As a part of a long standing tradition, on Sept. 24 SCOPE presented “Jazz At The Stanley,” it’s yearly free jazz concert in collaboration with the Stanley Museum Of Art. Providing a fun, free concert experience for both University of Iowa students and the wider Iowa City community.

Taking the stage first at 5:45 p.m. was the Carson Parker Trio, a favorite for this event having played it for multiple years. The warm weather, and cool fall breeze made for a comforting environment as the audience began to lay on the cozy grass. Carson’s phenomenal piano melodies, backed by the catchy bass tones and drum lines from Zane Gedler and Miles Kean respectively, made for both a relaxing yet fun performance. As their set continued, more and more people began to stand or set up chairs around the lawn, all coming to enjoy the music. 

Having a pretty large crowd at this point, the Seth Rezek quartet followed up at 6:30 p.m. with higher energy. Now with four instruments, their performance featured quicker playing, heavier tones and several rotating solos that had the audience cheering. It felt both incredibly collaborative and competitive, as each musician was trying to outdo each other while not drowning anyone out . While the set as a whole was faster, they were still able to slow it down with some more mellow parts to give the crowd a break. Finally ending with a cover of the classic piece “Soulful”.  

As the concert wrapped up, many people began to leave but I also noticed many sticking around to enjoy the sculptures or just to chat. It reminded me of a song the Carson Parker Trio played called “Hearts United," a song about reminding people we’re more similar than we think we are. I think that was the energy me and many others felt as people of many different ages, personal lives and backgrounds came in and out of the Stanley Museum that day. All different, but all to have fun and experience some live music.

Below are photos captured by SCOPE members.