In 2001, John Smith decided that it was time to reintroduce live band music into a community in which it was absent.

Just Make It Happen, 337 Knollwood Drive, is a non-profit organization that produces events all around the DeKalb-Sycamore area to preserve and promote music.

“It’s the entertainment campaign to benefit our community,” said Smith, president of Just Make It Happen.

Smith is also a member of “John Smith and the Shananigans Big Band” and actively performs around the country.

“Our vision is that people in schools, preschools, all the way through adults have a desire to access a variety of musical entertainment that they don’t at the present time have access to,” Smith said. “So, we have projects that we embark on that will kind of address that.”

Just Make It Happen produces about five events every year for the community. These events can range in subject from Mexican heritage shows to a Frank Sinatra tribute night to programs centered around supporting the troops.

While always looking for new volunteers, Just Make It Happen often recruits NIU graduates to perform.

“He [Smith] pays the musicians a fair wage for their talents and skills,” said Roger Hintzsche, community liaison for Just Make It Happen. “Also, on the other hand, his [Smith] interest is promoting live music in the community.”

Smith wants NIU music students to be able to practice their art.

“You’ll see me every once in a while going to NIU concerts,” Smith said. “What kind of gifts do those people have that are graduating that I can possibly use?”

Smith invites NIU students to rehearsals.

“When I have rehearsal, and let’s say I’m missing somebody, I will call somebody, and if a university student comes over…they can see and feel what it means to the expectation level in a professional level setting,” Smith said. “That’s our biggest thing in our culture, is finding places where people can play.”

Denny Vaupel, pianist and vocalist, said performing with an organization like Just Make It Happen is a good way to expand and promote musicianship among performers.

“When you work with really good musicians, you become a better musician yourself,” Vaupel said.

Not only does Just Make It Happen promote music for entertainment, but also for the purposes of learning.

“Music is one of the best avenues of helping people develop not only their brain, but develop their abilities in a school setting and with other people,” Smith said. “In terms of brain development, it’s [music] probably one of the most critical things in the educational process that we need to help the youngsters do.”

Just Make It Happen relies on ticket sales for funding. According to Smith, a portion of the ticket sales will go to whoever is holding that specific event.

Both Smith and Hintzsche agree that they would like to have Just Make It Happen hold one event per month.

The next event held by Just Make It Happen will be held at the Duke Ellington Ballroom at NIU July 19 to 21st. The event is called “Let’s Dance Big Band Weekend.” Ticket prices range from $20 to $105.

For more information, visit www.justmakeithappen-dekalb.com, or send an email to [email protected]