Sparky’s Jazz Express charmed attendees at the CCMH on March 28, 2024 with their salute to jazz music from Czechoslovakia! Members of the public were able to unwind and enjoy a memorable night out while indulging in the cozy ambiance of the Brno Gallery, savoring refreshing beverages, and the entertainment of live music.

Sparky’s Jazz Express has several talented members such as Tom Borling on piano, Steve Montgomery on bass, Ben Atkinson on drums, and Sparky Koener on the trumpet and flugelhorn.

Sparky Koerner, the leader of Sparky’s Jazz Express is also in another ensemble called “The Galvanized Brass”. He recently retired after 40 years of being the Director of Instrumental Music/Jazz Studies at College of the Mainland in Texas City. Sparky had also served as Chairman of the Fine Arts Department at COM and continues to direct the COM Community Jazz Ensemble as a Lifelong Learning Class. He also recently retired as principal trumpeter with the Galveston Symphony Orchestra.