Members of the Jazz Vegas Orchestra

A Musical Salute to Veterans

By Kingstyn Majors

Learning an instrument takes practice, patience and someone willing to give you a chance. For young musicians around Las Vegas, Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI) helps make that opportunity possible. On Nov. 14, a dinner at D’Agostino’s Trattoria and a veterans tribute concert will support that work.

Chef Dan and Brandi Thompson of D’Agostino’s and Donny Thompson of JOI are bringing food and music together for an evening that recognizes veterans while supporting music education in the community.

D’Agostino’s will host an Italian buffet from 3 to 5 p.m. The meal costs $49 per person, with a portion of each purchase benefiting JOI. Later that evening, the Jazz Vegas Orchestra (JVO) will perform “A Musical Salute to Veterans” at Starbright Theatre in Sun City Summerlin at 6 p.m.

At D’Agostino’s, chef Dan handles the cooking while Brandi runs the dining room alongside a team of longtime staff members. The restaurant prepares dishes from scratch, including hand-rolled pastas, and has supported other local nonprofits, including Nathan Adelson Hospice.

The restaurant and theater are about a 15- to 20-minute drive apart. For guests attending both events, the schedule allows time to enjoy dinner before heading to the show. It brings back a little of the classic Las Vegas dinner-and-a-show tradition.

JOI is approaching its 10th anniversary and reaches nearly 10,000 local children annually through music education. The organization provides instruments, professional instruction, mentorship and opportunities to perform with other musicians. Its programs reach students at Title I schools, homeschooled students and young people who might otherwise have limited access to music.

A child might be curious about playing the trumpet or drums without knowing where to start. Having an instrument and someone to teach them gives that curiosity somewhere to go. JOI emphasizes creating a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where students can participate. Peer learning and professional mentorship help young musicians with different experience levels and financial circumstances get involved.

The evening's concert will feature a 19-piece orchestra performing patriotic songs and big band music. Members of the JVO have performed with artists including Tony Bennett, Celine Dion and Lady Gaga's jazz ensemble.

Las Vegas' premier vocal trio, The Swing City Dolls, will also perform an Andrews Sisters tribute. The concert draws inspiration from USO-style shows, which brought music and entertainment to military service members. Familiar songs and multiple performances will help shape the evening's tribute to veterans, with Channel 8's Nathan Tannenbaum serving as emcee.

The dinner and concert are separate events, so guests can attend either or both. Reservations and tickets are available through the events calendar at jazzoutreachinitiative.org, with proceeds supporting the organization.

The evening brings attention to two generations: veterans being recognized for their service and young musicians finding their place. With Dan and Donny Thompson helping connect the events, food and music serve a purpose that reaches beyond one night.