Multi-Generational Jazzfest Draws Cheers at High School

The M.V. Big Band, an 11-member group of students at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, headlined the school’s annual Jazzfest Friday night with a performance that left audience members cheering and toy penguins strewn across the stage.

Led by band teacher Stephanie Aurenz, the band swung its way through a selection of up-tempo charts and one time-honored ballad: Neal Hefti’s Li’l Darlin’, featuring an elegantly romantic solo by trumpeter Brady Vought on the Count Basie Orchestra classic.

Mr. Vought and trombonist Zyler Flanders — who, coincidentally, shared the role of Hades in last month’s school production of the musical Hadestown — are among five seniors in the big band who will be graduating in June.

“We have been in the group since our freshman year,” Mr. Flanders said, as he and Mr. Vought thanked the audience from the stage.

Ms. Aurenz had warm words for the graduating seniors.

“They’ve been such a core part of this group and such amazing leaders,” she said.

On the other end of the band’s age spectrum is trumpeter Byron Laird, a seventh-grader from Oak Bluffs who also swims with the high school aquatic team.

Trumpeter Rasmus Mayhew rounded out the brass section, while Emily Boyd and Adagio Esposito played tenor saxophone, and Dani Grow soloed on flute.

Kit drummer Gianni Navarrete, conga player Xeandre Miller, guitarist Thales Viana, bass guitarist Natalya DaSilva and vibraphonist Katelyn Tankersley composed the richly-textured rhythm section, which truly came into its own on the evening’s penguin-themed finale, Adelie Land.

A bouncing, high-spirited mambo written by John Powell for the animated feature Happy Feet, the song capped an evening of live music that ranged from Great American Songbook-style vocals to free-blowing improvisation.

Part of the Jazzfest experience is bringing experienced bands to the stage as openers for the high school band, but this year there was a twist as well-known pianist Jeremy Berlin was joined by his 12-year-old daughter, Elda.

Taking the stage with poise, Ms. Berlin revealed a clear, accurate singing voice and an intimate understanding of the 20th-century standards All of Me, Taking a Chance on Love, Dream a Little Dream of Me and L-O-V-E, as her father accompanied her in a relaxed, stride-piano style.

The show then took a turn toward the avant-garde with saxophonist Brian Nelson and percussionist Tauras Biskis, who explored a realm of sonic space far beyond the usual chord changes.

An endlessly creative player, Mr. Biskis used brushes, drumsticks, a violin bow and his hands to draw multiple rhythms from the drum kit, congas, bongos and even a plastic penguin statuette that was waiting for its moment later in the show.

Mr. Biskis remained on drums for the following act, led by guitarist Lucas Nascimento, an Island music teacher who performs and records as Lucas Ostinato. This group also featured Kestutis Biskis, the percussionist’s son, on piano and Eric Johnson on acoustic bass.

A fluid, inventive improviser with a warm guitar tone, Mr. Nascimento/Ostinato led the tight ensemble through three original songs from his new album Embracing the Doubt before yielding the stage to the M.V. Big Band.

As the evening drew to a close, Ms. Aurenz had one more announcement for the audience: The band recently received a bronze award for performance from the Massachusetts Association of Jazz Educators.

“They’ve been working their tails off for months for this competition, so we’re very, very excited,” she said.

More pictures.

This article appears in March 20, 2026.