The smattering of a drumset in the corner of Impact Coffee mingles with the easy chatter of patrons settling in with a drink order. An old fashioned mic shrieks with feedback as it catches bits of a conversation between the musicians passing behind it. There is a buzzing energy that has only begun to swell, even though The Driftless Jazz Collective have yet to finish setting up their equipment for the night. 

Soundcheck goes like this: Simon McDonald (’26) taps out a catchy rhythm on the drumset and after a few beats Micheal Van Meter (‘26) joins in on string bass with Christain Montover (‘26) and Noah Bowers (‘26) providing a funky guitar melody. Then, with a bright jolt of sound, the brass arrive as Jamie Deets (‘28) on trombone, Kristian Stordalen (‘26) and Carter Sommerness (‘26) on trumpet and David Helbling (‘26) on saxophone add to the layers of music. The tune, now identifiable as Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out,” is sung by Linaea Walsh (‘27) with Ben Hilgers (‘26) weaving though the melody on violin. By the time the ensemble has gone through a few verses and decides they are satisfied with the sound, the coffee shop has become full of patrons. 

This is the first performance the group is giving since they announced their rebrand from The Driftless Jazz Ensemble to The Driftless Jazz Collective [DJC] on September 7. The new logo, a seriffed DJC in warm orange, maroon and cream, is reflected in the musicians’ outfits: a pop of red from Walsh’s earrings and the golden sweater on Bowers. While the new name offers a sense of novelty, the expectation for the night is familiar. For the audience, they are here for an evening of live music, dancing, drinks and community. 

Geoffrey Hjerleid (‘86) co-founder and unofficial manager of The Driftless Jazz Collective through the years, credits former music faculty John Ailabouni (‘10) to the formation and naming of the ensemble back in 2014. In need of a group to play at a fundraiser, Hjerleid asked for the help from Professor Alabouni who offered his trumpet playing, as well as a handful of other student musicians to perform. Hjerleid, a local to Decorah as well as a Luther alum, was enamored by the student ensemble and sought to establish the group in Decorah. 

“They’re such fantastic musicians,” said Hjerlied. “I said you guys gotta get out and play… we called Impact [Coffee]– because I’ve known the Browns for a long time– [and Brown] said, ‘well, we’ve never had live music before’. And I said well, guess what, we’ve never played in a live place like this, so let’s see what happens.” Eleven years later, The Driftless Jazz Collective continues to make music.

As the night continues, more students arrive. They gather in the space in front of the stage that has been cleared as a dance floor. The music is smooth, almost luxurious, as a funky basseline fills the coffee shop and the saxophone takes over. The drums are consistent, a reliant beat that adds to the amiable atmosphere. 

In contrast to other ensembles at Luther College, the DJC is mostly student-led and relies on each musicians’ individuality. Rehearsals, performances and repertoire is a collective endeavor; one that is shared by all the members of the group.

“I think it’s a lot more reactive to the other members,” said Kristian Stordalen. Playing with the DJC for a third semester, tonight Stordalen is playing both electric keyboard and trumpet. “We  all call tunes, we all have ideas and I think that’s what makes it kind of special. We get to create an arrangement of tunes with the people that we have. It’s a different sound and a different atmosphere.”

Contrary to a strict jazz ensemble, the Collective is known to incorporate popular tunes alongside traditional jazz selections. The set list is built by these musicians, tailored to their abilities and passions. Some of the musicians rest for a duration while others keep performing on stage. Ultimately, the group has the opportunity to perform in a setting that is not restricted to formal expectations. 

As one of the newest members and one of the few underclassmen, Jamie Deets is performing with the Collective for the first time tonight. “I really like the freedom you  have with a group like this,” said Deets. “In normal Luther ensembles, you know… the director gets the final say, but here it’s much more of a group decision.” 

Ben Hilgers, who is also playing with DJC for the first time this year, mentioned the difference from other ensembles he’s played in. “It feels a lot more relaxed. There [are a] lot less expectations of… perfection and stuff like that. So I feel more relaxed while I’m playing which results in me playing better. So I feel less pressure and it’s just more fun,” he said.

Another distinction that makes the Collective unique from other college ensembles is that the longevity of the group comes from the contributions of a vast number of musicians, past and present. It is not uncommon for an alumnus to jump on stage for a gig, or sub in for another member. As a way to encompass the continuity of Driftless Jazz, the current ensemble settled on the term “Collective.”

“The Driftless Jazz Collective came from… the ensemble that’s always changing. The members are always different, even for every gig. Every year it changes, it’s different people, but it’s the same Driftless that you get every time,” said David Helbling. “So the Collective is more us. It embodies the ensemble more and I think it just shows who we are.”

“I think we just wanted to have a name that was more indicative [of]  what kind of group we are… Collective sounds like it belongs at the end of Driftless Jazz,” said Stordalen.

As the night continues, the Collective start playing an identifiably smooth jazz piece– lyricless but familiar. The audience sways along with the members on stage, applauding after a solo before going back to bopping their heads. The next song is brighter; a swinging baseline is prominent while the sax and brass blare out. The dance floor floods with students and community members alike and it’s easy to get lost in the atmosphere, the conversation and the music. 

Simon McDonald, one of the longest standing members in this era of Driftless, reflects on what it is like to play for an audience like this. “You can feel a lot more from the audience in Impact,” he said. “The fact that we are literally so much closer and people can actually dance, you can sort of feel what they’re feeling.” 

“We’re all about providing the music. That’s all that matters most; the music and people coming together. It’s a celebration of not just us as musicians, but as the people that are there,” said Helbling.

Near the end of the night, Walsh is back on the mic for a spirited performance of Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out.” Far from soundcheck now, the crowd yelps with recognition and suddenly there’s a rush of movement to get to the floor. The originality each musician brings to the Collective is illustrated in the song. Each musician plays with their own zeal and the melody is fun, different and portrays their talents. Students and community members alike are singing and dancing along. In this moment, everyone in Impact is a part of the collective.

As for the future of the ensemble, Michael Van Meter already recognises student talent at Luther. “I think there’s some really incredible talent on campus right now [from] the underclassmen,” he said. “So my hope for the legacy of the ensemble is  the same format, just even better. Take what we’ve got, build their own sound– unique– but make even better music. The most important thing for me is that people keep dancing at the gigs.”

When asked about the future of The Driftless Jazz Collective, Hjerleid was optimistic. “Honestly?” He pauses for dramatic effect, or maybe taking a moment to soak in the atmosphere of the room. “Perpetuity. As long as they’re playing jazz at Luther, I think you can have The Driftless Jazz Collective.”

The Driftless Jazz Collective’s next performance will be Oct. 10 immediately following the 7:00pm QueerPOPERA at Steyer Opera House, Hotel Winneshiek.