CSC’s ‘Birds’ land new name, new nest

The Birds, formerly the Jazz Birds, debuted in a new location Thursday.  Because their former venue, Wrecker’s Roadhouse on Main Street is closing, the musical ensemble, which features CSC students under the direction of Professor of Music Sandy Schaefer, found a new nest to perform its talents in.  That new venue is the Bean Broker at the corner of Second Street and Chadron Avenue.

The Birds decided to change their name from The Jazz Birds to The Birds, because they felt that only having ‘jazz’ in the name did not describe all the different types of music the band performs.

The band plays 50 to 60 songs from a variety of genres, including funk, soul, and the blues.  It also plays jazz with “witty, wry vocals,” Schaefer said, and other songs that work for the band.

Schaefer also said he was happy the Bean Broker wants The Birds to play there, enabling the group to keep playing.

“Having the ability to play like this has high impact learning,” Schaefer said. “Students go out on stage and we instantly know what they do or don’t know; improvisation, crowd’s reaction, what works and what doesn’t.”

Lauren Morris, 21, junior of Denver, from The Birds said, “Moving to the Bean Broker is a really good opportunity since we have the chance to open up to a new audience.  People who have young children or weren’t comfortable going to a bar might feel more comfortable here.”  She also enjoys singing with The Birds since there is no other way to play and sing in a group like this that plays “older” music for college students where people are able to come and listen to them perform.

The Birds plan to perform every other Thursday at 8 p.m.