BOUNTIFUL—Looking for a fun night out filled with old-time Jazz, dancing and 1940s costumes? Bountiful High’s Fools for Jazz event has it all, plus a little more. This Friday’s performance will mark the 20th anniversary of bands coming together to entertain the community.

“It’s been 20 years running,” said Band Director, Branson Bell. “We don’t count the COVID year because we couldn’t have it. It’s become a staple in the community.”

Bell said this year they’re bringing back an alumni band. “Mr. (Danny) Turnblom (former band director) will be running that band, which is exciting. We’ll have four trombones, four trumpets, five saxophones, two bass players, two drummers, two keyboard players and a guitar player.”

Millcreek Junior High and Mueller Park Junior High will also play, he said. “In years past we did some collaborations with bands but this year they’re just doing their own sets. Our big band practices Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays at 6:15 a.m. We’ll do three sets of music throughout the three hours.”

Another first this year, Bell said, is a special number from the school musical, “Chicago.” “We’ve never had a theater group come. The music is reminiscent of jazz music. We’ll play the opening number from the musical and clear the floor and the students will actually perform the opening number from the musical. We’ve blocked it out for our little stage.”

Bell said they are also adding a dance lesson. “It will be at 5:30 p.m. before it starts. The Bountiful High swing club will do a 30 minute lesson. We accept any dance level. It will be fun to dance to this music that was originally played in the 40s.”

Earlier in the afternoon at 3 p.m, the band will perform for senior citizens and those living at assisted living centers, he said. “Right after school the kids will jump into the Old Gym. It provides an environment that’s not full of dancers so it’s a safer place for seniors.”

It will last about 45 minutes, said Bell. “We’ll live stream it to other facilities. It’s a great way for the kids to warm up and get used to the space.”

Fools for Jazz is different from the traditional school dances, he said. “There’s live music and food instead of everybody all huddled around a speaker and DJ. I like to think we’re bringing out some students who are not typically at other dances.”

They always have dance and costume contests too, said Bell. “Kids come in their best 1940s outfits and we have adjudicators like principals, the mayor and teachers. As the students say ‘local celebrities’ choose the winners.’”

Bell said they’re adding kids activities this year too. “It’s kind of like Where’s Waldo. They’ll have a list of things to find like Fools for Jazz pictures that have become iconic. It helps the kids get engaged.”

It takes a lot to transform the gym into a 1940s set, he said. “We cover all of the windows and make a whole stage for the band to look like the 1940s. We can’t tear up the floor to get more spring to it though!”

Bell said he thinks the reason it has lasted so long is the community support. “Kudos to all of the parents and teachers who support us. I love that they’re so invested.”

This is for the students, he said. “Everything at Bountiful High is. That’s our purpose to get kids participating in this art form that is uniquely American.”

People who are coming out for the first time are shocked at how big it is, said Bell. “If people do that they’ll come back next year.”

Fools for Jazz will be held Friday, April 25 from 6-9 p.m., (dance lesson at 5:30 p.m.) in the Old Gym at Bountiful High School, 695 South Orchard Dr. Tickets are students: $8, adults: $10, family of four: $25+extra child: $2.