Stefon Harris & Blackout Features Special Guest

Grammy-nominated artist delivers a night of jazz with last-minute help from a Clark College musician

Stefon Harris & Blackout took the stage to open the 62nd Clark College Jazz Festival on Wednesday, January 28, as part of the Arts@Clark Presents series. The evening promised world-class musicianship, but what unfolded instead was something even more powerful— a reminder that the most meaningful moments in the performing arts are often the ones no one could have planned. 

“This concert has been in the works for a very long time, but I had the opportunity to see Stefon Harris & Blackout in concert at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City in early January,” said Ruth Wikler, Director of Arts Programming, Partnerships, & Philanthropy at Clark College Foundation. “When Stefon spoke from the stage about his dedication to jazz education, I knew we had found an artist for Clark who was not only a phenomenal musician, but also a kindred spirit. He and his ensemble did not disappoint. They brought not only incredible musicianship but also empathy and excitement about sharing the joy of jazz with the future of jazz — our students.” 

The evening began with a performance by Clark College Jazz Band I, setting the tone for a night centered on artistic excellence and student opportunity. But as the night progressed, Blackout’s drummer wasn’t able to make it (due to a flight delay). Who would fill the drummer’s seat for Blackout? 

The answer was awaiting backstage. 

Second-year Clark College student Blake Bruning (pictured left), a drummer in Jazz Band I, stepped forward to assist during sound check and quickly gained familiarity with the ensemble’s music. What began as a practical solution soon became a remarkable act of trust between student and professional artists. 

“Typically, the performing arts take place in real time; we all gather to experience something unique that’s unfolding before us,” said Wikler. “And that’s how last week’s magical concert unfolded, too. Travel complications created uncertainty throughout the day about who might fill the drummer’s seat. Our brave and excellent student, Blake Bruning, stepped up to help with sound check and gained familiarity with the music to be played that evening. Stefon trusted Blake to complete the sextet that evening, visibly encouraging him throughout the set.” 

Performing alongside internationally acclaimed musicians is a milestone many young artists only imagine. Bruning rose to the moment with professionalism and confidence, earning encouragement from Harris throughout the performance and admiration from an energized audience. 

Music runs deep in the Bruning family. Blake’s brother, Parker Bruning, is also a Clark College musician who previously soloed with Tito Puente Jr. at the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival, making the evening feel like part of a larger story about mentorship, preparation, and artistic growth happening within Clark’s music program. 

As the concert reached its finale, Gaiser Hall filled with unmistakable Penguin pride, and a call-and-response chorus rounding out a spirited rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” ended the evening with maximum joy. 

Moments like these reflect the core purpose of Arts@Clark: to bring exceptional artists to Southwest Washington while creating transformational, hands-on learning opportunities for students. By sharing the stage, sometimes literally, students gain experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. 

For one night, preparation met opportunity, mentorship met trust, and a student musician found himself performing at the highest level. 

It was unscripted. 

It was collaborative. 

And it was exactly what arts education is meant to be.

Learn More About Arts@Clark

Arts@Clark is an initiative of Clark College Foundation that elevates Clark College’s visual, digital, performing, literary, and culinary arts programs while strengthening connections between the College and the Southwest Washington community. Through partnerships with faculty and visiting artists, Arts@Clark Presents offers a curated series of performances, workshops, and other public events — many free or low-cost and family-friendly — that introduce national and international artists to Clark County while creating meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for students. Community members are invited to attend events and support this work through the Foundation’s Performing Arts Initiatives Fund or other Arts@Clark programs, helping ensure the arts remain a vibrant bridge between college and community. 

 Photos: Clark College Foundation/Ryan Kotrlik

Story by Levi Nelson, Communications Manager, Clark College Foundation.