SHOPPERS SWAY TO SOUND OF JAZZ AT MALL

Shoppers swayed to the sound of jazz Saturday at West Park Mall.

KRCU, the Southeast Missouri State University public radio station, held a jazz fest to promote the station's jazz programming.

The Southeast Missouri State University Jazz Band and a smaller ensemble, Faculty Three and Friends, performed at Center Court.

When asked to explain the popularity of jazz music, Greg Petrowich, acting general manager of KRCU, pointed to his own tapping toes then to tapping toes belonging to toddlers, their parents and grandparents.

"Everybody loves it," Petrowich said. "Jazz appeals to everyone."

For older listeners, Saturday's music festival brought back memories. For young listeners, jazz offered a new musical experience.

"We know how much people enjoy jazz," Petrowich said. "We are looking for ways to let people know we offer this type of music on KRCU."

He said, "A lot of older people think big bands are done. A lot of younger people think artists like Harry Connick Jr. have come up with something new. We want to let both groups know there is a wealth of this type of music available, and we have it."

KRCU, 90.9 FM, offers jazz programs Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, KRCU presents jazz from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and weeknights from 6:30 to 7, Big Band Stand provides listeners with classic big band music.

The programs are a mixture of nationally syndicated National Public Radio features like JazzSet with jazz artists Branford Marsalis and Wynton Marsalis: Making the Music, along with locally produced jazz shows.

Earlier in the year, local jazz artists performed live on KRCU's Jazz Live, which is now on hiatus.

Cape Girardeau has a rich tradition of blues and jazz music, Petrowich said, dating back to riverboats on the Mississippi River.

"Jazz has a combination of all different kinds of music," he said. "Maybe that's why it appeals to everyone."