North Coast Brewing Company, an ardent supporter of jazz and jazz education, will host the 2013 winners of the Mendocino Coast Jazz Society’s annual scholarships in a first act performance. The two high school seniors, pianist Marianna Cooper from Mendocino and bassist Spencer Crowell from Fort Bragg, will open for regular Dinner Jazz performers Richard Cooper and Francis Vanek in the Sequoia Room at the Brewery Taproom on Friday, May 31 at 6 pm.

Marianna and Spencer are both outstanding students academically, active in sports, extra-curricular activities and community service. Marianna has been studying and playing piano since the age of five, first with her father, Richard, and then with Paula Butler for the last twelve years. She has performed at events and recitals and even accompanied her high school choir. Spencer became actively involved in music in his fifth grade band program. He plays bass and percussion and sings in the high school concert choir and advanced vocal ensemble. Music has played an important role in both their lives, expanding their skills, experiences and horizons. In the essays they wrote as part of the scholarship application, both stated that music is a constant source of inspiration and will be an integral part of their adult lives. Both plan to continue their music studies.

At the performance, Marianna will play the 1877 Weber square grand piano in an excerpt from Debussy’s Clair de Lune. Then the two musicians will play several duets, with Marianna on piano and Spencer on bass. Their performance is an opportunity for leaders and members of the coastal community, educators, family and friends to celebrate Marianna and Spencer’s achievements.

The Mendocino Coast Jazz Society has produced jazz events and sponsored educational programs and scholarships for high school seniors since 1984. North Coast Brewing has been a supporter of the Jazz Society’s scholarship and mentor programs for many years.