanted to hear him play live, so a girlfriend and I went to Kona Kai Coffee Co. (4th and Gowe, downtown Kent) last night to see Darren and his band play. In a word, WOW!

I fell in love with Darren’s music the first time I heard it, but nothing can duplicate walking into a music venue and hearing and seeing him live. Whether he is playing the saxophone, flute or another instrument, you can see that he feels his music, body and soul. At the same time, guitarist Frank Seeberger played some soulful music as part of the group and with solo parts. Percussionist Akim Finch was in his element too with his drums, chimes, wooden frog and other percussion instruments. I tried to dislike Akim because of his Yankees’ hat (I’m a die-hard BoSox fan), but I couldn’t help but love him too.

After a set of smooth jazz, some of Darren’s students played with the band while others did solos including several very talented young ladies from Ridgewood. The show wrapped up with a jam session featuring Darren, Frank, Akim and the seven guest students for the Kona Kai audience, packed with jazz lovers, Darren’s fans and parents looking on. The 3+ hour evening was a great way to wind down after a long week.

“We’re passing music from one generation to the next,” Darren said.

If you get the chance to see Darren Motamedy and his band play locally, I highly recommend it. You can visit his website for scheduled appearances, or see him at Kona Kai Coffee Co., Muckleshoot Casino (Auburn) and other area music venues.

To Darren and company, great show!